Surgical Instructions

Pre-operative Instructions

The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last minute questions. We can be reached at (425) 271-5812 during regular business hours.

You should have received your pre/post-operative instructions and prescriptions when scheduling for your surgery. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery, unless they have been previously phoned in to the pharmacy of your choice. Please bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.

For certain patients, it may be important to stop taking Aspirin and non-steroidal such as Motrin and Advil, 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, remember to discontinue them as directed. If you take antibiotic premed, please take it as directed before your surgery. It is critical that you eat prior to your dental appointment in order for your body to matabilize your medications and anesthetic. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you would like.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for post-operative checks during the first 1 – 5 weeks depending on your surgeons recommendations.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. You will be prescribed an antibiotic if our doctor determines it to be necessary.

Sedatives

Our surgical procedures don’t require you to be put to sleep. We do have the option for IVsedation but this option is only for extreme cases and can be very costly. We do offer oral sedationto help you relax and feel comfortable during your surgery. If youelect to use one of the following oral sedatives you must have a ride to and from the office and your driver is required to stay in the office during your surgery. Please take medication as directed andbring your remaining tablets with you. Remember, we encourage you to eat prior to your surgery.

  • Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Triazalam (Halcion)

Food Suggestions

When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices:

  • Jell-O
  • Bananas
  • Yogurt
  • Pasta
  • Milk Shakes
  • Casseroles
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Ensure/Slim Fast
  • Soups
  • Pudding
  • Rice
  • Apple Sauce
  • Oatmeal
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes

Post-operative Instructions

These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.

Pain Medications

It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first to secondweek following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. If necessary, you may take your pain medication more frequently than every 4-6 hours to stay ahead of the soreness. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.

As an alternative to prescription medications, some patients have found taking a combination of over the counter Ibuprofen or prescribed Naproxinand Tylenol to be effective. You may take the combination in either of the following dosages: 3 Advil and 2 Regular Strength Tylenol or 3 Advil and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol, every 4-6 hours as needed.

Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicoden or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office with any questions you may have.

Antibiotics

An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness and other contraceptive measures should be utilized.

Swelling

Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically increase 2-3 days after the procedure. To minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue using ice for 2-3 days following the procedure as often as possible.

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:

  • Do not rinse your mouth.
  • Elevate your head when lying down.
  • Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area withfirm pressure for 20 minutes, repeat if necessary.
  • Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
  • Call the office if bleeding persists.

Dressing

A dressing may be placed at the time of surgery. The dressing (which acts as a bandage) is used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. It is best if the dressing stays on for the first two days following surgery, If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction.

Diet

Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 hour following the surgery. A soft diet is recommended see list above. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.

Smoking

Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol the night before your appointment or while taking prescription pain medicationsincluding over the counter Tylenol.

Rinsing

Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, you may use your prescription mouthwash two times a day and if you wouldlike to rinse with warm saltwater to help keep the area clean.
Brushing

Do not brush the surgical site for the first two days and do not touch the tissue in the surgical site for1-2 weeks. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day.

Suture Removal

You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. You may choose to take some form of pain medication one hour prior to your suture removal appointment to minimize tenderness. ***If you are a patient for whom Antibiotic Pre-Medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.***

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at (425) 271-5812.