Surgical Instructions

You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for eight (8) hours prior to your procedure.

If you were so instructed by your oral surgeon, you may take your regular medications. You may take small sips of water only to swallow these pills. If you are diabetic or have any questions about your medications, please call us.

Smoking negatively affects your body's natural ability to recuperate, and it significantly delays healing. It can also compromise the success of the surgery itself. It would be ideal to quit completely, but at a minimum, no smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery. This includes all forms of smoking, even vaping and e-cigarettes.

Do not consume alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours prior to surgery.

A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and escort the patient home. If the patient is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present, unless prior arrangements have been made.

The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours after anesthesia.

Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be easily rolled up past the elbow. Please wear flat or low-heeled shoes. It can be chilly after anesthesia, so a loose, zip-up jacket may make you more comfortable.

Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.

Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.

If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office prior to coming.

 

Immediately Following Surgery

• If you had a gauze pad placed over the surgical area, it should be kept firmly in place for 45-60 minutes. Then the gauze pad should be removed carefully and replaced with new gauze, if the site continues to bleed. The gauze is not actually intended for soaking up blood, although it will naturally do this, but rather biting the gauze will keep pressure on the surgical site. Pressure is what will help the bleeding to stop.

• Vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area following surgery should be avoided. Rinsing might cause bleeding by allowing the blood clot that has formed to become dislodged.

• Take the over-the-counter pain relievers or, if prescribed, prescription strength pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This usually coincides with the local anesthetic wearing off.

• Limit your activities the day of surgery, and only resume normal activity when you feel comfortable. If you were sedated, you should minimize activity for at least 24 hours.

• Do not spit, drink through a straw, or smoke.

• Place ice packs on the sides of your face where surgery was performed to help minimize pain and swelling. Only apply ice for 15-20 minute periods for the first 24-36 hours. 

• Do not lay flat. Place an extra pillow under your head, or rest in a recliner. This helps minimize bleeding, swelling, and throbbing.

Bleeding

Bleeding after surgery is common and it can be difficult to predict how long bleeding will continue in each individual. Keep in mind that is can be difficult to swallow immediately after surgery, and a little blood mixed with saliva can look like a lot of blood. The gauze pads that were placed over the extraction sites before leaving the office are for applying pressure to the surgical sites, not for soaking up blood.  Continue changing them every 20-30 minutes once you are home. You should notice that the bleeding is slowing down within one to three hours. If bleeding continues, a moistened tea bag applied for 45-60 minutes without moving it will help promote a blood clot forming. However, if the bleeding still continues, please call us for further instructions.

Swelling

While you may feel swollen immediately after surgery, this is usually just a sensation caused by the anesthetic. The actual swelling typically shows up the day after surgery, and it may continue to increase for two or three days. The sides of the jaw, cheeks, and lower eyelids are common locations for swelling. The best way to minimize swelling is by keeping the head elevated with extra pillows, or by resting in a recliner, and then applying ice packs to the face. Refreezable cold packs, a bag of frozen peas, or crushed ice in a ziplock bag (wrapped in a t-shirt or towel), should be applied firmly to the face, in intervals of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, when possible for the first 24-36 hours after surgery.

Smoking

Smoking can cause dry socket, a very painful condition that usually requires further in-office care. Smoking negatively affects your body's natural ability to recuperate, and it significantly delays healing. It would be ideal to quit completely, but if you must smoke, please wait as long as possible (at least four to five days) before doing so. This includes all forms of smoking, even vaping and e-cigarettes.

Pain

Discomfort following surgical procedures is common, and this usually occurs as the numbing medication begins to wear off, typically within two to three hours after surgery. For moderate pain, over-the-counter Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken as indicated on the product packaging, unless your doctor has instructed you not to. For more severe pain, take the prescription pain relievers your doctor has prescribed. To avoid nausea, do not take medications on an empty stomach. Never mix prescription pain medications and alcohol. Never take anyone else's prescription medication. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking prescription pain medications.

Diet

You may begin taking fluids immediately after surgery, and water and juices are the best choices. Avoid coffee, tea, and other hot beverages, as well as carbonated beverages on the day of surgery, and no straws for four to five days after surgery. As you are able to tolerate drinking you may advance your diet to softer foods that do not require chewing. Things like applesauce, mashed potatoes, soups, gelatin, and protein shakes are a good start. Your body needs proper nourishment to heal quickly, so make sure to take plenty of fluids as you slowly change your diet to more solid foods within a few days. Try not to miss a meal, and make healthy choices.

Nausea

Nausea and vomiting can sometimes occur as a result of discomfort, anesthesia, or pain medication. Post-operative nausea is usually self-limiting, and sipping on flat cola or ginger-ale often helps. If nausea persists, stop taking the pain medicine and substitute an over the counter pain medicine for the next dose. If nausea still persists, please call our office. 

