Preoperative Instructions

Pre & Post Op Instructions... Preoperative Instructions Preop - Diabetic Patients Preop - Taking Steroids Preop - Taking Coumadin Preop - Requiring Antibiotics General Post Operitive Instructions Postop - Dental Implants Postop - Orthognathic Surgery Postop - Sinus Grafting Postop - Tooth Socket Grafting

The following instructions are provided to assist you in preparing for your surgery.

1.	If you are going to have an IV sedation/General anesthetic for your surgery, please follow the instruction listed below:

	You may not have anything to eat or drink for six hours prior to the appointment with the following exceptions: If you have been given a Motrin 800mg pill take it with about a quarter glass of water two or more hours prior to your scheduled appointment. DO NOT take this pill if you have a sensitivity or allergy to Motrin. Do not stop taking any required medications prescribed by your physician. If you take medications in the morning for a medical condition(s), please take those routine medications with a quarter glass of water two or more hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
	Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up to the shoulder and low-heeled shoes. Please do not wear a dress. Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery. Please remove Tongue rings, lip rings and other oral piercings prior to your surgery appointment.
	A responsible adult must accompany ALL patients to the office, stay during the surgery and be able to drive the patient home after the surgery. It is also advisable but not absolutely necessary to have an adult with you at home the day of your surgery.
	Two adults must accompany any child receiving Ketamine anesthesia. One to drive and the other to attend to the child during the drive home.
2.	Payment: You are required to submit the prearranged payment, in full, when you arrive for your surgical appointment. Please reference the fee estimate given to you on your pre-operative visit for financial details
3.	Consent for Minors: If you are under 18 years of age and not married, you must have a parent or legal guardian present in the office during examination and any treatment.

4. Diet: It is important to aggressively drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

	Avoid carbonated beverages for at least 5 days after surgery prevent prolonged bleeding and avoid disturbing the socket blood clots resulting in a dry socket.
	Avoid using a straw for several days as it may cause the blood clot to dislodge, delay healing and result in a dry socket. Drink from a glass or cup.
	Good nutrition must be maintained following oral surgery even if mouth soreness and jaw stiffness are present.
	Food selection is largely a matter of your choice, we suggest the following: First day: Drink clear liquids (except carbonated beverages). If you can hold the liquid up to a light and see through it you can drink it. Next days: Soft, cool or warm foods that require little or no chewing are most easily tolerated at this time. A nutritious diet is necessary to promote healing and a speedy recovery. Since you will be taking medication, it is important to remember that eating can prevent nausea sometimes associated with certain medications. Suggested food choices: Yogurt, pudding, Jell-O®, milkshakes, ice cream, instant breakfast, Ensure® soups, baby food and blenderized foods. Broiled fish, stewed chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and cooked vegetables, can be added to your diet as your comfort indicates. Multiple Vitamins are certainly OK.
	You be the judge. There is no reason to avoid your favorite foods if you are comfortable while eating them. Advance to your regular diet as quickly as you are able.

5.	Driving/Reflexes: DO NOT DRIVE AN AUTOMOBILE OR ATTEMPT ANY HAZARDOUS TASKS for 24 hours following surgery if you have had intravenous sedation, or if you are taking prescription pain medication.
6.	Swelling: to help minimize swelling, apply an ice bag to your face/jaw over the surgical site for 20 minutes then remove it from your face/jaw for 10 minutes. Repeat the cycle until bedtime the first day. Discontinue the ice completely after the first day.
7.	Smoking: AVOID SMOKING COMPLETELY, smoking will slow the healing process and may also contribute to development of a dry socket.
8.	Questions: If you have any questions concerning the above, please feel free phone our office at 881-1130 between the hours of 7:45am-5:00pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday; 7:45am-4:00pm Tuesday; and 7:45am-12:00pm on Friday.