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Oral maxillofacial surgery can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can ensure a smooth experience. Whether it is jaw surgery, wisdom teeth removal or another procedure, following these steps will help you feel confident and ready for both the surgery and recovery.
1. Pre-Surgery Essentials: What to Do the Week Leading Up to Your Surgery
The week before your surgery is critical for preparation. Here are essential checklist tips on how to get ready:
- Follow Pre-Op Instructions: Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines, such as stopping certain medications like blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs. Make sure you understand and follow them closely to avoid complications.
- Fasting Guidelines: If general anesthesia is involved, you will likely need to stop eating and drinking after midnight the night before surgery. Make sure to confirm these details with our surgical team.
- Arrange Transportation: You will not be able to drive yourself home after surgery, so ensure a family member or friend is available to take you home and help you if needed.
- Prepare for Recovery: Stock up on soft foods, such as soups, yogurt and smoothies, so you will not have to worry about meal prep during recovery. Taking time off work and organizing household responsibilities will also help make your recovery more comfortable.
By getting these tasks out of the way early, you can minimize stress and focus on a successful surgery.
2. Day-of-Surgery Checklist: What to Bring and What to Expect
On the day of surgery, being prepared will help keep you calm and focused. Here is what you need to do:
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to adjust if you will need an IV. Avoid jewelry, makeup and nail polish, as these can interfere with medical devices and monitoring.
- Bring the Essentials: ID and insurance card, any paperwork or pre-surgery instructions and a phone and charger.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to check in and complete any necessary paperwork. You will meet with the surgical team and anesthesiologist, who will go over the procedure and answer any last-minute questions.
Knowing what to expect and being prepared on surgery day helps reduce anxiety and ensures a smooth experience.
3. Post-Operative Preparation: Setting Up Your Recovery Space
After surgery, a comfortable recovery space at home is key to healing. Here is how to set it up:
- Prepare a Restful Environment: Set up a quiet, cozy spot where you can rest and recover without disturbance. A recliner or your bed works well, as long as it is easy to access.
- Stock Up on Post-Op Essentials: Ice packs for swelling, gauze for bleeding and pain medications and antibiotics, filled before surgery.
- Soft Foods Only: Focus on foods that will not irritate the surgical site. Soft options like mashed potatoes, yogurt and protein shakes are ideal. Avoid hot, spicy or crunchy foods until your surgeon gives the green light.
- Ask for Help: Arrange for someone to assist you with errands or tasks at home during the first few days post-surgery. Having support will make recovery easier.
Lastly, be sure to follow any special instructions from your surgeon about caring for the surgical site, activity restrictions and when to return for a follow-up appointment.
Stress-Free Preparation
Preparing for oral maxillofacial surgery does not have to be stressful. By taking the time to follow this checklist—from pre-surgery planning to setting up your home for recovery—you will be ready for a smooth experience. Ultimately, proper preparation reduces stress and helps ensure that your surgery and recovery go as smoothly as possible.