Bruising  

Depending on the nature of the surgery performed and the individual, some discoloring on the face may be seen for three to five days after the surgery. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal postoperative occurrence. If this happens, do not be alarmed. Moist heat applied to the area may help speed up the removal of the discoloration.

Antibiotics

If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Antibiotics are given to help prevent infection, but you should discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. If this occurs, please notify our office why you have stopped taking the prescribed antibiotic, and if needed, an alternative medication may be prescribed.  Women please note: Antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control medication.

Sutures

Sutures will usually dissolve on their own within one week. If non-dissolvable sutures were used, you should have been scheduled for a suture removal appointment. If a suture comes loose before your removal appointment, there is no need for concern. Simply remove the suture from your mouth carefully and throw it away.

Oral Hygiene

On the morning following your surgery, rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of table salt mixed well into one eight ounce glass of warm water), and then rinse after every meal and before bedtime. You may rinse as often as you would like but remember to wait until the day after surgery. You should begin to brush and floss your teeth as normal, but avoid the surgery sites for a few days. If you were given an irrigation syringe to rinse out sockets on the lower jaw, wait for three days before using it.

Other Concerns

If numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs, there is no cause for alarm. As stated before surgery, this is usually a temporary sensation. Be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel it at all, so please be careful. Call our office if you have any questions, or if you have numbness persisting the day following surgery.

Slight elevation of temperature following surgery is not uncommon. If a high temperature persists, please notify the office. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) should be taken to reduce the fever.

Be careful going from the lying down position to standing. You could get lightheaded if you stand up suddenly, due to several factors: You were not able to eat or drink prior to surgery; it is difficult to take fluids; taking pain medications can make you dizzy. As a safety precaution, sit upright for one minute before standing up.

Occasionally, patients may feel hard projections in the mouth with their tongue. They are not roots; they are the bony walls that used to support the tooth. These projections usually smooth out on their own, but if not, we can remove them.

If the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Keep your lips moist with a moisturizing ointment, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline).

Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. This is due to swelling of the muscles in the affected area, and the normal act of swallowing can then become painful. This will typically subside in two or three days. 

Stiffness (Trismus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days following surgery. This is normal, and will resolve itself with time.

 

Do not do anything that might disturb the wound. In particular, avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. In some cases, there may also be a metal healing abutment (or support) protruding through the gum tissue.

Bleeding

Bleeding after implant surgery is normal, but usually minimal. If bleeding persists after your surgery, try biting on a moistened gauze pad for 30-45 minutes, which should help to stop the bleeding. However, if the bleeding still continues, please call us for further instructions.

Swelling

While you may feel swollen immediately after surgery, this is usually just a sensation caused by the anesthetic. The actual swelling typically shows up the day after surgery, and it may continue to increase for two or three days. The sides of the jaw, cheeks, and lower eyelids are common locations for swelling. The best way to minimize swelling is by keeping the head elevated with extra pillows, or by resting in a recliner, and then applying ice packs to the face. Re-freezable cold packs, a bag of frozen peas, or crushed ice in a ziplock bag (wrapped in a t-shirt or towel), should be applied firmly to the face, in intervals of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, when possible for the first 24-36 hours after surgery.

Pain

Discomfort following surgical procedures is common, and this usually occurs as the numbing medication begins to wear off, typically within two to three hours after surgery. For moderate pain, over-the-counter Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken as indicated on the product packaging, unless your doctor has instructed you not to. For more severe pain, take the prescription pain relievers your doctor has prescribed. To avoid nausea, do not take medications on an empty stomach. Never mix prescription pain medications and alcohol. Never take anyone else's prescription medication. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking prescription pain medications.

Diet

You may begin taking fluids immediately after surgery, and water and juices are the best choices. Avoid coffee, tea, and other hot beverages on the day of surgery. As soon as the effects of anesthesia wear off, you may start a diet of soft foods. Avoid chewing directly on the implant site. Return to a regular diet as soon as it is comfortable.

Smoking

Smoking negatively affects your body's natural ability to recuperate, and it significantly delays healing. It can also compromise the success of the implant surgery itself. It would be ideal to quit completely, but if you must smoke, please wait as long as possible (at least four to five days) before doing so. This includes all forms of smoking, even vaping and e-cigarettes.

Nausea

Nausea and vomiting can sometimes occur as a result of discomfort, anesthesia, or pain medication. Post-operative nausea is usually self-limiting, and sipping on flat cola or ginger-ale often helps. If nausea persists, stop taking the pain medicine and substitute an over the counter pain medicine for the next dose. If nausea persists, please call our office.

