6 Ways to Prepare for Dental Surgery

At Cumberland Surgical Arts, we do a lot to prepare for your big day. We make sure your preliminary appointments go as planned. We work to craft a surgical plan you and your doctors are comfortable with. We implement procedures that keep you safe from infection and ensure the most is made out of your time in the office.

Making sure we reach your surgical goals is a partnership. From disclosing your complete medical and surgical history to asking questions about the planned procedure, we encourage you to take an active role in your care. In fact, we will not proceed unless we are confident that you are fully informed of your surgical options and select the treatment that is best for you.

There are also things you can do to prepare for your surgery. Here’s how you can participate and make sure your experience goes as well as you’ve hoped.

1. Rest Up – Dental surgery, like any other surgery, involves a healing process. The more energy you have going into the procedure, the more you are likely to have coming out. It’s important to pay attention to any uncommon signs of fatigue or lethargy prior to your procedure and reach out to our staff or your primary care provider (PCP) with questions or concerns.
2. If You’re Sick, Let Us Know – Whether you just feel a little under the weather or are completely stuffed up, you should call before coming in. While it may just be everyday life affecting you more than usual, the chances that it’s a symptom of a more significant virus or illness are worth discussing. Remember, your body uses energy to heal. Make sure you are in a position to recover quickly, the way you should.
3. Try to Relax! – Stress can weaken your immune system and keep it from performing at its best. If you are stressed about your upcoming procedure and it’s affecting your health, reach out to Dr. Lee or Dr. DeFelice. A simple discussion about what’s concerning you will put you at ease. Alternatively, the doctors may suggest a prescription to take beforehand that will calm your nerves.
4. Ask Your PCP – You may be feeling great in terms of your health. However, if you have suffered a more serious infection – such as influenza or bronchitis – in the month leading up to your procedure, you should have your PCP or your surgeon weigh in. The chances of an infection becoming worse or a delayed recovery increase if you undergo surgery while ill. When you are fighting off a major infection, it’s important to focus your body’s energy on one problem at a time. Rescheduling your procedure may be the healthiest option.
5. Tag a Friend – Make sure that you have organized to have a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor with you for the big day. While this, of course, will be a source of comfort for you, this person will also be responsible for reviewing the post-operative orders you have already discussed. Finally, their main responsibility will be making sure you have safe transportation home as you will not be able to drive yourself after anesthesia.
6. Don’t Ignore the Night Before – The night before your surgery is extremely important. There are important factors to consider when preparing for anesthesia. Follow the orders for when you should stop eating and drinking. Try to get a good night’s rest. Make any calls you need to and alert your support system that you are having a procedure so they can be available as necessary.

At Cumberland Surgical Arts, we have a dedicated staff that is eager and willing to help you at any time during your dental procedure journey. From the time you schedule your appointment to your final post-op discussion there is never a dumb question or a silly concern. We want to hear from you and, if necessary, can adjust plans and schedules as needed.

If you feel great going into surgery, you’ll feel great coming out! Click here to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee or Dr. DeFelice.