No one looks forward to getting periodontal surgery. But if you require emergency dental care Boca Raton or any other form of oral surgery, it is a necessity rather than an option. The problems you are trying to correct will not go away on their own. And until you undergo a procedure, your health and appearance will be at risk.

The single most important thing you can do is to seek out periodontal surgery as soon as you have reason to believe it’s necessary. A consultation with a dentist or periodontist will give you the information and guidance you need to make the best decisions for your oral health. And while there may be a short window between when you find out you need emergency dental care Boca Raton and when the surgery starts, you will likely have some time to prepare in advance.

It is crucial that you take advantage of this time to ensure that the outcome of your oral surgery is as positive as possible while the impact is as minimal as possible. Something like a tooth extraction or another type of routine oral surgery may be minor as far as medical interventions go. But that does not mean the recovery is easy or instantaneous. These are the 6 steps you need to take when preparing for periodontal surgery:

Step One – Consult with a Doctor

Your doctor is obviously a great source of information about the surgery itself. But he will also be your best resource for learning how to correctly prepare in advance and recover afterward. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any prescriptions you will need, address any fears you may have, and give you detailed information about what you should and should not do before, during, and after the surgery.  Take advantage of this time to get all your questions answered and to clear up any and all uncertainty you may be experiencing.

Step Two – Enlist a Buddy

It does not matter what kind of oral surgery you are having – you are going to be wiped out afterward. This is true even if you only receive a local anesthetic. Before the surgery is scheduled, arrange for a friend or family member to give you a ride to and from the medical office. Ideally, this person will also be able to help care for you during the recovery period. This might involve cooking, child care, or transportation. During your consultation, determine how incapacitated you can expect to be after your surgery. Then find someone willing and able to provide the level of care you will require.

Step Three – Follow the Pre-Surgery Regiment

Depending on the type of anesthesia the doctor intends to use, you will need to avoid eating, drinking, and smoking before your oral surgery. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions. If you require emergency dental care Boca Raton you may not have adequate time to prepare, but you should otherwise follow these instructions to the letter. You should also brush and floss before the appointment, but avoid the instinct to go overboard. A marathon brushing session will do more harm than good.

Step Four – Dress Correctly

There is no reason to get dressed up for something like a tooth extraction or any other type or oral surgery. Ideally, you will want to wear a loose-fitting, comfortable, short-sleeved shirt that you can accept getting stains on. You will not want to wear any jewelry, makeup, or contact lenses as these will only need to be removed before the oral surgery starts. You will, however, want to bring a tube of lip balm as you may experience some chapping once the surgery is over.

Step Five – Go Grocery Shopping

You may not want to leave the house while you are recovering, but you will need to eat. Head to the grocery store in advance of the oral surgery, and stock up on foods that are soft and easy to chew and swallow. You will want to avoid anything that is sugary, spicy, or highly acidic because it could irritate your sensitive mouth.

Step Six – Get Your Room Ready

After your oral surgery, you may want to spend a day or two in bed. Get the space ready before the procedure so that you can settle straight into a comfortable place as your anesthesia start wearing off. Use old sheets and pillow cases that you do not mind getting blood on. Put some extra pillows on your bed to help keep you in a reclining position. Finally, make sure you have things on hand to keep you occupied like books, magazines, or a TV.

Remember that if you require emergency dental care Boca Raton, an unexpected tooth extraction, or a long overdue form of oral surgery, you are taking a major step to make your mouth healthier. As part of your preparation, get excited about the way your smile is about to be transformed for the better.  If and when you are ready to consult with a doctor, contact Ericsson Dental at 561-220-0049.