The Role of Family Support During Oral Surgery

Dr. Lieblick: Brandon, when a patient comes to our office for a surgical procedure, we're obviously focused on their clinical care. But we're never just treating one person in isolation, are we? There's almost always a spouse, a parent, a child, or a close friend who is an integral part of their journey with us.

Dr. Rehrer: That’s an essential point, Russ. That support system—the family and caregivers—plays an incredibly active and vital role in the patient's success. A well-supported patient is often a calmer, more prepared, and ultimately, a more successful patient. Their role is a key, if sometimes unsung, part of the treatment team.

Dr. Lieblick: It truly is. And that’s the relationship we want to focus on today. Welcome, everyone, to Oral Surgery Insights. I’m Dr. Russ Lieblick, and I’m here with Dr. Brandon Rehrer. Today, we’re going to be talking about the crucial role of family support during oral surgery, offering some practical advice for those who are caring for a loved one through their procedure and recovery.

Dr. Rehrer: Our goal is to provide a guide for those caregivers. We want to empower them with information so they can feel confident in their role, reduce their own stress, and provide the best possible support for the patient, from the initial consultation all the way through the healing process.

Dr. Lieblick: The support role often begins well before the day of surgery, during the preparation phase. This is a time when a patient might be feeling anxious and the emotional support of a loved one can be incredibly grounding.

Dr. Rehrer: A key part of this is simply being a good listener. Allowing the patient to voice their fears or concerns without dismissing them with a quick "don't worry about it" is very powerful. Just validating their feelings and offering a calm, reassuring presence can make a huge difference.

Dr. Lieblick: Beyond emotional support, there's also a very practical role to play during the consultation. We provide a lot of information during that visit, and it can be hard for an anxious patient to absorb it all.

Dr. Rehrer: This is where a caregiver can act as a "second set of ears." We always welcome a family member or friend to come into the consultation. They can help by writing down questions the patient wanted to ask beforehand, taking notes on the answers, and helping to listen for the details of the post-operative instructions.

Dr. Lieblick: Two people listening are always better than one. It helps ensure that all the important information about medications, diet, and activity restrictions is clearly understood before the day of surgery even arrives.

Dr. Rehrer: Logistical support is another key aspect of preparation. This means helping the patient prepare their home for a comfortable recovery.

Dr. Lieblick: Exactly. This could be doing a grocery run to stock up on soft foods like yogurt, soup, smoothies, and applesauce. It might mean setting up a comfortable resting area on the couch with pillows, blankets, and entertainment. Taking care of these details beforehand removes a significant source of stress for the patient on the day of their procedure.

Dr. Rehrer: On the day of the surgery itself, the role of the caregiver is absolutely essential, particularly if the patient is receiving any form of sedation.

Dr. Lieblick: For any patient undergoing IV sedation or general anesthesia, having a responsible adult escort is not just a suggestion; it is a mandatory safety requirement.

Dr. Rehrer: It is. The patient will not be able to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after their procedure, as their coordination and judgment will be impaired. The escort is responsible for getting them home safely.

Dr. Lieblick: During the procedure, the caregiver often acts as our primary point of contact. They are the person we will come out and speak with as soon as the surgery is complete to provide an update on how everything went.

Dr. Rehrer: At this time, we will also review the post-operative instructions again with the caregiver. This is a critical information transfer, as the patient will likely still be groggy from the anesthesia and may not remember the details clearly. The caregiver becomes the keeper of that vital information.

Dr. Lieblick: So being that attentive listener in the consultation room, and again after the procedure, is one of the most helpful things a family member can do.

Dr. Rehrer: We also recommend some practical preparation for the ride home. It's helpful to have the car pulled up close to the entrance, perhaps with a pillow and blanket ready. All of our offices have specific patient pickup parking! 

Dr. Lieblick: In the first 24 to 48 hours at home, the caregiver's role often shifts to that of a recovery coach. This is the most intensive period of post-operative care.

