Surgical Instructions

Having informed patients is of the utmost importance. It helps ensure that you are prepared for the procedure and that all questions are answered. The following information will cover some general information about your treatment. This should help you develop questions to ask during the consultation.

Before the Anesthesia

We ask patients to abstain from food and drinks for at least eight hours before the surgery and cigarettes for at least 12 hours before the procedure begins. Also, be sure to mention any medication that you are taking as your oral specialist needs to know this information.

Remember that you will need to bring a designated driver along because you will not be able to drive due to the anesthesia.

Be sure to leave jewelry, contact lenses, and dentures behind on the day of your surgery.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

There is no doubt that a tooth extraction is an extensive surgical procedure, which merits post-operative care to make sure infections or complications are avoided. One thing that will happen immediately after surgery is the oral specialist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site. This gauze will not be removed for at least 45 minutes.

We also tell patients to not use a straw when drinking or rinsing the mouth right after the procedure. Both actions could dislodge the blood clot that has formed on the site.

We encourage patients to limit activity this day, especially a strenuous one, but can return to normal activities the following day. You can take pain medication for any discomfort if recommended.

Dental Implant Surgery

Patients will need to take it slow for 48 to 72 hours. Rest is incredibly important during the healing process because it helps the body heal faster. Fluids are important during this time as well, preferably water. Make sure it is not too cold. Some patients need to apply an ice pack for 20 minutes for a few days due to the discomfort.

Those who had upper implants should refrain from blowing their nose for two weeks. Some patients feel uncomfortable for a few days after the procedure, but this usually goes away. Do not be frightened if you experience a little bleeding for two days after surgery. There is also a chance that your temperature will rise by one or two degrees for a few days.

Be sure to avoid chewing directly on the area that was treated.

Impacted Tooth

Discomfort and swelling should be expected when the impacted tooth is removed. Some patients use a cold compress to deal with the discomfort, which yields positive results. You may be prescribed pain medication to deal with any discomfort. It is recommended that you avoid chewing on the treated area, or eat soft foods for a few days.

Multiple Tooth Extractions

Multiple tooth extractions will stress your jawbone and gums. This means some patients will see swelling in the treated areas. This happens because the oral specialist had to shape the jawbone to prepare it for denture placement. Some may experience swelling near the eyes. Your eyes might even become slightly discolored. You can always apply a warm compress to reduce the swelling.

The muscles near the treated area may also become weak, which could lead to a sore throat, but this is normal and should go away. It is likely that your mouth will become a little dry during surgery to the point that the edges might crack.

Your dentist will schedule an appointment within 48 hours to discuss additional post-surgery symptoms.

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