Dental operations might be an excellent choice for those who require more advanced dental care. They can help restore your dental health and improve your quality of life with proper planning and aftercare. If you are considering dental surgery, it is essential that you understand the procedure and how to prepare for it.
Before your operation/surgery
You will contact your Flymedi consultant before your dental operation to review your dental health and any concerns and questions you may have. You will need to provide x-rays or photos the same as the example provided by your sales representative. It must be understood that if you do not have x-rays then only a general plan can be given which may change after x-rays are performed at the clinic.
General anesthesia can be provided for implant surgery only (at an additional cost) and provided you are approved by the anesthesiologist. Please inform your consultation prior to the arrival date that you would like to have general anesthesia so you can be taken to the hospital for testing and approval. General anesthesia is not given to patients for crowns and other treatments.
It is important to pay attention to these recommendations when preparing for oral surgery to guarantee a smooth and effective process.
- You can choose comfortable clothes, and wear a sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt to keep you relaxed and at ease during the surgery. Also, remove any contact lenses, jewelry, and watches for your safety.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours before surgery as they can increase the complication risks.
- Brush your teeth and wash your mouth properly before surgery to minimize the risk of infection. Also we recommend using the restroom around 30 minutes before the surgery.
- Keep your cold packs close. Soft, easy-to-chew foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese, and pudding will also help you recover more quickly.
During your operation/surgery
- Your dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area. It may vary to apply general or local anesthesia depending on the procedure.
- Your dentist will perform the necessary surgery, which could include wisdom teeth extraction, gum surgery, or the placement of a dental implant. Depending on how complicated the treatment is, the surgery will take longer or shorter.
- Following the treatment, your dentist will provide you with recovery instructions. You may be given pain medication or antibiotics, and your dentist may also provide you with a list of foods to avoid as well as oral hygiene instructions.
After your operation/surgery
It is important to rest and allow your body to heal after surgery. It can be required to take time off work or refrain from participating in specific activities for a while depending on the procedure.
It is very normal to feel soreness, swelling, and minimal bleeding following your surgery. It is essential that you apply the following aftercare steps to make your recovery period better:
- Apply gentle but continuous pressure to the treatment location for the first hour or so by biting on damp gauze. This will help in the creation of a clot. If the bleeding continues after an hour or so, try biting on a damp tea bag for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Continue to take your medications as usual, unless otherwise instructed. Keep in mind, though, that antibiotics can interfere with birth control tablets. Additionally, avoid drinking alcohol for the first few days following your treatment, especially if your dentist has prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics.
- Use ice packs on the affected area for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- After 48 hours, gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater mixture to keep the area clean. Following any dental surgery, it is critical to maintaining proper oral hygiene. This may include brushing and flossing regularly, as well as using mouthwash.
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco for at least 72 hours after the surgery.
- Get plenty of rest and limit physical activity for the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery.
- Elevate your head to reduce swelling when lying down.
- For the first few days of recovery, stick to soft, chilled foods that don't need much chewing. You should avoid some kinds of foods if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Take any antibiotics or pain relievers provided by your dentist as directed.
Your dentist may schedule follow-up appointments to check on your progress and make sure that the operation was successful. Plus for crowns and veneers, you will have to follow up appointments to ensure they are perfect.
If you're considering dental surgery, it's important to find a skilled and experienced dentist who can provide you with the best possible care.
At Flymedi, we work with top dentists around the world to help you find the best treatment options for your needs. Our team can help you with everything from arranging your travel and accommodations to providing you with local support throughout your recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the best dental surgery options available.