Dr. Rehrer: The most important job during this time is managing the post-operative instructions. This means helping the patient stay on schedule with their medications, especially pain relievers and any prescribed antibiotics. Staying ahead of discomfort by taking medication on schedule, rather than waiting for pain to become severe, leads to a much more comfortable recovery.

Dr. Lieblick: A gentle reminder when it's time for the next dose can be incredibly helpful for a patient who is sleepy and not thinking clearly.

Dr. Rehrer: Hands-on care is also key. This includes helping the patient apply ice packs to their face—typically 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off—to help manage swelling. It also means preparing their soft, cool foods and ensuring they are staying hydrated with clear fluids.

Dr. Lieblick: It’s about creating a restful environment and taking care of all their needs so their body can focus exclusively on healing. This means encouraging them to rest and avoid any strenuous activity. Even simple things like answering the phone or taking care of pets can be a huge help.

Dr. Rehrer: The caregiver also serves as our eyes and ears at home. We provide clear instructions on what's normal and what's not. The caregiver is the first line of defense in spotting any potential issues, such as bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure, or pain that is not controlled by the medication, and knowing when it's time to call our office for guidance.

Dr. Lieblick: As the recovery progresses beyond those first couple of days, the role of the support person often evolves from hands-on coach to that of a cheer leader.

Dr. Rehrer: That’s a good way to put it. The patient is typically feeling better and becoming more independent, but the healing process is still ongoing.

Dr. Lieblick: This is a time when the emotional ups and downs of recovery can set in. The patient might feel impatient with the healing timeline or frustrated with the continued dietary restrictions. A caregiver's patience and encouragement during this phase are invaluable.

Dr. Rehrer: Practical reminders are still helpful. This might be a gentle nudge to start the warm salt water rinses the day after surgery to keep the mouth clean, or a reminder of when it’s appropriate to start using an irrigation syringe, if we’ve provided one, to flush out the lower sockets.

Dr. Lieblick: And dietary support continues to be important. Helping to find or prepare appealing soft foods can prevent boredom and ensure the patient is getting good nutrition, which is so important for tissue repair and healing. Just having someone to share a soft meal with can make a big difference emotionally.

Dr. Rehrer: The caregiver can also help the patient recognize and celebrate the small milestones of progress—the day the swelling is noticeably better, the first time they can go for a short walk, the gradual reintroduction of more foods. Acknowledging this progress helps keep their spirits up.

Dr. Lieblick: It’s also worth briefly mentioning the specific needs when the patient is a child or a teenager, as is often the case with wisdom tooth removal.

Dr. Rehrer: In these situations, the parent's role as the caregiver is even more critical. A child or teen may not fully understand the importance of the post-operative instructions or may be tempted to "test the limits" with their diet or activity too soon.

Dr. Lieblick: The parent is responsible for diligently managing their medication schedule, ensuring they are resting, and strictly supervising their diet. Providing extra comfort, reassurance, and a good dose of distraction with movies or games is, of course, a huge part of helping them through the recovery process as well.

Dr. Rehrer: So, Russ, it's clear that the role of family support is not a passive one. It is an active and incredibly valuable contribution to the success of a patient's surgical experience.

Dr. Lieblick: It absolutely is. From the preparation and planning phase, through the day of surgery, and throughout the entire recovery process, a supportive caregiver helps to reduce a patient’s stress, improve their comfort, and ensure a safer and smoother healing journey.

Dr. Rehrer: We, as a surgical team, see ourselves as being in partnership not just with the patient, but with their entire support system. That teamwork is what leads to the best possible outcomes.

Dr. Lieblick: To all the family members and friends who take on this role, we truly want to say thank you. Your care, patience, and attention to detail make a profound difference. We hope this discussion has provided some helpful guidance and affirmed the importance of your contribution. Thank you for joining us on Oral Surgery Insights.

Dr. Rehrer: We appreciate you listening, and we trust this conversation has been both informative and supportive for patients and their caregivers alike.

Dr. Lieblick: We wish you a smooth and healthy recovery journey.