Before getting oral surgery, you have to prep for anesthesia. Oral surgeons use general anesthesia to relieve pain during and after the procedure.
With this kind of sedative, you’ll be unconscious, so you don’t have to worry about waking up or feeling discomfort at any time during the surgery. It’s very safe. In fact, this sedation method is used millions of times in surgeries in the United States without any negative side effects.
However, like with all medical procedures, there are some risks, some of which are preventable if you prepare properly.
Below are some tips to help you get ready for your oral surgery and anesthesia.
1.Don’t Eat Anything
One of the effects of general anesthesia is that it relaxes all your muscles. This is important so that you don’t move during the surgery.
Unfortunately, this also increases the risk to your body as well.
The muscles that prevent stomach acid and food from traveling up your esophagus are relaxed under the sedative. That means it is possible for food to move back up into your throat and choke you while you’re unconscious.
The solution to this problem is to avoid eating and drinking for a certain period of time. Your doctor will let you know how long you have to fast, but for most surgeries, it’s six hours.
2.Avoid Certain Medications
Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications. You may be advised to take a smaller dose or take it only with water.
Some medications can interact negatively with the anesthesia, so it’s important to not only avoid them before the surgery, but during recovery as well.
3.Be Careful with Dietary Supplements
You’ll also want to avoid dietary supplements. Certain vitamins and herbal remedies can cause complications as well. Some supplements you should avoid are ginseng, garlic, kava, feverfew, black cohosh and valerian.
4.Talk with Your Doctor
Your doctors are the best sources of advice when getting ready for surgery. Be sure to take the time to ask them all your questions. They should know what medicine you are taking, what you eat, if you have any allergies, your medical condition and any other important information.
By taking the time to talk with the surgeon and the anesthesiologist, not only are you protecting yourself, but you will feel more comfortable the day of the procedure as well.
Prep for Anesthesia Right
Here at Richmond Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we help you prep for anesthesia and surgery. Our team will always make sure that you are informed and comfortable well before the process starts.
Call us today to schedule an appointment.