Instructions

Instructions before Sedation or General Anaesthesia

Do not drink or eat anything for at least 6-8 hours prior to your appointment
Do not wear excessive makeup like nail polish and lipstick
Wear loose clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow
Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures should be removed
If you are sick (i.e. cold, flu, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset), please notify the office
If you take routine oral medications, please notify the office prior to your surgical date for instructions
Please do not smoke at least 12 hours before surgery and discontinue smoking for 7 days after surgery
Please discontinue any recreational drugs 24 hours before surgery
You should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anaesthesia.
Please have a family member or friend accompany you to the office and to take you home. They should supervise you until you are alert and oriented.

Minor bleeding/oozing may continue for 1 – 2 days
Place gauze pack over the surgical area and bite for ~ 30 min. (don’t leave in while eating or sleeping)
Repeat gauze every ~ 30 min. until the bleeding slows down (don’t leave in while eating or sleeping)
Avoid spitting or talking too much for the first day
Avoid sucking actions for 7 days (smoking, straw use)
For excessive bleeding, try a moist tea bag over the surgical area

The first 24 – 48 hours will usually be the most painful
For minor pain, use over-the-counter pain medication (i.e. Advil, Motrin, Tylenol)
For more serious pain, use the prescribed pain medication as directed

Swelling is common for 1 – 7 days
If bruising develops, it should resolve in 7 – 14 days
Place an ice pack on the cheek area for 30 minutes and alternate sides for 24 hours
After 24 hours, use warm moist heat for comfort
Sleep with your head elevated with two pillows

Remove the gauze pack when eating or drinking
After the bleeding slows down and the freezing starts to wear off, start with cool clear liquids
Avoid hot liquids/foods for 24 hours
Gradually increase your diet to soft foods
If you are nauseated and a carbonated beverage does not improve it, try some over-the-counter Gravol

After anesthesia, you must have supervision for 24 hours
After anesthesia, do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery for 24 hours
Brush teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical area
Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after each meal
Stitches will dissolve gradually in 5 – 7 days
If hives or an itch develops on your skin, stop the prescribed medication and contact the on-call surgeon
If your recovery is not improving after 5 – 7 days, please call the office