Patient Information

Access comprehensive patient information at OMS Group for a better understanding of your journey with us.
  • This is when we’ll discuss your diagnosis and treatment options, along with comprehensive patient information at OMS Group.
  • Additionally, we will review any supplied radiographs and take any additional x-rays and/or 3D scans, if necessary.
  • For patients under 19, it’s beneficial to have a parent or guardian present for clarity and consent regarding the treatment plan.
  • In some cases, we might schedule your consultation and surgery on the same day. If sedation or anesthesia is involved, follow the pre-operative instructions diligently.
  • Surgical referral slip from your dentist or physician
  • X-rays or any 3D scans you have (if applicable)
  • A complete list of any medical conditions and current medications
  • Dental insurance plan details (if applicable)
  • Payment for the consultation and potential treatment (Visa, Mastercard, and debit)

Following your consultation appointment, you will be given an estimate of the total cost of your surgery. If you have a dental plan we will forward this estimate to your insurance company to determine the amount of coverage towards our specialty fees. We make every effort to obtain the appropriate reimbursement for your consultation, x-rays, 3D scans, and procedures. However, please note that coverage will depend on the specifics of your individual insurance plan.

To avoid surprises, we encourage you to be completely familiar with the terms of your plan prior to surgery. On the day of your surgery, full payment for your portion of the surgical fee is due. Our office then submits the claim to your dental plan on your behalf. If there is not enough time to obtain pre-approval, you will need to pay for the consultation, radiographs, and surgical fees. You will then be reimbursed by your insurance company for the benefits that you are entitled to.

For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Debit.

General Pre and Postoperative Instructions

Patient information at OMS Group begins with our extensive guidelines that ensure your smooth and successful recovery.

Learn how to prepare for your procedure and maintain optimal healing afterward.

Instructions for patients undergoing a procedure under IV sedation or general anesthesia : 

  • Do not drink or eat anything for at least 8 hours prior to your appointment.
  • Do not wear makeup or nail polish.
  • Wear loose clothing with short sleeves or with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow.
  • Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures should all be removed.
  • If you are sick (i.e. cold, flu, sore throat, stomach or upset bowel), please notify the office.
  • If you take routine oral medications, please notify the office prior to your surgical date for further instruction.
  • Please do not smoke at least 12 hours before surgery and discontinue smoking for at least 7 days after surgery.
  • Please discontinue any recreational drugs for 24 hours before surgery.
  • You should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following anesthesia.
  • 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.

Bleeding:

  • Minor bleeding and oozing may continue for 1-3 days after surgery.
  • Place gauze and apply pressure in the surgical area for 30-60 minutes at a time.
  • Change the gauze every 30-60 minutes until bleeding slows down.
  • DO NOT leave gauze packs in while sleeping, as it can be a choking hazard.
  • Avoid spitting or using straws, hot foods or drinks, and high-impact activities for 3-7 days depending on the extent of surgery.
  • For continued oozing, place a moistened black tea bag over the area and apply pressure for 30-60 minutes.
  • Call the office or the after hours on-call surgeon if heavy bleeding continues.

 

Pain:

  • Pain is greatest for the first 2 days and should decrease over the next 2-7 days.
  • For minor pain, use over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen).
  • For more significant pain, please use the prescribed medications as directed.
  • When using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen), Aleve (Naproxen), Toradol (Ketorolac), take them after eating.
    • Monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal upset or pain and discontinue use if necessary.

 

Swelling & Bruising:

  • It is normal to have swelling after surgery.
  • Swelling increases for 2 days after your procedure and resolves in 2-10 days.
  • Place an ice pack to the cheek (20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off) repeatedly for 1-2 days.
  • After 2 days, moist warm compresses to the facial area may be used for comfort.
  • For any bruising, apply moist warm compresses to the facial area. This will improve in about 1-2 weeks.
  • Keep your head elevated 30 degrees while sleeping by lying on multiple pillows for 1-2 days.

 

Diet:

  • Once the freezing wears off and bleeding has slowed down, begin with a cold liquid diet.
  • Start with clear fluids and advance to a soft diet that can include juice, Jell-O, ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, soup, etc.
  • Avoid hot foods and beverages for 2 days.
  • If you experience nausea, use over-the-counter medication, like Gravol.

 

After IV Sedation or General Anesthesia

  • Do not drive a motorized vehicle or perform any activity requiring a high degree of concentration or care for 24 hours.
  • If you continue experiencing drowsiness or dizziness, avoid strenuous activity and have supervision.
  • Supervision, by a responsible adult, is needed for 24 hours after your surgery with any form of anesthesia.
  • Do not drink alcohol or take any sedatives, since they may prolong the effects of the medications given.


