What can you expect when your child needs oral surgery? The thought of your child getting oral surgery can be a bit daunting especially when you know very little of what to expect. Anticipating what can happen before, during and after the surgery can alleviate some of your concerns and help you explain to your child the procedure.
Before
So your child needs surgery, there are a few tips to help you prepare your child for their procedure and yourself. Make sure you have confirmed your appointment for child’s oral surgery and that you’re fully aware of which procedure your child will need. Get to know the surgeons and details of the operation, so you feel comfortable leaving your child’s oral health in their hands. Make sure they have not eaten any food since midnight. Your child will be allowed to drink water up until three hours before the surgery just to have their tummy full. If your child has prescribed medication, take it in the morning before coming into surgery.
During
You’ll be asked to wait in the waiting room while your child is in surgery but not to worry you will be able to ensure your child is getting the proper treatment before the surgery. During surgery, there isn’t much you can do but wait. As for the child, they will be under the special care of the orthodontist as dental assistants. The process of the surgery will vary depending on the procedure they will be undergoing, but typically surgery takes up to an hour or less.
After
Expect to care for your child for the next 24 hours. Common symptoms the child might experience are minor bleeding from the mouth, nausea or vomiting, discomfort of the mouth or jaw, mild swelling of lips or cheeks, and temporary effects on sleep and eating. Your child should be resting and doing quiet activities such as watching T.V. or reading nothing that involves rough movements for the next 24 hours. You want to make sure you keep your child’s mouth clean from infection by adjusting their diet to liquids and slowly progressing to solid foods. So, in the meantime, your child will have to eat soft foods such as soups or yogurts. Making sure your child brush their teeth will help reduce infection. After the surgery, you will need to request a follow up with the dentist to ensure everything’s running smoothly.
Your child’s safety is important and ensuring you’re knowledgeable of the details about your child’s surgery will help ease your worry and your child’s anxiety. If your child needs oral surgery, you should get all the details in advance to prepare your child. We hope this information serves you as a guide in what to expect when your child has an appoint for oral surgery.