Surgical Instructions

BEFORE BEING PUT TO SLEEP (ANESTHESIA) * Because anesthetic medications cause prolonged drowsiness, you MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult to drive you to the office and stay while you are having your surgery. That adult will then drive you home and stay with you until you are recovered sufficiently to care for yourself. * You must have a completely empty stomach. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU HAVE NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK FOR EIGHT (8) HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR ANESTHETIC. TO DO OTHERWISE MAY BE LIFE-THREATENING! Exception: You may take your usual morning pills using only a small sip of water no later than 2 hours prior to surgery. (example: If your appointment to be put to sleep is at 10 AM, you can take your medications with a small sip of water up to 8 AM. You cannot eat or drink anything, including water or pills, between 8 and 10 AM) * Please take your medications as usual the day before the surgery. * We strongly recommend you do not smoke the 2 weeks prior to surgery, especially the 24 hours before surgery. * Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes. * Please Call us prior to surgery if you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin, Aspirin, or Plavix. These medications may require a special arrangement. * Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery. * If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office. AFTER DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY Wearing your Prosthesis Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery. After the initial few hours, please minimize wearing these appliances to socially-necessary situations for the following 2 weeks. More specifically, please do not wear these prosthetics while : Sleeping Driving Relaxing at home, reading, watching tv…etc. AFTER Extractions After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times. After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site. It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean. After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at Integrative Oral & Facial Surgery in McLean VA Phone Number 703-388-2889.