Preparing for Your Oral Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery • March 27, 2025

Do you have a badly infected tooth that requires root canal therapy (RCT)? If so, you are not alone; RCT is one of the most common types of oral surgery. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), professionals perform about 15 million RCTs yearly!


In addition to RCT, exodontia (e.g., wisdom teeth removal) and tooth implants are other typical dental surgery procedures. Done correctly, they can help improve and maintain optimal oral health and mouth functions.


However, the success of your procedure hinges not only on the expertise of your oral surgeon but also on how you prepare for the surgery.


The caring experts at TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery in Lutz, FL, have shared tips to help you prepare effectively. Read on to discover how to enjoy a smoother, more seamless oral surgery recovery.


Professional Consultation and Evaluation

The first step in preparing for oral surgical treatment is a comprehensive consultation with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. During this step, your highly skilled surgeon will do the following.


Review Your History

To confirm that surgery is the right step, your oral surgeon will review your:


  • Medical, dental, and family history
  • Current medications
  • Previous surgeries


Your surgeon will also ask whether you have allergies. Please let your doctor know, as allergic reactions to anesthesia are possible, albeit rare.


Perform a Thorough Physical Examination

Your oral surgeon will evaluate your oral health by examining your:


  • Teeth
  • Gums
  • Surgical site


You may also need X-rays or scans of the treatment area, especially if this is your first visit or you have a problem that may require emergency oral surgery.


Discussion

Your oral surgeon will discuss the necessary procedure, including:


  • The steps involved
  • Expected outcomes
  • Anesthetic options
  • Potential risks


During this step, you can ask your doctor as many pertinent questions as possible. Please do not hesitate to have your surgeon address your concerns about undergoing emergency oral surgery. You can also ask about recovery timelines and post-operative care.


The exact treatment you will undergo depends on your health concerns and goals. However, your oral surgeon may recommend one or more of the following oral surgeries:


  • Root Canal Treatment (RCT): To remove infected pulp and tissue inside an affected tooth
  • Wisdom Tooth Extraction: To remove a problematic or impacted wisdom tooth
  • Dental Implant Surgery: To replace lost teeth and tooth roots by placing dental implants into the jawbone
  • Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): To correct jaw and teeth alignment for functional or aesthetic purposes


Your individual health needs and preferences will influence the type of oral surgery and the specific preparation steps you must take. But please do not worry. You will receive comprehensive and personalized pre- and post-care instructions, provided you choose an experienced oral surgeon in Lutz, FL.


Practice Better Oral Hygiene Habits

Brushing your teeth twice and flossing once daily is vital to achieving and maintaining optimal oral hygiene. They help protect your pearly whites and gums from plaque, tartar, and germs that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

 

So, they are critical to oral health, whether your teeth are in excellent shape or you are about to undergo oral and maxillofacial surgery.


Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to boost and protect your oral and overall health. After all, smoking harms almost every organ in the body. 


Moreover, SmokeFree.gov explains that smoking even just a single stick of cigarette a day can already have adverse effects on the body's ability to heal wounds. It can also make tooth and gum pain worse. 


For those reasons, quitting smoking can be especially beneficial for people who are about to undergo oral surgery, whether it is for tooth extraction, RCT, or dental implants. By kicking the habit, you can prepare better for the procedure and reduce your risks of post-surgery complications. 


Avoid Alcohol

An article published by Medical News Today talked about how consuming alcohol before surgery can result in the following: 


  • Severe complications during the procedure
  • Increased bleeding 
  • Anesthetic interference 
  • Post-operative complications


The same article notes that researchers advise patients to abstain from alcohol at least two to four weeks before the procedure. Abstinence can help lower the risk of surgical complications. Likewise, it is best to refrain from drinking for five to six weeks after your oral surgery.


Arrange for a Companion and Designated Driver 

Anesthesia helps patients undergoing oral surgery have a more comfortable and relaxing experience. However, they can stay in the body for hours and may cause temporary side effects like:


  • Confusion and drowsiness that can reduce one's ability to think clearly
  • Impaired judgment and coordination
  • Nausea or dizziness


All those possible side effects may impair your ability to drive safely after your oral surgeon in Lutz, FL, has successfully performed your procedure. So, for your and other road users' safety, please have a responsible adult accompany and drive you to and from the surgical facility.


