Pre-and Post-Op Instructions
Know what to expect before and after your procedure. Review preparation and recovery steps tailored to each treatment so you can feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Pre-op anesthesia
In order to ensure your comfort and safety during your surgery please follow these instructions carefully.
DO talk to your surgeon about medications you are taking. Take medications as directed by your surgeon with a small sip of water.
DO arrive with somebody you know and trust who will drive you to and from your appointment.
DO wear close comfortable clothing.
DO remove any loose jewelry, dentures, or glasses prior to surgery.
DO notify the office if you are sick or ill prior to surgery.
DO NOT eat or drink anything for 8 hours before surgery.
DO NOT use tobacco, marijuana, alcohol or other drugs for 48 hours before your surgery.
DO NOT operate motor vehicles for 24 hours after surgery.
Extractions
DO use ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 48 hours after surgery. Your face may be numb so be careful and place a towel between the ice and your face.
DO bite down on gauze for 30 minutes. If you still have bleeding after 30 minutes repeat with more gauze. If that does not work wet a dark tea bag, place it directly over the extraction site, and bite down for another 30 minutes. If this does not work call your surgeon.
DO sleep with your head elevated on several pillows to keep your head above your heart. This will minimize your swelling.
DO take your medications as directed. Over the counter medications like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen should be used for the first 2 days after surgery to minimize pain.
DO eat a soft diet after surgery. Avoid foods that are spicy, crunchy, or contain seeds or popcorn.
DO start rinsing with warm salt water 3 times per day on the day after surgery and continue for 1 week.
DO brush your teeth the day after surgery. Brush gently near the surgical sites.
DO expect pain and swelling to worsen for the first 3 days after surgery before improving.
DO NOT use straws for 1 week after surgery.
DO NOT smoke for 1 week after surgery.
DO NOT exercise for 1 week after surgery.
Implants
DO use ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 48 hours after surgery. Your face may be numb so be careful and place a towel between the ice and your face.
DO bite down on gauze for 30 minutes if you have any bleeding. Repeat as needed.
DO sleep with your head elevated on several pillows to keep your head above your heart. This will minimize your swelling.
DO take your medications as directed. Over the counter medications like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen should be used for the first 2 days after surgery to minimize pain. Antibiotics are necessary to help prevent infection to your implant and they should be taken for the full course prescribed.
DO eat a soft diet after surgery. Avoid foods that are spicy, crunchy, or contain seeds or popcorn.
DO start rinsing with warm salt water 3 times per day on the day after surgery and continue for 1 week.
DO brush your teeth the day after surgery. Brush gently near the surgical sites.
DO expect pain and swelling to worsen for the first 3 days after surgery before improving.
DO NOT smoke for 1 week after surgery, smoking increases your risk of implant failure.
Sinus Precautions
Your surgeon has performed a procedure that has manipulated your maxillary sinus. To help you please follow the instructions below.
DO sneeze with your mouth open.
DO take decongestants and nasal steroids as needed.
DO NOT blow your nose for 2 weeks.
DO NOT exercise for 2 weeks and avoid lifting anything over 20 pounds.
DO NOT use straws for 2 weeks.
DO NOT smoke for 2 weeks.
Generic
DO use ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 48 hours after surgery. Your face may be numb so be careful and place a towel between the ice and your face.
DO sleep with your head elevated on several pillows to keep your head above your heart. This will minimize your swelling.
DO take your medications as directed. Over the counter medications like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen should be used for the first 2 days after surgery to minimize pain.
DO eat a diet as directed by your surgeon. Make sure you receiving adequate calories and hydration to
promote healing.
DO avoid exposing any incisions to sunlight while healing. UV rays can make scars heal poorly.
DO expect pain and swelling to worsen for the first 3 days after surgery before improving.
DO call your surgeon if you experience a temperature higher than 101 degrees.
DO NOT smoke for 1 week after surgery.
DO NOT exercise for 1 week after surgery.
