Post Oral Surgery Instructions

• Some surgical procedures require a periodontal dressing-the material around your teeth. It is important for the protection of the wound and should remain securely in place until removed at your first visit after surgery. Small pieces break off, but this should be no concern. If it is lost or becomes loose, it does not need to be replaced. Please do not pull off yourself as you may pull out some of the stitches.
  
  
• The application of cold packs to the face has many benefits. It will retard swelling, reduce the chance of bruising, and significantly control discomfort. Keep the cool pack on for 10 minutes, then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this sequence for 2 to 4 hours. You will probably have swelling based on the amount of surgery that you have had. If the swelling is severe and/or you feel feverish as well, please call.
  
  
• Drink plenty of cool fluids, such as water, fruit juice or soda. Eat cold soft foods the day of surgery. Avoid hot foods and drinks for at least 1 full day. DO NOT USE A STRAW, THE MORE YOU EAT AND DRINK, THE BETTER YOU WILL FEEL.
  
  
• Your diet will be limited by your comfort and ability to chew certain textures of food. Common sense suggests that you eat softer foods, take smaller bites, and chew only in the areas where there is no dressing or no sutures. Avoid hard foods that require heavy pressure for chewing. Avoid highly seasoned foods.

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Implants are an outpatient procedure that will be performed in our office with a local anesthetic; an oral sedative called Valium. Sedation or general anesthetic is administered by an anesthesiologist.

The following is a list of pre-operative instructions that will help to keep you as comfortable as possible before, during and after the procedure.

• You have been given prescriptions for an anti-biotic, pain medication/anti-inflammatory, and an oral mouth rinse. You will need to fill these in advance. You will start all three medications prior to your surgery, on the day of your appointment befor eyou get to the office.
• You will need someone to drive you home after the appointment. They are welcome to stay and wait, or we will happy to call them when you are finished and ready to go home.
• Eat a light meal 4 or more hours prior to the surgery. Do not have any dairy products 6 hours before your appointment.
• It is a good idea to stock up on post surgical foods before your visit. You will be on a soft diet the first day of the surgery. Soft, cool items such as V-8, fruit juice, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, cottage cheese, or any liquid supplement are recommended. It is important to keep your blood sugar level up, and not become de-hydrated. On the day after surgery, please continue with very soft food such as mashed potatoes, blended foods, soups, smoothies, etc. Things that require very little chewing will prevent excess tissue stretching. We also recommended stocking up on humorous lighthearted videos or magazines, you can enjoy while taking it easy. “Laughter is the best medicine”
• Please remove any nail polish and facial makeup before arriving for your scheduled surgery appointment.

If you have ANY questions regarding the surgery, medications, or after care, please so not hesitate to call the office at (928)941-1595, 1-800-783-2115. We are dedicated to help you stay as comfortable as possible, and following these guidelines have been proven successful.