You’ve scheduled your oral surgery. Maybe it’s for dental implants, a bone graft, or a sinus lift. Whatever the procedure, you’re probably feeling a mix of relief (finally getting it done) and nerves (what am I getting into?). That’s totally normal.
A little preparation goes a long way. We’ve helped thousands of patients through this process at East Tennessee Periodontics, and we’ve learned exactly what makes recovery smoother and less stressful. Here’s your checklist.
Before the Day of Surgery
Start with the practical stuff.
- You’ll need someone to drive you home. Even if you’re not getting sedation, we recommend having a responsible adult with you. If you are getting sedation, it’s absolutely required. No exceptions. Your reaction time and judgment won’t be sharp enough to drive safely.
- Plan your meals ahead of time. You’ll be on a soft food diet for a few days, so stock up on things like yogurt, applesauce, scrambled eggs, soup, smoothie ingredients, and mashed potatoes. You won’t feel like cooking, so having these ready makes life easier.
- Fill any prescriptions we give you before surgery day. It’s much harder to pick them up when you’re already uncomfortable and maybe a little groggy. Also, pick up any over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs we recommend.
- Clear your schedule. Take the day of surgery off and plan to rest the next day too. Some patients feel great and want to jump back into things, but your body needs that time to start healing properly.
What to Wear and Bring
Keep it simple. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes with short sleeves. That makes it easier for us to monitor your blood pressure and place any IV lines. Leave jewelry and contacts at home. You’ll be lying back for a while, and you don’t want to worry about losing earrings or dealing with dry contact lenses.
Bring your insurance card and a photo ID. We’ll have all your paperwork on file, but it’s always good to have these handy. Also bring a list of any medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter stuff and supplements. Some of these can affect bleeding or interact with sedation.
The Night Before and Morning Of
Follow our instructions about eating and drinking. If you’re getting sedation, you’ll need to fast for a certain number of hours. Usually that means nothing after midnight. No food, no water, no gum, no mints. If you’re not getting sedation, you might be fine to eat a light meal, but check with us first.
Take any medications we’ve told you to take with a small sip of water. Brush your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the surgical area. And please, no smoking or alcohol for at least 24 hours before surgery. Both can interfere with healing and increase complications.
Managing Anxiety
Feeling nervous is completely normal. If you’re worried about pain, discomfort, or just the unknown, tell us. We can talk through your concerns and adjust our approach. Our team is really good at helping anxious patients feel comfortable.
Some patients find it helpful to bring headphones and listen to music or a podcast during the procedure. Others prefer to chat with us. We’ll follow your lead.
After Surgery at Home
The first 24 hours are the most important for healing. Plan to rest with your head elevated. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Stick to the soft foods you stocked up on. Take your medications as scheduled, not just when you feel pain. Preventing pain is easier than chasing it.
Follow our instructions about when to resume normal activities. No vigorous exercise for a few days. No drinking through straws. And no spitting forcefully. These things can dislodge blood clots and delay healing.
You’ve Got This
Preparing for oral surgery doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s really just about being organized and giving yourself permission to rest. Our team at East Tennessee Periodontics will walk you through every step. We’ve done this thousands of times, and we know exactly how to help you through it.
If you have any questions before your big day, don’t hesitate to call. We’d rather answer a question twice than have you worry even once. You’re in good hands. Now go make that grocery list and give yourself the gift of a stress-free recovery.
