Surgery Instructions
We understand the concern and anxious feelings our patients have before oral surgery, and we will do whatever is necessary to insure and maintain your comfort.
Below you will find information on preparing for your surgery as well as information on healing after your treatment. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us. This information should be read carefully and followed completely to assure our patients the most effective and professional periodontal treatment.
PREPARATION FOR GENERAL ANESTHESIA
- NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK FOR 8 HOURS PRIOR TO SURGERY. Including water, soda or coffee. if you take any medications, use as little water as possible.
- YOU MUST HAVE A DRIVER here with you in the office. This person cannot leave the office. If the patient is a minor they must have a parent of guardian with them. You should not drive or operate dangerous machinery until the following day after surgery.
- NO CONTACTS. Even if you can sleep in your contacts you may not wear them during anesthesia or the rest of the day.
- WEAR A SHORT SLEEVED, LOOSE FITTING SHIRT. We need to monitor your heart rate and take your blood pressure.
- NO NAIL POLISH on your index finger.
- REMOVE ANY LIP AND TONGUE RINGS.
- PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE AT LEAST 12 HOURS PRIOR TO SURGERY. This aggravates the lings possibly causing problems with anesthesia.
- IF YOU TAKE ANY ASPIRIN OR BLOOD THINNERS, please be sure to stop taking them prior to the surgery. At the consultation the amount of the days off should have been discussed, if you have any questions regarding this please call our office.
- PLEASE ALLOW ADEQUATE TIME OFF FOR RECOVERY. If you are unsure how long you will require off after surgery, please feel free to contact our office.
- Payment is due in full at the time of surgery. The amount discussed at the consultation needs to be paid in full on or before the day of surgery.
- Be aware that scheduling changes may alter the exact time of your surgery.
- We confirm our appointments 48 business hours in advance. Please make every effort to respond to any messages that we leave. If we cannot confirm your appointment, this appointment may be given to someone else who is waiting to come in for surgery.
- If you are unable to keep your appointment for any reason, please notify the office at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled time. Failure to do so may result in a Failed Surgery charge of $58.00
- Do not sign any legal documents within 24 hours of anesthesia.
INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING ORAL SURGERY
- NO SMOKING for at least 3 days it will cause clots to come out, decease healing and promote infection.
- NO STRAWS OR SPORTS BOTTLES it will cause clots to release. Drink only through a cup and eat shakes with a spoon.
- NO SPITTING -- it will case clots to release. When brushing your teeth and rinsing with salt water just let the water fall out of your mouth.
- Eat soft foods (eg. pudding, scrambled eggs, Jell-O, ice cream, soups etc.). No peanuts, popcorn, potato chops or anything else that is hard and/or crunchy. If you are going to have hot liquids be sure to test it prior to consumption as to not burn yourself while still numb.
- Be careful to not bite your lips, tongue or cheek while you are numb. It can cause added discomfort once the medication subsides.
- Ice packs for the first 24 hours -- 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off to prevent swelling. Use heat the next 24 hours -- 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. DO NOT USE ICE AFTER THE FIRST 24 HOURS. Do not be alarmed if pain and swelling peaks after the 3rd day of surgery.
- No brushing in the area for at least one week.
- Start salt water rinses the following day -- 3 times a day for one week. 1/2 teaspoon of salt with a small cup of warm water.
- Some oozing of blood is normal for 12-24 hours following surgical. For excessive bleeding, fold a moistened gauze, insert and bite down -- if bleeding continues try biting down on a moistened tea bag.
- Sleep on an extra pillow for about 3 days. This will help keep the swelling down.
- If you experience nausea and vomiting after surgery, it is likely due to the narcotic pain medication. Please discontinue usage of the medication and call our office if the nausea still persists.
- If you have any questions of problems, please do not hesitate to call our office.