Have you been experiencing severe jaw pain?
If so, you know first-hand that living with this type of chronic pain is no laughing matter. In fact, left untreated, it can make life very miserable.
There are plenty of reasons to seek a skilled oral surgeon that can provide a procedure to eliminate the pain you’re experiencing and give you the relief you deserve.
Here we take a look at preparing for jaw surgery in order to ensure the best possible experience. Keep reading to learn more about proper surgery aftercare.
The Importance of Surgery Preparation
Let’s start by acknowledging the fact that oral surgery is a major surgical procedure — it should be taken very seriously.
So, what sort of preparations should you make in the weeks leading up to your surgery? Here are a few important suggestions that will help make surgery aftercare a successful and positive experience.
Two Weeks Before Your Surgery
The two weeks leading up to your surgical procedure are important. This is the best time to follow your oral surgeon’s directions about what type of diet you should follow and which medications to avoid.
For example, it’s important to avoid aspirin due to the fact that it can cause abnormal bleeding during surgery since aspirin can thin the blood.
If you’re a smoker, you’d be wise to give up this habit in the weeks leading up to surgery (and maybe even longer?!?) It’s also important to start planning ahead and schedule to have someone drive you to and from the hospital.
One Week Before Your Surgery
During the final seven days leading up to your surgical procedure, you will likely need to have updated x-rays taken of your jaw. The surgical staff will also take impressions.
You should also expect to have physical checkups and blood work completed to ensure that you’re fit enough for surgery.
24 Hours Before Your Surgery
This is the period of time before surgery when you need to focus on cleaning your body. Thus you’ll need to fast, typically for 12 hours and stop taking any type of medication.
Be sure to pack clothes for your surgery, but leave valuables, including jewelry, at home.
Post-Surgery
Healing from jaw surgery typically takes between 6 to 12 weeks. Talk to your surgeon about what you are allowed to eat and drink, which medications are safe to take, and how to practice proper oral hygiene. Your surgeon should also provide medication to help control pain following surgery.
Preparing for Jaw Surgery
It’s no secret that the thought of undergoing any type of surgical procedure can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Fortunately, this guide on how to properly prepare for jaw surgery will make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our oral surgery specialists.