Follow the Surgeon’s Instructions

Your oral surgeon will provide detailed instructions on what you must do before, during, and after the surgery. The exact steps will vary depending on the surgery, but they may include:


  • Fasting, including avoiding eating or drinking for a specific period before surgery (depending on the anesthesia)
  • Medication adjustments, such as temporarily stopping using medicines like blood thinners before the surgery
  • Wearing comfortable clothing on the day of the treatment
  • Going on a soft diet for a few days after the procedure


You may also have to take medications prescribed by your highly skilled oral surgeon in Lutz, FL, to help encourage smooth recovery. Please take these medicines as directed, especially antibiotics, which can help prevent infections at the surgical site. 


Prepare for Your Oral Surgery

Consulting with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, practicing better oral hygiene habits, and avoiding alcohol are all crucial steps and tips for preparing for oral surgery


If you need oral surgery, whether an emergency tooth extraction, RCT, or implants, please know that TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery can help. Our doctor, Dr. Andrés E. Guerra-Andrade, has been an oral surgeon for over a decade and has served the Tampa Bay community for over seven years. Dr. Guerra-Andrade will use his expertise, skills, and specialization in dentoalveolar procedures, as well as the help of his professional dental team, to help you achieve better oral health.



Call us today to request an appointment!

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A recent study by Rojas et al. (2025) found that individuals who received implants as part of their treatment reported significantly improved comfort and quality of life compared to those who used dentures, highlighting the inherent benefits of implants. However, implants are no longer limited to single-tooth installations, as you can now receive an All-on-4 implant, which replaces an entire arch of teeth. With both dental implant options available, which one is best for your needs? Let us help you make that decision. Below, you will find information on single implants vs arch reconstruction, including: Types of implants offered by TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery The benefits of each option How the dentist determines suitability Step-by-step walkthrough of the procedure Healing timelines Learn what each requires, as well as its costs. Our expert guidance can help you decide which dental implant option is best for you when you come for a consultation with us. Dental Implant Options Offered by TERSA There are several different types of dental implants that TERSA offers to our clients, all of which provide different benefits, including: Treating traumatic dental injuries Offering All-on-4 full-arch implants Using guided surgery with computerized scans Individual dental implants Single-tooth implants are ideal for individuals who have only a single missing tooth, provided all adjacent natural teeth are still healthy. This means that we can focus purely on the single area and also try to recreate the bone's interaction with its previous tooth as much as possible. Through mimicking the root with the implant itself, you also preserve the jaw's density . These need minimal preparation compared to many other processes. However, if you have more than one or two teeth that need replacement in this way, it may be wise to explore alternatives . Why the Dentist Needs to Assess Suitability Dr. Guerra has gained a great deal of knowledge over his 15 years of education , as he discussed with Laker/Lutz News, which he applies to every patient, ensuring that you receive the highest-quality care possible. For example, he will start by imaging the area where the implant will be placed, as well as assessing local nerves and sinus cavities to ensure that the implant will not interfere with them. By reviewing your medical history, he can also discuss various risk factors with you that may impact bone healing, such as diabetes or a history of smoking, helping you avoid complications . The doctor also has a keen understanding of the mechanics of an implant. He will want to ensure that your implant can withstand functional forces, such as chewing, without overloading the surrounding tooth and jaw. This means he has the experience to discuss the issue with you in great detail . Preparing Yourself for Surgery After consultation, and if you choose to go under IV-sedation, be aware that your surgery will require you to not eat for around six hours before the surgery, and not drink anything for two hours before. If the dentist has any specific other requirements or recommends a different amount of time, he will inform you. The dentist may also request that you take other steps , such as: Using a mouth rinse beforehand to reduce mouth bacteria Scheduling your work so that you only have light duties for up to 72 hours after the surgery Arranging a driver to take you home or ensure you can travel for a day after surgery Ensure you have already collected any necessary medication Step-By-Step Dental Implant Procedure During the surgery, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure that the area is numb and unable to feel the effects of the surgery. However, they may also offer you sedation to ensure your comfort . After you are appropriately prepared, they will make a careful incision to expose an area of your gums and jawbone, then carefully create a space in which to insert a small titanium implant . After the implant is in place, they will suture the space closed, allowing the gum to heal and the jaw to start accepting the titanium post. Once the surgery is completed, you will need to wait up to three or four months for your jaw to adapt to the existence of the post. It will undergo a period of "osseointegration", in which your body will start building natural structures around it and your bone fuses with it, preventing the implant from moving. Healing Timeline for Working Floridians While every individual is different, you should expect the timeline to look something like this: Day 1: Apply an ice pack to your jaw after surgery, and expect mild swelling. You may also experience discomfort, so be sure to have painkillers available. Avoid solid food if possible, and be cautious if not. End of week 1: At this point, you can switch to softer foods, such as yogurts and smoothies, or you can try to chew foods carefully, so long as you keep them on the non-surgery side of your mouth. End of month 1: Attend a check-up for your implant so that the dentist can ensure your body is accepting it. End of month 3: You should return to the dentist for the installation of a custom crown around this time. They will ensure that the shape and color of the implant matches the rest of your mouth, which ensures that the implant is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The process may take more than one appointment, as the dentist must scan your gums and jaw following the surgery to ensure they get the shape of the crown correct. The dentist may request another check-up after one year, to ensure that everything is as it should be. Key Benefits of Dental Implants Dental implants are an excellent option for individuals concerned about their jawbone starting to lose volume. The additional load placed on the area due to eating and other activities will prevent atrophy, which is usually seen with missing teeth. An implant also acts just as your previous tooth did, ensuring that you can continue to chew with complete efficiency. It is also very common for them to survive for a significant period, with many lasting beyond the 25-year mark and into the remainder of someone's life. All-on-4 at TERSA One could think of the "All-on-4" as a "Denture implant". It is designed for patients with several failing or missing teeth, who would otherwise order a set of dentures but are worried about the upkeep and appearance of removable dental arches. Unlike a single implant, the All-on-4 system uses four angled implants that securely hold a large denture in place. These implants can even be used to hold a temporary denture between implant installation and the creation of the final arch. This way, you can have the benefits from day one that you would not have with a single-tooth implant. It also significantly reduces the cost of having a full row of single implants due to the reduced number of installations. Surgery Preparation Steps The preparation for an All-on-4 denture is similar to that of a single denture, except that it is more involved due to the dentist needing to check more areas in the mouth. However, they are also likely to check things that you would usually expect when doing a consultation for traditional dentures, like: Gum contouring Tooth proportions Full-mouth bite Residual root existence They will then create a custom-printed denture frame, using it to test your mouth's shape so that they can have a full denture immediately for surgery day. Additional Steps For All-On-4 Surgery Although the majority of the surgery is similar to four individual implants as described above, there are distinct differences: The dentist may remove other teeth to make way for the denture All implants will sit at different angles for more stability Postoperative scans will verify the alignment of the implants Advantages of All-On-4 Surgery As opposed to getting all of your teeth replaced, an All-on-4 implant will require you to have only four implants on which the denture sits. Fewer incisions and a reduced time taken mean that you can get a greater benefit more easily. The complete denture will also look perfectly natural, sitting comfortably in your mouth and secured by four posts that are angled to prevent slipping and reduce stress on each one. This option is ideal for individuals with slightly lower bone density who are still eligible for surgery. If you need a future upgrade throughout your life , such as a change in the material, you can also follow through with implant changes without as much hassle. The removal of old materials and replacement with new ones takes significantly less time, providing you with more options. Choosing Single-Tooth or All-on-4 Implants Whether you want to make use of a full arch or a single new tooth, Dr. Andrés Guerra of TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery is ready to bring his expertise to bear. In a procedure that demands precision, empathy, and in-depth knowledge, he will do everything necessary to ensure your comfort and confidence in the process.  We are ready to discuss your dental implant options and schedule a consultation for you . Reclaim your smile and ensure you are happy with the person you see in the mirror today.