Pre-Op Instructions

Instructions PRIOR to Periodontal/Implant Surgery Appointment

  1. Dress comfortably and wear short sleeves.

  2. Women, please do not wear make-up (including nail polish).

  3. Do not wear contact lenses or jewelry.

  4. If prescribed, take your antibiotic as directed and ten of the Decadron (Dexamethasone) one hour before your surgery.  Further instructions will be given to you on the day of your surgery.  Take these with enough water to get them down but no more.

  5. Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to surgery.

  6. On the day of surgery, it is required that someone bring you and take you home due to the medication that is used.

  7. If you are on any type of medication for heart, blood pressure, etc., please take your normal dosage.

  8. If taking aspirin or any medication containing aspirin, discontinue 5 days prior to surgery.

 

Post-Op Instructions

Instructions FOLLOWING Periodontal/Implant Surgery

  1. NO alcoholic drinks or tobacco for 24 hours after surgery.

  2. Lie down and rest when you get home.  Avoid exertion for the first 24 hours.  You may participate in any activity as long as you feel up to it.

  3. DO NOT rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.  After this period, warm salt water (1/2 tsp in medium glass of warm water) may be used several times a day.  Cloroseptic spray can also be used as an oral freshener.

  4. Some oozing of blood can be expected during the first 24 hours.  You many want to cover your pillow with a towel.  If the bleeding seems excessive, apply a moistened tea bag (non-herbal) to the area and hold with pressure for 15-20 minutes.  Repeat is necessary.

  5. Have something cold for your first meal after surgery, such as a milk shake, ice cream, Jell-O, etc.  Try and maintain a HIGH PROTEIN DIET, which is essential for normal healing.  Nutrament or Ensure are good liquid diets.  Avoid using a straw.  Do not chew anything that will break the dressing.

  6. If the medication prescribed to control the discomfort results in an upset stomach or nausea, this may be minimized by taking the pill with milk and/or a small bite to eat.

  7. To help control swelling, apply an ice bag wrapped in a towel to the areas treated.  Apply this for 15 minutes and leave off for 15 minutes.  Do this for several hours the first day only.

  8. If you are using a water pik, discontinue use.  You may brush and floss the area of your mouth NOT covered by the dressing AFTER the first 24 hours.  Brush the chewing surface of your teeth lightly.

  9. The protective dressing should stay in until you are seen for the removal of the sutures.  If a small piece is lost and you experience no discomfort, do not be concerned.  If a large piece is lost of the dressing loosens, contact our office.

  10. Gentle tooth brushing and flossing should be started when instructions are given.

  11. If you should experience severe pain, bleeding, skin rash or nausea, contact the doctor at (602) 840-4100 or after office hours at Dr. Watkins' home at (602) 840-9267.

  12. Some patients may experience slight constipation due to medication and/or lack of exercise and diet.  In this case, canned fruits, such as peaches, apricots, and/or cooked prunes should be added to your diet.

 

Recommended Foods for After Surgery

Milk Group

Milk
Milk Shakes
Malts
Ice Cream
Cottage Cheese
Yogurt
Pudding

Meat Group

Ground Meat
Baked Fish
Tuna Fish
Eggs
Legumes
Peanut Butter

Bread & Cereals

Oatmeal
Grits
Rice
Wheat Bread
Cream of Wheat
Malt-o-Meal

Vegetables & Fruits

Well Cooked Vegetables
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Orange Juice
Canned Fruit
Apple Sauce
Fruit Juices
Soups

Pea Soup
Potato Soup
Bean Soup
Creamed Soups
Vegetable Soup
Clam Chowder

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