Whether you’re restoring your smile with dental implants, having an impacted tooth extracted, or undergoing corrective jaw surgery, oral surgery is a highly routine and safe part of modern healthcare. Even so, many people feel at least a little nervous before their appointment.
At Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi, Dr. Michael R. Nichols and his experienced surgical team regularly perform a full range of oral and maxillofacial procedures. This prep list reflects his and his team’s deep clinical experience and expertise.
Oral surgery encompasses specialized procedures designed to correct structural issues, restore lost bite function, and prevent serious dental health complications.
While routine cleanings and simple fillings care for the surface of your teeth, oral and maxillofacial surgeons address deeper issues involving the jawbone, facial skeleton, and complex tooth roots.
For instance, dental implants require surgical placement directly into the jawbone to serve as stable, permanent roots for replacement teeth. Complex extractions may be necessary when severe decay, trauma, or impaction threatens neighboring healthy teeth or surrounding nerves.
Addressing these structural concerns through planned surgery prevents chronic pain, infection, and long-term bone loss, protecting your health for years to come.
We want your procedure to go smoothly and for you to have an excellent outcome. Follow these tips to help prepare for your surgery and recovery.
If you’re nervous, talk to our staff about it. Understanding every step of your surgical plan, your anesthesia options, and why the procedure is necessary helps ease anxiety.
Ensure that you have someone helping you. Most oral surgeries involve local anesthesia combined with intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia, so arrange for a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor to drive you to and from your appointment and assist you for the first few hours at home afterward.
After your procedure, plan to rest and do little else for at least 24-48 hours. Strenuous physical activity increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can encourage bleeding and delay tissue healing at your surgical sites.
You can expect to experience some light bleeding or oozing in the 24 hours after your procedure. Gently bite down on a clean, moist piece of sterile gauze placed directly over the surgical site to help form a stable blood clot.
If oozing persists, biting down on a dampened tea bag — which contains natural tannic acid — can help staunch the bleeding.
Swelling is a natural immune response following tissue manipulation. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes, during the first 24-48 hours. Wrap ice packs in a soft cloth to protect your skin.
Stock up on recommended pain relievers before your appointment. Depending on the complexity of your procedure, Dr. Nichols may suggest over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or he may prescribe targeted medications or antibiotics.
Fill any prescriptions before your surgery so they’re ready when you arrive home.
Carefully follow all of the instructions we provide regarding pre-surgery fasting (especially if receiving IV sedation) as well as post-procedure foods and beverages.
You’re typically restricted to soft, cool foods — such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothie bowls (eaten with a spoon), and mashed potatoes — for the first few days.
As you heal, a delicate blood clot forms in the surgical socket to protect underlying bone and nerve endings. Avoid activities that create negative oral pressure — such as drinking through a straw, smoking, or vigorous spitting — to prevent a painful condition known as dry socket.
The team at Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi in Flowood, Mississippi, aims to provide the clear information and compassionate care you need for a successful procedure.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more about preparing for your upcoming surgery or to ask questions about your oral health.
