Surgical Instructions
The following surgical instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery.
Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions. We can be reached at +66-53-271950 during regular business hours.
PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
It may be important to stop taking aspirin and non-steroidals drugs 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. You will feel better if you have eaten prior to surgery. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you like.
Plan for Follow-up Appointments
In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1–5 weeks. In most cases, after surgery we will also look forward to seeing you back for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an reevaluation of tissue growth about 8–12 weeks following the surgery.
Antibiotic Sensitivities and Effects
Please alert our dentist 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. Take as directed until finish. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking oral contraceptive pills, be noticed that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.
Use of Sedatives
If you desire to use one of these following oral sedatives you must have a colleague to and from the office. Remember, we encourage you to eat prior to your surgery.
- Ativan (Lorazepam)
- Valium (Diazepam)
- Triazalam (Halcion)
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 usual to have discomfort for at least the first week 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.
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 please start
- Do not rinse your mouth.
- Elevate your head when lying down.
- Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes; repeat if necessary.
Dressing
The dressing (which acts as a bandage) is used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. 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 so as not to soften the dressing. A soft diet is recommended. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fruits are more easily eaten. 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 while taking prescription pain medications.
Rinsing
Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, you may use a mild, diluted mouthwash. Repeat as necessary to help keep the dressing clean.
Brushing
Do not brush the surgical site. 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.
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