surgery reminders

Prior to Surgery

Time off

  • Plan time off work, school, and activity for 3-5 days (‘total couch potato’)

Pain management

  • Have over-the-counter pain medications on hand (Ibuprofen 400mg, Tylenol 500mg)

  • Ice pack/cold packs on hand

Meal prep

  • Soft meals planned/prepared

Communication

  • Advise our admin team of any medication or medical changes since your previous visit

If you are having conscious sedation:

  • Confirm with our administrative team, so we can answer specific questions and details.

  • Sedation will have a mild-moderate relaxation effect, you will be conscious and not ‘asleep’, but you will be comfortable and not anxious

  • Organize a driver to/from the appointment

  • No eating/drinking from midnight, on the night before the procedure

  • Medications can be taken with clear fluid (water only)

 

Day of Surgery

Arrival

  • Arrive at our waiting room a minimum of 20 minutes prior to your scheduled surgery time

  • Wear comfy, loose fitting clothing

  • Expect to be in the office for at least 90 minutes, depending on the type of surgery you are having

Bring With You

  • Retainers, dentures, bruxism guard

  • Headphones/music if desired

If you are having conscious sedation:

  • Your driver/companion must stay in the waiting room, or be close and accessible by phone

  • Medications can be taken with clear fluid (water only) on the morning of the procedure, otherwise, no eating/drinking from midnight, on the night before the procedure

 

Post Surgery

Time Off

  • Plan time off work/school/activity (3-5 days of being a ‘couch potato’), rest is the key to success

  • No vigorous exercise for at least 5-days

Medications and Pain Management

  • Pick up your medications immediately after the procedure, and begin taking as instructed as soon as possible

  • We will discharge with a dose of Ibuprofen or Tylenol, though beginning your prescription medications ASAP will provide the most comfortable healing experience

  • Begin icing the area as directed, as soon as possible and for the first 72 hours

Eating, Brushing, and Specifics

  • Begin eating soft and tolerable foods the day of the procedure

  • We will review what to clean, what to avoid, and specifics in detail after the procedure

  • A detailed take-home instruction list will be provided.

  • Our general post-operative instructions can be found here

 

Our administrative team will reach out in the first few days to answer any further questions, and discuss any next steps in your care. Remember, even minor surgery will require some dedicated care, rest, and relaxation.