Tips for dental surgery - Zahnarztpraxis Dr

Tips for tooth surgery

A tooth operation is imminent. How do you prepare yourself correctly? What does the dentist need to know about you? What should you pay attention to after the operation? You can find out here.

Before the operation, a preliminary consultation takes place in the dentist’s office. The dentist gets an idea of the patient’s general state of health and explains why an operation is necessary, how it will be carried out and what risks are involved. This is a good opportunity to clarify open questions about treatment alternatives and concerns about basic necessity. It is best to write these down in advance at home and bring them with you for discussion. Notes are also helpful during the conversation. If you feel insecure, you can take a trusted person with you.

Important: Clarify allergies and diseases in the preliminary discussion

As a rule, the patient receives written information about the procedure beforehand and fills out a questionnaire about the patient’s medical history at home. “In order to assess risks and plan the operation precisely, the dentist needs detailed information on the patient’s state of health,” explains Prof. Dr. Dietmar Oesterreich, Vice President of the Federal Dental Association. “He must know whether allergies are known, whether there are general illnesses and which medications the patient is taking”. The patient must inform the dentist not only about prescription drugs, but also about over-the-counter preparations. Also, only the prescribed preparations should be used to treat any pain after the procedure. For example, the independent intake of acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin) can trigger a stronger postoperative bleeding. The basic rule is to adhere exactly to the dentist’s instructions. The dentist determines – if necessary in consultation with the family doctor – which preparations have to be taken, discontinued or exchanged.

Stop: Smoking prohibited before and after surgery

Smoking not only damages the lungs and the cardiovascular system, but also the gums and teeth. Nicotine and other ingredients interfere with wound healing. For example, the tissue is not sufficiently supplied with blood and is only insufficiently supplied with oxygen and nutrients. Delayed wound healing, inflammation and even tissue damage can be the consequences. Disorders of wound healing occur significantly more frequently in smokers than in non-smokers. Smoking should therefore be avoided before and of course after an operation in the oral cavity.

In the preliminary talk, dentist explains the procedure in detail
Patient must inform about diseases, medication and allergies
Take medication/other preparations according to dentist’s instructions.
Smoking interferes with wound healing

After the tooth operation: You should know that!

The procedure is over. Now treat yourself to sufficient rest and reduce swelling by cooling. You should take any complications seriously! The operation went well and you are allowed to go home. The dentist decides whether and when a patient can actively participate in road traffic or operate machines after an operation. Depending on the type of anaesthesia, the medication used and the duration and severity of the operation, the patient’s ability to react may still be impaired after the operation. It is best to ask a trusted person to accompany you home. A taxi can be an alternative. This should be discussed with the dentist in advance.

Avoid physical exertion as much as possible

Once at home, physical exertion should be avoided. These include gardening, heavy lifting, sports or sauna. Due to the fact that the anaesthesia of the operated region usually lasts for a longer period of time, food and hot drinks should be avoided. If, for example, the dentist has removed the wisdom teeth, it may be necessary to plan for sick leave for a week. You should also avoid stimulating drinks such as coffee or alcohol. Smoking is taboo in order not to endanger wound healing. Soft foods such as soups or purees make eating easier. Ideal: Prepare food the day before. Milk and milk products should not be on the menu. When taking antibiotics, the instructions for use must be observed. Cooling pads should already be prepared so that cooling can begin immediately after the operation, possibly already in the practice. Do not place the pad directly on the skin but wrapped in a sheet. Recommended: Cooling at intervals. This means cooling, pausing, cooling, pausing, etc. It applies: Caution at still stunned places. The dentist usually issues a prescription for painkillers, usually paracetamol or ibuprofen. Acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin) is not suitable because it increases the risk of bleeding.

What to do in case of complications?

If postoperative bleeding occurs, it is advisable to bite on a sterile swab to compress the wound. The dentist can give you sterile swabs at home. A clean tissue or paper handkerchief can also be used. Cooling in a seated position is also useful. If the bleeding does not stop even after repeated attempts to stop it, the dentist’s office must be consulted. In the event that the practice is closed, there is an emergency dental service. The dentist must also clarify any increasing pain that may occur a few days after the operation. There may be an infection or wound healing disorder.