If you are scheduled with an oral surgeon in Colorado Springs, there are a few things that you may want to take into account, and a few preparations that you should make.
Consultation: Prior to oral surgery, talk with the oral surgeon in Colorado Springs and find out if you are to be subjected to any medications once the procedure is finished. If the answer is yes, have the prescription prepared in advance so that you will have the medication on hand immediately at the completion of the procedure. You may not be capable of doing it after the surgery.
During this consultation, express any fears that you may have. The oral surgeon will explain what to expect and he or she will answer any questions you may have. This is a good time to discuss the various sedation options available to you, selecting the one best suited.
Transportation: If the surgery is done under general anesthetic, you probably will not be able to drive your car. If this is the case, make sure you are taken to the surgeon by a friend that can also see that you get home OK after the surgery. If you have small children, pre-arrange for a baby-sitter to look after them while you recover from the anesthetic.
Eating, drinking and smoking: If intravenous or general anesthetic is going to be used, do not consume anything, including water, for six to eight hours prior to the scheduled surgery. Do not smoke for 10 to 12 hours before surgery, and before you go, make sure you brush and floss your teeth well.
What should you wear? The oral surgeon in Colorado Springs will do his best not to stain your clothes, but anything can happen. It is suggested you wear loose, comfortable clothes that you can afford to dispose of if they get stained. Do not wear any jewelry and avoid wearing your contacts as your eyes will be closed during the procedure. Bring with you some lip balm that the oral surgeon can apply to your lips during the procedure as they may chap and split.
Post surgical diet: The diet that you will have recommended to you will be soft food that requires little or no chewing. Avoid acidic or spicy foods as they may irritate the open wounds. As a beverage, consider a protein powder shake as they are easy to prepare and high in the vitamins and minerals that you will need to heal quickly. To avoid what is known as “dry socket,” do not drink through a straw.
Often an oral surgeon in Colorado Springs is needed to remove impacted wisdom teeth, crowded teeth or teeth which are so badly decayed that they cannot be saved. If you have issues of this nature you are invited to discuss the procedures with Dr. Marc Van Ness at Lehman Drive Dental.
