Oral surgery can be a complex procedure for any patient. If you are planning on having a procedure to correct an issue in your mouth, it is good to know what to expect. The dentist will probably need to put you to sleep for this procedure so that you do not feel any pain or discomfort. Understanding this process can help put your mind at ease.
Different types of oral surgery
Different surgeries of the mouth are common for young and older adults. Tooth extraction may be the most frequent, especially wisdom tooth removal. This is not the only type of procedure, however. Patients who lose teeth and choose to get implants must first undergo oral surgery to put the posts into the jaw. Sleep apnea sufferers may look to a dentist to remove excess tissue from the back of their mouth. This issue can prevent effective breathing during sleep time.
An overview of general anesthesia
A trip to the dentist’s office to fill a cavity, get a crown or have a root canal usually involves a local anesthetic. The dentist will numb the affected area so the patient will have no feeling in the procedure site. For more complicated surgeries, such as a wisdom teeth removal or reconstructive jaw surgery, the patient may need more comfort. General anesthesia renders the person unconscious during the operation.
More than an absence of pain
Cutting into a person’s gums, removing part of the jaw and doing other invasive work in oral surgery would cause intense pain to a conscious patient. After the operation, remembering it could also elicit harrowing feelings. General anesthetic also induces a type of amnesia so the patient will not have any memory of the surgery.
There are few side effects
Some people may worry that general anesthesia during oral surgery could cause long-term harm. While there are side effects, as with any type of medication, these are minimal. Patients should be aware, however, that certain pre-existing conditions can increase the likelihood of complications. Obese patients and those with high blood pressure may feel more negative effects from the anesthesia than other people. People who are sick should wait until they are well before having the surgery and being put to sleep.
Post-anesthesia care is important
A recovering patient should never drive themselves home after oral surgery. It may take a few hours for the anesthesia to wear off. Also, patients should not eat or drink for up to eight hours after the procedure. It is also wise to relax and avoid any strenuous activities for a few days after the surgery.
Feel comfortable during the process
You would not want to undergo major oral surgery without general anesthesia. Thankfully, this method can effectively keep you from feeling pain during the surgery. If you have concerns about this process, talk to your dentist. You can feel at ease knowing you will be in good hands during your procedure. Make an appointment today to get started.
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