Knowing what to expect during oral surgery and how to effectively recuperate can help guide you toward a speedy recovery. Oral surgery is usually an outpatient procedure that requires local anesthesia, often performed under oral or IV sedation, which means that you’ll return home shortly after your operation has been completed. This sheet outlines how to prepare before and after surgery and addresses questions you may have.

Preparing for after-care at home before your oral surgery appointment is critical. You may have to spend a significant amount of time in bed after your surgery so set up extra pillows on the bed so that you can rest in a comfortable, reclining position. Try to find a television, magazines, and other entertainment options to keep near your recovery space. You will avoid smoking while you’re recovering from oral surgery, as the sucking motion could cause bleeding or damage to the surgery site.  You may have swelling around the surgery site. To minimize this you should put an ice pack (see shopping list below) on the area for 10 minutes at a time, and then rest for 10 minutes before putting it back on. This should be done for at least two hours after surgery. After 24 hours, you should also start rinsing your mouth four times a day and after meals with the medicated rinse provided in your post-op packet. You must also take the prescribed antibiotics and pain medication to help you heal without pain or infection.

On the night before your appointment, finalize your arrangements for transportation to and from surgery. You will not be able to drive yourself home because of the side effects of anesthesia, so it's important to get these details settled. You will be required to fast for 8 hours before the surgery. Unless told not to by Dr. de Sanz, you will take your regularly prescribed medications at the usual time.  After oral surgery, stick to soft foods, such as soups and yogurts that are rich in Vitamin A or C, for the first 10 days. Avoid any crunchy or hard foods, such as popcorn or pretzel sticks, for six to eight weeks. You also should eat foods that are room temperature immediately following your surgery. Avoid hot foods and drinks while still under the influence of the anesthetic as you won't be able to feel pain, so you may burn yourself without realizing that the food is too hot. Don’t drink out of a straw, consume alcohol or drive for the first 24 hours following your surgery.

Pre-Op shopping List:

·         Soft foods (soups, yogurt, eggs, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, etc.)

·         Ice packs or frozen peas.

·         Prescriptions filled and supply of ibuprofen (200 mg. over-the-counter) purchased.

·         Transportation home arranged.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions prior to or after your surgery:  Dr. de Sanz mobile: 415-613-5085 (call or text)

 If you are having IV sedation:

• You may not have anything to eat or drink for eight (8) hours prior to your appointment.
• You must have a responsible adult present to drive you home after surgery.
• Please check with Dr. de Sanz about whether you should take your usual medications before surgery.
• Please call Dr. de Sanz if you have any questions: (415) 613-5085.