Pre and Post Surgical Instructions

There are a few things that you will need to keep in mind before you come in for your surgical procedure. First, it is important that you abstain from eating or drinking anything, including water, for at least 8 hours before your scheduled appointment, unless we direct you to do otherwise.

Provide us with a list of any medications you are on, including vitamins and herbal supplements. If they must be taken before your procedure, a sip of water may be permissible.

If you are a smoker, you must be willing to quit for a set timeframe before your scheduled appointment. Refraining from smoking following your procedure will also be essential. Smoking interferes with your blood flow and restricts the amount of oxygen found in the blood. These factors significantly impact your body’s ability to heal.

When you come in for your appointment, be sure to be wearing comfortable clothing, and be sure to remove all of your jewelry. Have someone come with you to the appointment, so that they can drive you home. This is essential if you are having any oral or IV sedation, or general anesthesia.

Finally, if you experience a change in your health before your appointment. If you develop a cold, a cough, or a fever, be sure to call us right away.

Healing from surgery will take some time. You can help it to go smoothly by following a few simple instructions. Pain can often be managed with an over the counter pain reliever. If not, we can provide you with a prescription-strength medication that should be taken only as directed.

Swelling is likely to occur after surgery. You can minimize the amount of swelling by applying ice packs on and off in 20-minute intervals. Be sure to wrap your ice in a towel. After 48 hours, moist heat can help to bring the swelling down faster. Wrap the heat source in a towel and apply on and off for 15 minutes at a time.

Eating nutrient dense foods will help to speed up your healing. However, you must be careful what you eat. Stick to a liquid and soft foods for the first six weeks. Avoid anything that is hard, sticky, chewy or crunchy. Don’t skip meals. Moreover, be sure to drink plenty of water.

Rest is an essential element for healing. Limit your activities during the first 24 to 48 hours. Instead, sit or lie down with your head elevated. You will slowly be able to increase your activities as time goes on, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least a couple of weeks.

Oral hygiene will help to keep your mouth clear and avoid infections. After the first 24 hours, clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal. Salt water rinses can be a big help, but you should avoid spitting (at least for the first few days). You should brush your new teeth like you would your natural teeth, but take care around surgical sites.