Surgical Instructions

Most dental surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis but still require careful preparation and aftercare. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, we recommend reviewing our pre- and post-operative instructions. These guidelines help facilitate a smooth procedure and promote a quicker, safer recovery.

S u r g i c a l I n s t r u c t i o n s •

Before General Anesthesia

Before your dental surgery, you’ll have an opportunity to discuss any concerns during your pre-op appointment. We encourage you to ask questions and share any fears to help us create a comfortable environment. Below are key guidelines to prepare for your surgery. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Leading Up to Surgery:

Fasting: Start fasting at midnight for morning surgeries or 8 hours before afternoon surgeries. Only clear fluids are allowed (water, apple juice, black coffee, sports drinks). Avoid opaque drinks (e.g., alcohol, milk, orange juice).
Medications: Continue taking cardiac, pulmonary, steroid, anti-seizure, and anti-Parkinson’s medications with a sip of water. Stop MAO inhibitors, antidepressants, aspirin, anti-coagulants, and anti-inflammatory drugs 2 days before surgery.
Alcohol & Tobacco: Avoid alcohol and tobacco for 24 hours before and after surgery.

Day of Surgery:

Accompaniment: Minors must have a parent or guardian present, and all patients need a licensed driver to take them home. It’s best to have assistance for 12 hours post-surgery.
Preparation: Brush your teeth, but do not swallow water or toothpaste. Avoid makeup, nail polish, jewelry, dentures, and contact lenses.
Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes, preferably with ¾ sleeves. Post-Surgery: Avoid returning to work or school, and do not drive. Have someone assist you with stairs or any challenging tasks.

After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, proper care is crucial for healing. For the first month, as the implant integrates with the bone, please follow these instructions:

Antibiotics: Take all prescribed antibiotics and use an oral rinse twice daily, along with warm saltwater rinses 4-5 times a day.
Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours. Bite on gauze pads to control bleeding and maintain pressure until it decreases.
Pain: Use over-the-counter pain medications (e.g., Tylenol®, Aleve®, ibuprofen) as needed once the anesthetic wears off.
Diet: Start with soft foods and stay hydrated. Resume normal eating when comfortable.
Hygiene: Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical site and implant. Use antibiotic and saltwater rinses to keep the area clean.
Swelling: Apply ice packs for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling. Keep your head elevated and limit physical activity.
Prosthesis/Guard: Avoid using dentures, retainers, or night guards for at least 10 days.
Smoking: Refrain from smoking for at least 2 weeks after surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
Recovery: Healing occurs in phases, with an emphasis on maintaining cleanliness around the implant. Swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding are common, but pain should gradually decrease. Follow-up appointments will monitor your progress based on your specific treatment plan. Proper care is essential to ensure the implant lasts a lifetime.

After Tooth Extractions

After a tooth extraction, proper care is essential for healing and minimizing complications. Here’s what you need to know:

Immediate Care:

Control Bleeding: Gently bite on the gauze pad to control bleeding, changing it as needed.
Rest: Keep your head elevated and limit physical activity.
Saltwater Rinse: After 48 hours, rinse with warm salt water every 1-2 hours (avoid alcohol-based mouthwash).
Hygiene: Brush carefully around the surgical site, avoiding the wound.
Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
Medications: Take prescribed medications and stay well-hydrated. Avoid straws for 5-7 days.
No Smoking: Avoid smoking for 3-4 days to prevent complications.
Diet: Eat soft, protein-rich foods.

Possible Complications:

Bleeding: Minor bleeding and pink saliva are normal in the first 36 hours. If bleeding is excessive, use gauze or a moistened tea bag to help control it.
Bone Sequestra: Small tooth fragments may surface during recovery, causing mild discomfort.
Dry Socket: Severe pain after 3-4 days may indicate dry socket, often linked to tobacco use or oral contraceptives. Contact your dentist if this occurs.
Lightheadedness: Stand up slowly due to possible lower blood sugar levels after fasting before surgery.
Numbness: Numbness around the mouth is normal and may last 10-12 hours.
Swelling: Swelling should decrease within 10 days. Use ice for the first 36 hours, then switch to moist heat.
Trismus: Jaw soreness and difficulty opening the mouth are common and should improve in 3-5 days.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth recovery. If you have any concerns, please contact us.

Surgical Instructions