Pre-Operative Care Instructions

1. DO NOT eat solid foods and absolutely no liquids (this includes water) for a minimum of eight (8) hours before surgery.
2. DO NOT smoke or drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to your surgery.
3. Wear loose casual clothing; shirt with short sleeves.
4. A responsible person MUST drive you home and remain with you for at least four (4) hours after surgery.
5. Take your daily medications ( as directed by the surgeon) with as little fluid as possible.
6. Remove contact lenses.
7. Have plenty of liquids, soups, and soft foods available for your post-operative diet.
8. DO NOT DRIVE AN AUTOMOBILE UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY.

*NOTE: IF YOU DEVELOP AN UPSET STOMACH, HEAD OR CHEST COLD, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE

~Remember to use our free valet parking on the day of your surgery. Valet parking is available on Hoyt St. from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Post-Operative Care Instructions

DAY OF SURGERY
1. Maintain firm biting pressure on the gauze in your mouth for 30 to 45 minutes, then remove it and replace as needed until bleeding has stopped. Moisten gauze before placing.
2. Some light oozing of blood is normal for 24 hours following surgery. If heavy bleeding is present, moisten a teabag under warm tap water and squeeze out excess water. Place teabag directly over area an hold firm biting pressure for 45 minutes.
3. Apply ice to the outside cheek area of surgical sites, 20 minutes each area every hour for the first day to help minimize swelling. Rest with head elevated (2-3 pillows) to help reduce the amount of swelling.
4. Drink plenty of liquids and soft food as desired; i.e.: yogurt, pudding, jello, eggs, mashed potatoes, soup.
5. If you had an IV, place a warm compress over the IV site for 2-3 hours. Some soreness and or discoloration around IV site is not uncommon. Contact office if area does not resolve within 1 week following surgery.

   DO NOT RINSE OR SPIT FORCIBLY ON DAY OF SURGERY. DO NOT USE A STRAW OR SMOKE FOR 72 HOURS. THESE THINGS MAY STIMULATE AND PROLONG BLEEDING.

MEDICATION
1. Take medication prescribed by doctor as instructed following procedure. Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach. Exercise good judgement: prescribed pain medication can slow reflexes and responses and should not be taken while driving or operating machinery.
2. Take antibiotics if prescribed and complete the prescription. If itching or rash appears, discontinue medication and notify office.
3. If nausea occurs, sip small amounts of ginger ale, 7-up or other carbonated beverages frequently. If persists, call the office.

DAY AFTER SURGERY
1. Begin warm salt water rinsing 4-5 times a day for 5 days. Use 6 ounces very warm water mixed with 1 tsp. salt and hold over affected areas, counting to 60 and then rinse out. Do not vigorously swish. Begin using a moist, hot wash cloth over cheek areas to help reduce swelling for 20 minutes every hour - throughout the day for several days, as need, beginning the day after surgery.
2. Resume brushing teeth and gums carefully, as good hygiene promotes healing. Use a soft toothbrush and gently massage gums near the surgery area.

   *if you were given a syringe at your surgery appointment, begin to use 5-7 days after surgery to keep area cleansed. Fill syringe with warm water and flush out empty socket area so food particles do not collect in area during healing process.

SUMMARY
• Some bleeding (oozing) is to be expected and should not be cause for alarm.
• Use ice first 24 hours and then begin salt water rinsing and heat.
• If you have had general anesthesia, DO NOT operate a motorized vehicle or similar equipment for 24 hours.
• IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH PERSISTENT PAIN, SWELLING FEVER OR HAVING DIFFICULTIES WITH BREATHING OR SWELLING, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.