Pre-Operative Phase
What You Should Do
If you’re curious about what you should do before a dental operation, we have prepared a list of instructions for you. Please call our dental office if you have doubts, concerns, or last minute changes.
Proper Medications
If you have a prescription from your dentist, you should keep taking your antibiotics. However, it’s important to stop taking Aspirin and NSAIDS like Advil and Motrin, five days before your scheduled surgery. You should also stop taking Warfarin (sold under the name of Coumadin) and other blood thinners, but always refer to the advice of your MD. If you got an antibiotic prescription, you need to take it as directed before the surgery.
What You Should Wear or Bring?
Like most dental offices and clinics, our establishment is cool – so be sure to dress warmly and accordingly. We advise you to wear loose, comfortable clothing, along with closed shoes. You can also bring your smartphone or other gadgets to pass the time. We also allow you to bring a blanket, especially if you need any form of sedation.
De-Stressing – A Very Important Method
Stress is responsible for increasing cortisol levels in your body. This can affect your immune system and compromise your body’s ability to recover. Therefore, you need to be proactive in managing your stress before and after your appointment.
Here are some quick ways to help your body cope with stress:
- Show up early. You need to adjust to the environment in order to calm down.
- Get a good night’s sleep so that your body is rejuvenated before the appointment.
- Think of a relaxing activity before your appointment and do it.
- Eat a rich and nutritious meal so that your body can recover easily after the procedure.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking non-prescription medicine prior to your appointment.
- It’s advisable to have a companion after the scheduled appointment.
- Once the appointment is done, minimize your activity for the rest of the day.
Diet
Diet is an important aspect of dental pre-surgery care. You need to have an excellent diet to build up your health and vitality. Keep in mind that the foods we eat become part of the building blocks of cells and tissues. Simply put – you become what you eat.
Check out this small list of healthy food choices:
- Soft and rich fruits
- Healthy yogurt
- Pasta or rice (well-cooked)
- Hummus and guacamole dips
- Eggs and fish
- Cheese
- Healthy soups and meat broths (for energy)
- Potatoes (boiled or mashed)
- Butters and nuts
- Vegetables
- Honey
- Choice meats