Preparing for surgery and tackling your fear
Fear of oral surgery is common among patients. Furthermore, patients are most afraid when they are unprepared and don’t know what to expect. For this reason, preparing ahead of time and gaining understanding can reduce your fear.
A usnews.com article explains that most, if not all patients fear surgery. However, dental surgery may be necessary for wisdom-tooth extraction, injury correction, birth defects or even cancer. So, this can be a problem.
Ways to deal with the fear of oral surgery
Gaining understanding helps overcome fear and some of the best ways to increase your understanding include:
- Discuss the surgery. Ask questions about the surgery and have the surgeon explain the process. When you find out what to expect regarding discomfort, you won’t have to experience an unpleasant surprise.
- Understand and prepare for food and beverage guidelines. Some surgeries require that you eat and drink nothing for six to eight hour prior to surgery. This is due to the anesthetic used. After surgery, patients often must eat soft foods that do not require much chewing for 24 hours or longer. Stock up before the surgery with soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, soups or pureed food. After surgery, you might not feel up to the task.
- Make arrangements for your post-op care. Have someone available to drive you home. Typically, patients cannot drive for 24 hours after surgery. In addition, if you have children or provide care-giving to others, make other arrangements. Also, it is a good idea to have someone stay with you for a while after surgery. Painkillers or reactions to anesthesia can sometimes result in nausea, vomiting or other side effects. Receiving emotional support can provide assurance and feelings of security.
Do you need to schedule a dental visit?
Our friendly staff at Hutto Hippo Family Dental is happy help you. We are glad to answer your questions, and we don’t believe in making patients wait. Your time is valuable, and we know that. We’ll strive to get you in to see the dentist as soon as possible.
Give us a call. Our number is (512) 806-7740.
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