PATIENT INFORMATION

Surgical Instructions

Pre-operative Instructions

The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call our office if  you have any last minute questions. We can be reached at (407) 647-2295 during regular business hours.

Prior to surgery you should receive your pre/post-operative prescriptions with the following instruction sheet.  For your convenience, please have your prescription filled prior to your scheduled surgery.  Please bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.
 
Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics.  ***If you are a patient for whom Antibiotic Pre-Medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your surgery.***

We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you would like.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will need to see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1 - 5 weeks and an examination of tissue maturation about 10-12 weeks following the surgery. 

Sedatives and IV Sedation

If you elect to use one of the following oral sedatives or IV sedation, you must have a ride to and from the office. Please bring your remaining tablets with you. 

  • Ativan (Lorazepam)
  • Valium (Diazepam)
  • Triazalam (Halcion)

Post-operative Instructions

These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.

Pain Medications

It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. If necessary, you may take your pain medication more frequently than every 4-6 hours to stay ahead of the soreness. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach to decrese nausea.
 
As an alternative to prescription pain medications, some patients have found taking a combination of over the counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol to be effective. You may take the combination in either of the following dosages: 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 2 Regular Strength Tylenol or 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol, every 4-6 hours as needed.

Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicoden or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office with any questions you may have.

Antibiotics

An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach to decrese nausea. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

Swelling

Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically increase 2-3 days after the procedure. To minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue using ice for 2-3 days following the procedure as often as possible.

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is normal, if excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:

  • Do not rinse your mouth.
  • Elevate your head when lying down.
  • Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes, repeat if necessary.
  • Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
  • Call the office if bleeding persists.

Dressing

The dressing (which acts as a bandage) is used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction.
 

Rinsing

Do not rinse for the first 24 hours.  After that, you may use a warm salt water rinses (1cup to 1/2 teaspoon of salt).  Repeat as necessary to help keep the dressing clean.

Brushing

Do not brush the surgical site until instructed. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas of the mouth the following day.

Suture Removal

You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. ***If you are a patient for whom Antibiotic Pre-Medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.***

Smoking

Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

Diet

Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed.  Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 hour following the surgery so as not to soften the dressing.  A soft diet is recommended, such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, smoothies and certain fruits are more easily eaten. Avoid hard crunchy foods, such as chips or crusty bread and anything acidic.  Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing. 

Food Suggestions

When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices:

  • Jell-O
  • Bananas
  • Yogurt
  • Pasta
  • Milk Shakes/Smoothies
  • Casseroles
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Ensure/Slim Fast
  • Soups
  • Pudding
  • Rice
  • Apple Sauce
  • Oatmeal
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes