7 Tips to Prepare for a Surgical Dentistry Appointment

Going to the dentist can be stressful. Some patients suffer extreme anxiety, especially when surgical dentistry is involved. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. With conscious sedation and other forms of modern anesthesia now available, surgical dentistry has advanced to the point that most procedures can be performed painlessly and with short recovery times. Understanding the options and knowing what to expect can help you to be prepared and reduce your anxiety level. With that in mind, here are seven tips that will help you to prepare for your surgical dentistry appointment:

The first thing you should do before you ever schedule your appointment is to find the best conscious sedation dentist in Phoenix AZ and schedule your appointment with that person. That way, you know you will be able to get through your procedure painlessly and with minimal discomfort. Be sure to choose a dentist with the right education and experience to help you achieve the smile you have always dreamed of. You also want a dentist you can trust and one who will listen to your concerns. Although your appointment may be for a specific procedure, you will also want a dentist who can perform a full range of services for you in the future, including the following:

• Cosmetic dentistry
• Dental implants
• Family dentistry
• Restorative dentistry
• Root canals
• Surgical dentistry
• Teeth whitening

It is important for you to understand exactly what your dental surgery will entail. You do not want any last-minute surprises just prior to or during your procedure. Likewise, you do not want to discover later that your procedure was not designed for the purpose that you thought it was. Here is a list of questions you can ask that will help you to more fully understand what to expect:

• What is the purpose of the surgery?
• How long will the surgery take?
• Is this a standalone surgical dentistry or just the first in a series?
• Will I be sedated?
• What type of sedation will be used?
• Is conscious sedation available?
• Will I be required to fast before the surgery?
• What is the expected recovery time from the sedation?
• What is the expected recovery time from the surgery?
• Will I be able to drive myself home, or will I need someone to drive for me?
• Will I need a family member or someone else to care for me once I am home?

To reduce anxiety and make your dental visit as pleasant as possible, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Sweatpants are ideal for this occasion. If you will be receiving IV sedation, wear a short sleeve shirt or one where the sleeves can easily be rolled up to give medical staff easy access to your arm. Wear warm clothing, though, because some surgical dentistry rooms are kept extremely cold on purpose. You might also want to bring a jacket with you. Be sure to bring any accessories that you might need, such as eyeglasses, but do not wear jewelry or makeup. If you have long hair, you should tie it up in such a way that it will not interfere with the procedure.

Dental surgery can be very expensive. Make sure you understand the charges and are prepared to pay them. If you have dental insurance, how much of the procedure will it cover? Will there be any other follow up costs? If you have any questions about how much your dental insurance will pay, you may want to call your insurance company ahead of time and discuss your specific procedure with them. Be aware that some policies do not cover procedures that are deemed to be only cosmetic. If you do not have dental insurance, you may want to ask if any discounts are available for patients without insurance.

Be sure to get to your dental appointment early, and don’t forget to allow plenty of time for unexpected traffic. Arriving late will only add stress to an already stressful situation. However, arriving early will provide a chance for you to relax before your procedure. Getting there 15 to 20 minutes early will give you enough time to fill out any necessary paperwork without feeling rushed. This extra time will also allow you to confirm that your dental records have been transferred and to ask any last-minute questions that you might still have.

Anxiety is often related to fear of the unknown. If you have any last-minute questions or concerns about your surgery, be sure to ask. Your oral surgeon and medical staff should be more than happy to answer all of your questions and to fully explain the procedure that will be performed, including the extent of sedation. Don’t be shy about asking to see X-rays or other supporting documents in order to become comfortable with the procedure to be performed. You should also have a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of the planned procedure as well as those of the sedation.

It is important to follow all treatment instructions both prior to and after the procedure. For example, your surgeon may prescribe certain antibiotics and mouth rinses and instruct you on how and when to use them. You may also be told to apply ice packs to the surgical area to limit swelling and discomfort. If you take prescription drugs on a daily basis, you should advise medical staff of that and find out whether you should take them on the day you are scheduled for surgery. Also make sure that you understand when to take any prescribed pain medications as well as any possible side effects. You should also discuss the types of food that are recommended for you to eat following surgery.