Bruising  

Depending on the nature of the surgery performed and the individual, some discoloring on the face may be seen for three to five days after the surgery. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal postoperative occurrence. If this happens, do not be alarmed. Moist heat applied to the area may help speed up the removal of the discoloration.

Antibiotics

If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Antibiotics are given to help prevent infection, but you should discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. If this occurs, please notify our office why you have stopped taking the prescribed antibiotic, and if needed, an alternative medication may be prescribed. Women please note: Antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control medication.

Sutures

Sutures will usually dissolve on their own within one week. If non-dissolvable sutures were used, you should have been scheduled for a suture removal appointment. If a suture comes loose before your removal appointment, there is no need for concern. Simply remove the suture from your mouth carefully and throw it away.

Oral Hygiene

You should continue to brush and floss your teeth, but avoid the surgery sites for a few days. On the morning following your surgery, rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of table salt mixed well into one eight ounce glass of warm water) and then rinse at least three times a day and before bedtime. You may rinse as often as you like, beginning on the day of surgery. 

Other Concerns

If numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs, there is no cause for alarm. As stated before surgery, this is usually a temporary sensation. Be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel it at all, so please be careful. Call our office if you have any questions, or if you have numbness persisting the day following surgery.

Slight elevation of temperature immediately following surgery is not uncommon. If a high temperature persists, please notify the office. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) should be taken to reduce the fever.

Be careful going from the lying down position to standing. You could get lightheaded if you stand up suddenly, due to several factors: You were not able to eat or drink prior to surgery; it is difficult to take fluids; taking pain medications can make you dizzy. As a safety precaution, sit upright for one minute before standing up.

If the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Keep your lips moist with a moisturizing ointment, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline).

Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. This is due to swelling of the muscles in the affected area, and the normal act of swallowing can then become painful. This will typically subside in two or three days. Stiffness (Trismus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days following surgery. This is normal, and will resolve itself with time.

 

Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The pack helps to keep the tooth exposed, but if it does get dislodged or falls out, do not be alarmed.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for the first 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (which results in your mouth filling rapidly with blood) can frequently be controlled by biting down and applying pressure to a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 45-60 minutes. If bleeding still continues, please call our office for further instructions.

Swelling

While you may feel swollen immediately after surgery, this is usually just a sensation caused by the anesthetic. The actual swelling typically shows up the day after surgery, and it may continue to increase for two or three days. The sides of the jaw, cheeks, and lower eyelids are common locations for swelling. The best way to minimize swelling is by keeping the head elevated with extra pillows, or by resting in a recliner, and then applying ice packs to the face. Refreezable cold packs, a bag of frozen peas, or crushed ice in a ziplock bag (wrapped in a t-shirt or towel), should be applied firmly to the face, in intervals of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, when possible for the first 24-36 hours after surgery.

Diet

You may begin taking fluids immediately after surgery, and water and juices are the best choices. Avoid coffee, tea, and other hot beverages on the day of surgery. As soon as the effects of anesthesia wear off, you may start a diet of soft foods. Avoid chewing directly on the surgical site. Return to a regular diet as soon as it is comfortable.

Smoking

Smoking negatively affects your body's natural ability to recuperate, and it significantly delays healing. It would be ideal to quit completely, but if you must smoke, please wait as long as possible (at least four to five days) before doing so. This includes all forms of smoking, even vaping and e-cigarettes.

Pain

Discomfort following surgical procedures is common, and this usually occurs as the numbing medication begins to wear off, typically within two to three hours after surgery. For moderate pain, over-the-counter Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken as indicated on the product packaging, unless your doctor has instructed you not to. For more severe pain, take the prescription pain relievers your doctor has prescribed. To avoid nausea, do not take medications on an empty stomach. Never mix prescription pain medications and alcohol. Never take anyone else's prescription medication. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking prescription pain medications.

Oral Hygiene

Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing, especially with braces. You should continue to brush and floss your teeth, but avoid the surgery sites for a few days. On the morning following your surgery, rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of table salt mixed well into one eight ounce glass of warm water) and then rinse at least three times a day and before bedtime. You may rinse as often as you like, beginning on the day of surgery.

Sutures

Sutures will usually dissolve on their own within one week. If non-dissolvable sutures were used, you should have been scheduled for a suture removal appointment. If a suture comes loose before your removal appointment, there is no need for concern. Simply remove the suture from your mouth carefully and throw it away.

Antibiotics

If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Antibiotics are given to help prevent infection, but you should discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. If this occurs, please notify our office why you have stopped taking the prescribed antibiotic, and if needed, an alternative medication may be prescribed. Women please note: Antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control medication.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this happens, you should stop exercising immediately. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced, and exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising right away.