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 Cupertino Phone Number 408-996-3191 during regular business hours.
You should receive your pre/post-operative prescriptions with this instruction sheet. 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.
It is advisable to stop taking Aspirin and non-steroidals such as Motrin and Advil, 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, remember to discontinue the medications as directed. If you take antibiotic premed, please take 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 if you would like.
In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1 – 5 weeks. After surgery, in most cases, we will also look forward to seeing you back for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an examination of tissue maturation about 10-12 weeks following the surgery.
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
If you elect to use one of the following oral sedatives you must have a ride to and from the office. Please bring your remaining tablets with you. Remember, we encourage you to eat prior to your surgery.
- Ativan (Lorazepam)
- Valium (Diazepam)
- 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 week following your surgical procedure. You will be prescribed medication to help tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. If necessary, you may take your pain medication more frequently, every 4-6 hours, to prevent soreness. It is advisable not to 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 and Tylenol to be effective. You may take the combination in either of the following dosages: 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 2 Regular Strength Tylenol or 3 Advil Liqui-Gels 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 completed. 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.
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 area outside of your cheek for 20 minutes and remove for 20 minutes. 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 with moderate 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 severe bleeding persists.
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 directions.
Diet
Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was performed Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 hour following the surgery to prevent softening of the dressing. A soft diet is recommended. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fruits are recommended. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.
Smoking
Prohibit smoking for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. Smoking is proven to significantly retard 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 the following day.
Suture Removal
If you are a patient for whom Antibiotic Pre-Medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.
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.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Cupertino Phone Number 408-996-3191.