The fear of complications is one of the common concerns many have regarding dental surgeries. Preparing to take care of yourself both pre and post-surgery is key to making sure you are having a safe and speedy recovery without the interference of serious consequences.
According to the dental experts at the American Dental Clinic in Dubai, here are some simple ways you can avoid unpleasant dental surgery complications.
Consult An Experienced Dental Care Expert
One of the first steps you need to take toward avoiding dental surgery complications is to start by consulting with a reliable dentist. Only an experienced oral surgeon will be able to come up with an appropriate surgery plan or option that safely addresses your dental problem while considering any other oral or general diseases you might be experiencing.
Feel free to ask questions and disclose any concerns you might be having regarding the surgery option your dentist suggests. Particularly if you have dental phobia or anxiety, discuss such fears so your dentist can make special arrangements accordingly through a dental phobia therapist.
Usually, your dentist will check your medical history and the list of medications you use to avoid complications due to possible drug interactions pre and post the treatment.
Do Not Hesitate To Cancel
If you have allergies, you should discuss them with your dentist before planning your dental surgery. Depending on your allergies, the dentist will prescribe you certain medications to cope with the allergies during the surgery.
You will also be given a pre-operative guideline to avoid last-minute complications. Make sure you follow instructions as guided if not you may experience post-surgery complications like tooth misalignment, bleeding, dry socket, pain, nerve damage and even infection in the operated area.
Sometimes your surgeon may also cancel your surgery if you continue to show signs of allergies, in order to avoid complications post-surgery. So if you ever feel like you’re suffering from allergies such as fever, muscle ache, sore throat, etc, call the dental clinic and postpone the surgery.
Watch Your Pre And Post Surgery Eating Habits
It’s generally advisable to avoid acidic or too spicy food at least one day before the surgery so it doesn’t cause you uneasiness during the procedure.
Post-surgery, you may have to change your diet to foods that require little to no chewing. Again avoid acidic or spicy food that may irritate the gum.
Opt for protein drinks that can give excellent sources of nutrition for earlier recovery and to minimize the complication of side effects. It’s also advised to stay on a liquid diet until the effects of the anesthetic from the surgery wear off.
Control Smoking Habits
Smoking slows down the gum and bone’s healing process. This is why smokers are advised to avoid cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco products at least a week before the surgery and post-surgery. Failing to follow this can make the teeth vulnerable to infections post-surgery and complicate side effects. Especially procedures like dental implants require a healing period of 90 days, and the patient must not smoke during the osseointegration period.
Ice Pack Treatment
Facial swelling is a common side-effect of dental work and can be dealt with by holding an ice pack (or frozen veggies) to the swollen area in 20-minute intervals. However, if the pain increases by the 3rd day after surgery, you likely have an infection and need to see your dentist.
If you experience other minor side effects like face-swelling, you can avoid them from severing by holding an ice pack (or frozen veggies) to the swollen area at 20-minute intervals.
If the pain doesn’t reduce by the third day after the surgery, or if you experience other complications like nerve/tooth damage, TMJ, a hole in the sinus, and a fractured jaw, you may have to see your dentist immediately.
