Patient Resources

Pre-operative Instructions

Pre- Operative Instructions for Oral Sedation

You will not be able to drive home. You must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and may travel by private vehicle or hired transport.
Do not eat or drink for 2 hours prior to your appointment
Take all regular medications at their usual time with sips of water, unless you have been instructed otherwise by your dentist or physician.
Wear loose comfortable clothing. Do not wear nail polish.
Report any health changes prior to your appointment

Recommendations

You MUST BE FASTING FOR 8 HOURS PRIOR TO SURGERY, which means no food, water, gum or candy. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your surgery as it can be life threatening. You are advised to:

Take your morning medications as usual, unless otherwise instructed by your oral surgeon. Take these medications with a SMALL sip of water and as early in the morning as possible.
DO NOT smoke for 8 hours prior to surgery
Brush your teeth the morning prior to surgery
Wear comfortable and loose clothing for your appointment
Remove nail polish and do not wear contact lenses
Remove all jewelry, including tongue studs, earrings and rings

Post-operative Instructions

Swelling

Swelling can take up to three days to reach its maximum
Elevate your head on pillows for the first few days to minimize swelling
Apply a cold pack on the face for 20 minutes at a time for the first three days
Apply heat after first three days, massage the cheek gently, and exercise the jaw by opening and closing the mouth, three times a day

Bleeding

Swelling can take up to three days to reach its maximum
Elevate your head on pillows for the first few days to minimize swelling
Apply a cold pack on the face for 20 minutes at a time for the first three days
Apply heat after first three days, massage the cheek gently, and exercise the jaw by opening and closing the mouth, three times a day

Physical Activity

Rest is important for your recovery. Refrain from strenuous physical activity 1-2 days after surgery.

Nausea

Nausea may occur after a sedation.
Ginger-ale or soda cracker may help to alleviate nausea.
Gravol tablets or suppository may be purchased without a prescription. Follow the instructions on the packaging.

Sinus Grafting & Sinus Precautions

Do not blow your nose
Do not use a straw
Light nosebleeds are normal
If you feel congested, use an over-the-counter decongestant like Otrivin
If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open

Medications & Antibiotics

Take all medications as prescribed by the surgeon and follow as directed.
If you are taking birth control pills or if you are prescribed or administered antibiotics, please be aware that the effectiveness of the birth control pill may be compromised. Therefore, other methods of birth control must be employed throughout the next complete cycle.

Diet

Upon arrival home, you can drink immediately clear fluids at room temperature (ie: apple juice or broth)
Soft foods may be started if tolerated (eg: fresh pasta, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes)
Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours
Do not use a straw for one week

Oral Hygiene

Avoid smoking for at least 3 days following the surgery
Do not rinse your mouth, brush your teeth, spit, or swish for the rest of the day
Begin rinsing the mouth with warm salt water (or prescribed mouth rinse) the following day
Start brushing your teeth using toothpaste but avoiding the surgical sites and the adjacent teeth the following day
If you were provided with a Monoject syringe, use as directed

Sedation & Anaesthesia

Your concentration, balance, coordination, and judgement may be impaired for many hours after anaesthesia.
Plan to have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours after surgery.
Do not operate a car or any type of vehicle or machinery (for example, a lawn mower) for the next 24 hours.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages. You may be more sensitive to the intoxicating effects of alcohol for the next 24 hours.
Do not perform tasks that require much skill or fine finger work. (For example, you might cut a finger while carving a roast) for the next 24 hours.
Avoid making important legal or financial decisions; you may not be able to think clearly for the next 24 hours.

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