Dental surgery is performed to treat diseases, injuries, improve function or aesthetics, and to diagnose problems from extracting wisdom teeth and root canals to corrective jaw surgery and bone grafting. Dental surgical procedures involve using instruments to repair damage or defects or restore health. Even though dental surgeries are very common, it might not be common for you. The more you can learn about your upcoming procedure and what you can expect, the more comfortable you'll feel depending on the procedure. Your doctor will use an anesthetic to eliminate pain during surgery. A local anesthetic numbs the surgical area and is often used for minor surgeries. Nitrous oxide also called laughing Gas helps a patient relax during surgery. Oftentimes local anesthesia and laughing gas are used together. An oral sedative may also be prescribed before surgery. Under conscious sedation, you will stay awake and aware during the procedure. General anesthesia or IV sedation puts a patient to sleep so they can't move, feel pain, or have any memory of the surgical procedure. Regardless of which anesthetic or sedation is used, you should be aware of general preoperative information and instructions for before day of and after surgery. Before undergoing a dental surgical procedure, your Dr. May meet with you for an evaluation. They may take a complete medical history asking you about any allergies, health conditions, and medicines you take during the evaluation. Make sure you inform your doctor of any medical conditions you have, like diabetes, high blood pressure, autism, or asthma. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you must inform your doctor. It's helpful to discuss the most appropriate timing for dental surgery during pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, you'll have to contact your physician before dental surgery. If you want to rule out pregnancy, tell your doctor what prescription medicines over the counter drugs and herbal supplements you are taking and any recreational drugs you may use. Ask about which medications you can take. On the day of your procedure, your Dr. May recommend that you stop smoking and avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages for hours before surgery. For children who are having a procedure, parents shouldn't spend a lot of time preparing them. Teasing them, or telling scary stories about dental visits or surgery must be avoided. Children often perceive a parent or guardian's anxiety, which makes them more fearful. When parents understand what to expect and become more confident, so will the child. If you have any questions, always ask. Finally, be sure to get a good night's rest on the day of the surgery. You will likely be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before the surgery. Take only the medicine that your doctor tells you to take. Notify your doctor's office if you're feeling ill the day of the procedure. Fever, sore, throat, upset, stomach, nasal, or chest congestion may increase your risk of complications and your procedure may need to be postponed. Brush your teeth. Cleaning your mouth before surgery helps to avoid infection for children. Having a parent in the treatment room is at the discretion of the doctor. Sometimes it is in the best interest of the child, parent, and dental personnel. If a parent remains in the lobby during the procedure, wear comfortable. Loose fitting clothing, short sleeve tops or sleeves that can be easily rolled up Above the elbows is best wear Flat sold shoes with ankle support. Like sneakers. Do not wear any jewelry and leave all valuables. At home you will not be able to drive for hours. Following surgery, your Dr. May require a licensed driver accompany you to your appointment and be prepared to wait for you during surgery. Also, your Dr. May require that an adult look after you for hours following the procedure. For child patients, it's usually best to not bring other children to the appointment, but if you must, having two adults present is ideal. Finally, it's best to arrive early to your appointment to allow time to sign consent forms and other required paperwork. Following your surgery, you may be tired or groggy. You may also experience temporary side effects like upset, stomach, nausea, vomiting, facial bruising, stiffness and jaws and chafing around the corners of your mouth. But these will wear off in a few hours. Expect minor pain and discomfort for several days following any procedure, so be sure to follow your doctor's pain management recommendations and aftercare instructions carefully and keep all follow-up appointments. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, your Dr. May restrict your child's activities for the remainder of the day, especially bike riding, swimming, using playground equipment or any activity where balance is important. If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming dental surgery, contact your doctor before your scheduled procedure. Asking questions is the best way to learn more.