Other Instructions:

  • Please do not smoke for at least 7 days after your procedure.
  • Brush your teeth up to the surgical area, carefully — you must keep your mouth clean to avoid infection.
  • Begin gentle rinsing of your mouth with warm salt water or the recommended rinsing solution after each meal.
  • Most sutures or stitches are dissolvable and melt on their own between 5-14 days, depending on the type of sutures.
  • If the surgical site remains open and/or traps food/debris, please call the office to return for a check-up
  • If you experience hives, a rash, or itching, discontinue the prescribed medication and promptly contact your surgeon. You can reach the clinic or contact an on-call surgeon using the numbers below.

If you see no improvement in recovery after 5-7 days, call for a follow-up appointment.

Vancouver – T: (604) 879-6106 F: (604) 879-6108 E: vancouver@omsgroup.ca

Burnaby – T: (604) 430-1315 F: (604) 438-1320 E: burnaby@omsgroup.ca

Richmond – T: (604) 270-1700 F: (604) 303-0077 E: richmond@omsgroup.ca

Your jaws were wired together as the result of an accident or surgery, a procedure known as intermaxillary fixation (IMF). As detailed in our patient information at OMS Group, the devices placed within your jaw act to stabilize the bones to allow healing – similar to casting a broken limb. Your jaws will be wired together for 4-6 weeks. The wires may be changed to elastics during the treatment, prior to removal of the fixation devices. During this time, you may find eating, speaking, and hygiene difficult. The instructions below aim to provide some solutions to some difficulties you may encounter.

 

Diet

  • Initially, consume only liquids or very soft foods such as broths, soups, pureed vegetables, yogurt, and smoothies.
  • Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods as they may dislodge or damage the wiring.
  • Protein shakes or meal replacements, such as Ensure or Boost, may be helpful.
  • Other foods, such as cooked meats, eggs, cereals, fruits, and/or vegetables should be blended to a fine consistency to allow administration.
    • Straining the mixture prior to eating will help avoid food particles from becoming trapped between your teeth and devices.
  • Avoid foods with seeds, such as berries.
  • A Toomey syringe, provided after your procedure, may help in administering food to the posterior areas of your mouth where liquids may be directed behind your last molar teeth to swallow.
  • Follow the diet prescribed to you by your surgeon during your assessment and follow-ups.

 

Oral Hygiene:

Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent complications such as infection and plaque buildup:

  • Continue brushing your teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice daily.
  • Rinse your mouth with the prescribed Chlorhexidine mouthwash after meals to help keep the mouth clean.
    • Note: Chlorhexidine may cause staining of your teeth or darkening of your tongue. The stains can be removed with a dental cleaning, while the darkening of the tongue will resolve after cessation of the mouthwash once the fixation devices are removed.
  • Use a water flosser or syringe to irrigate between teeth and around wires. Water flossers can be purchased from most drug stores.

 

Pain:

  • Take prescribed pain medications as directed to manage discomfort.
  • Apply ice packs to the outside of the jaw intermittently (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

 

Activity and Rest:

  • Avoid strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting.
  • Rest with your head elevated to minimize swelling and promote comfort.

 

Care for Wiring:

  • Wires may require adjustments by your surgeon during your treatment.
  • Avoid manipulating the wires or attempting to adjust them yourself.
  • Report any loosening or breakage of wires to your healthcare provider immediately.
  • Wire cutters were provided in the event you must vomit.
  • Should you need to vomit, bend your head forward and allow the vomitus to flow out the mouth and nose.
  • Should you have issues with breathing, please cut the wires as instructed and call your surgeon.

 

Vancouver – T: (604) 879-6106 F: (604) 879-6108 E: vancouver@omsgroup.ca

Burnaby – T: (604) 430-1315 F: (604) 438-1320 E: burnaby@omsgroup.ca

Richmond – T: (604) 270-1700 F: (604) 303-0077 E: richmond@omsgroup.ca

Discover the OMS Group Difference

Experience readily available resources and patient information at OMS Group.

Expertise

Our team comprises board-certified surgeons with extensive experience in both simple and complex procedures.

Comprehensive Care

We offer a wide range of services, from routine dental extractions to facial reconstruction, all under one roof.

Cutting-Edge Technology

We’re at the forefront of surgical advancements, using state-of-the-art technology for precise and effective treatments.

Patient-Centered Approach

We provide personalized care and take the time to address your concerns.

Exceptional Results

Our track record of successful outcomes speaks for itself. We are dedicated to achieving the best results for our patients.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD OPTIMAL ORAL HEALTH.