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Surgical Instructions

Pre-Operative Instructions

The well-being of our patients as their primary focus. 

For surgery before 12 noon: Take nothing by mouth after midnight. Do not eat or drink anything for breakfast before coming to the office except prescribed medications with a small sip of water as advised by your doctor.

For afternoon surgery: No solid food eight hours prior to surgery. Clear liquids, including juice without pulp, water or coffee (black) without sugar or milk are acceptable up to three hours prior to surgery.

  1. Monitor the Patient: Parents and guardians of children should observe the child continuously and make absolutely certain that no food, fluid or medications are consumed. The empty stomach is very important for the safety of the patient under anesthesia. Liquids, food or medications in the stomach may cause vomiting and aspiration into the lungs causing serious complications including death. It is the responsibility of the patient and/or parent or guardian to follow this vital percussion of "NOTHING BY MOUTH".
  2. Alcohol: Do not consume alcoholic beverages or smoke for 24 hours prior to surgery.
  3. Illness: Notify the doctor if you developed a cold, sore throat, cough, fever, or any other illness prior to surgery.
  4. Arrival: Arrive at the office promptly for your appointment. Late arrivals may necessitate cancellation of your appointment.
  5. Clothing: Wear appropriate attire including loose-fitting clothing. Sleeves should be easily rolled past the elbow. Wear secure shoes without elevated heels.
  6. Makeup: Women should remove nail polish and lipstick. All patients should remove contact lenses and jewelry.
  7. Driving: Patients must be accompanied by an adult who will remain in the reception room during surgery and sit with the patient after the surgery until they are able to leave the office. An adult should remain with the patient for the following 24 hours. Patients will not be allowed to drive or take a public transportation.
  8. Approval: When requested, get a written statement from your physician improving the surgery and the administration of the anesthesia.
  9. After-care: Surgery will be performed in the clinic on an outpatient basis. In rare instances, in the professional judgment of the doctor, it may be necessary to have the patient admitted to the hospital after the operation.
  10. Nutrition: A well-balanced diet is essential to rapid healing.
  11. Understanding Your Responsibilities: Patients, parents or guardians are required to sign the Treatment Record technology the receipt of these instructions.
  12. Questions:If you have questions about these instructions, please call 509.928.3600 or 800.523.8456. 

Post-Operative Instructions

That these instructions are followed carefully they may prevent nevus alarm or worry as well as post-surgical complications.

  1. Pain Management: Expect moderate discomfort, nausea, swelling and oozing in the immediate 24 hours following surgery. This is normal. However, severe pain, or bleeding, etc., should result in immediate notification of the doctor. Swelling normally peaks it 48 hours. Numbness from the local anesthetic may last 3-6 hours. Patients may start brushing teeth The same evening as surgery or the following morning being careful of surgical sites.
  2. Hygiene: Keep the mouth clean: Do NOT vigorously rinse the mouth on the day of surgery. This is to minimize bleeding and the loss of blood clot. No alcohol and no smoking for 72 hours after surgery. After 36 hours use half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of hot water for a mouthwash. This should be done for one week after each meal and anytime after eating. The water should be as hot as possible for cleanliness and healing.
  3. Gauze Pads: These will be placed over the surgical areas acting as protective pressure bandages to control bleeding and swelling. The original pads should remain in place until they are totally saturated. The less frequently the gauze is changed, the better, as a pressure dressing over the wounds. Continue to use until bleeding has subsided. The gauze packs may even be left in overnight to control bleeding. The gauze roll should be thick enough so that your teeth do not touch when you're closing your mouth together. For the first 36 hours after surgery do not rinse, suck on a straw or spit.
  4. Force Fluids by Mouth: Dehydration hinders healing. Eat anything you desire, preferably a soft diet. A good appetite and well-balanced diet are essential to rapid healing. Soups, fruit juices, milk, milkshakes, and food supplements are recommended for 24 hours following surgery.
  5. Medications: 400 milligrams of Ibuprofen taken every 6 hours will manage most post-surgical pain. If other medications have been prescribed, they should be taken immediately after surgery before the local anesthesia wears off. If antibiotics have been prescribed, they may be started on the evening of surgery.
  6. For Swelling After Extractions: First 48 Hours: Use an ice bag, 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off intermittently. After 48 Hours: If swelling continues, use moist heat only. Apply with a face towel. Do this for 30 minutes every hour for swelling.
  7. Immediate Dentures: If the immediate dentures have been inserted, do not remove them. These dentures will be removed in the office at your next appointment 24 hours after surgery.
  8. Sutures: If sutures or packings have been placed, you must return to the office for their removal. However, dissolvable sutures are often used.
  9. Nausea & Vomiting: Nausea and/or vomiting may occur in the immediate post-operative period. If nausea and/or vomiting is excessive, please call the office so we can prescribe anti-nausea medication. 509.928. 3600.
  10. Emergencies: If difficulty in breathing, fever or any other disturbing problems to develop after leaving the office you should call the office immediately.
  11. Observe the Patient: If other than local anesthesia was used, patient should be observed continuously upon returning home for a minimum of 8 hours. Patient should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours. Avoid activity requiring full concentration e.g., making significant personal or business decisions, since full mental alertness may not return for many hours.

WARNING: For female patients on birth control pills: Some antibiotics and other medications have been shown to reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. You are advised to use additional means of birth control during the cycle for which you have been prescribed medications.