Before getting oral surgery, you have to prep for anesthesia. Oral surgeons use general anesthesia to relieve pain during and after the procedure.

With this kind of sedative, you’ll be unconscious, so you don’t have to worry about waking up or feeling discomfort at any time during the surgery. It’s very safe. In fact, this sedation method is used millions of times in surgeries in the United States without any negative side effects.

However, like with all medical procedures, there are some risks, some of which are preventable if you prepare properly.

Below are some tips to help you get ready for your oral surgery and anesthesia.

1.Don’t Eat Anything

One of the effects of general anesthesia is that it relaxes all your muscles. This is important so that you don’t move during the surgery.

Unfortunately, this also increases the risk to your body as well.

The muscles that prevent stomach acid and food from traveling up your esophagus are relaxed under the sedative. That means it is possible for food to move back up into your throat and choke you while you’re unconscious.

The solution to this problem is to avoid eating and drinking for a certain period of time. Your doctor will let you know how long you have to fast, but for most surgeries, it’s six hours.

2.Avoid Certain Medications

Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications. You may be advised to take a smaller dose or take it only with water.

Some medications can interact negatively with the anesthesia, so it’s important to not only avoid them before the surgery, but during recovery as well.

3.Be Careful with Dietary Supplements

You’ll also want to avoid dietary supplements. Certain vitamins and herbal remedies can cause complications as well. Some supplements you should avoid are ginseng, garlic, kava, feverfew, black cohosh and valerian.

4.Talk with Your Doctor

Your doctors are the best sources of advice when getting ready for surgery. Be sure to take the time to ask them all your questions. They should know what medicine you are taking, what you eat, if you have any allergies, your medical condition and any other important information.

By taking the time to talk with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, not only are you protecting yourself, but you will feel more comfortable the day of the procedure as well.

Prep for Anesthesia Right

Here at Richmond Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we help you prep for anesthesia and surgery. Our team will always make sure that you are informed and comfortable well before the process starts.

Call us today to schedule an appointment.

If your friend or loved one just had oral surgery, being there for them can be incredibly helpful to the recovery process.

Oftentimes, however, it’s hard to know what to do to help. Because oral surgery involves anesthetics, your loved one will be nearly helpless immediately after the procedure.

That’s where you come in. Below are four good ways you can help someone who is recovering from oral surgery.

1. Drive Them Home After the Oral Surgery

One of the most important duties of the friend or family member is driving the patient home from surgery.

Your loved one will not be able to drive after having anesthesia. In fact, some offices won’t even do the procedure if the patient doesn’t have a ride home. Providing transportation is a tremendous help to the patient.

2. Let Them Rest

The healing process is expedited greatly when a patient is sleeping. Therefore, it’s beneficial if you can help your loved one get as much sleep as possible.

If they have responsibilities such as taking care of children or pets, preparing dinner, etc., you should make those responsibilities yours. The less they have to worry about, the more relaxed they will be. As a result, they will sleep better and heal faster.

3. Help Them with Meals & Meds

Because many people sleep a lot after oral surgery, it can be hard to keep track of when to take pain medicine. A helpful support person will remind the patient when medicine needs to be taken, bring ice to decrease swelling and get them the right foods to eat.

Immediately upon returning home from the surgery, you should prepare an ice bag. Icing the area helps reduce swelling. The first couple of days, the patient should only drink liquids and eat soft foods.

You can prepare mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies and milkshakes for your friend to help them get nourishment while they are still uncomfortable. However, it’s important to note that they should not use straws.

4. Keep Them Company

Not every patient will be the same. Some will want a lot of help; others will see it as incessant fussing.

Your friend might not want to be waited on hand and foot, but they will likely appreciate company, especially if the recovery is uncomfortable. Having someone there is a great distraction.

Something as simple as watching movies and drinking milkshakes with your friend or family member can go a long way in boosting their morale.

Looking for more ways to prepare for oral surgery? Contact our office at Richmond Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.