For Bone Grafting
The following information will help you be prepared for your upcoming bone graft surgery.
Pre-Surgical Instructions
Eat before your surgery appointment; it helps the anesthetic to be more effective. Have a normal breakfast or normal lunch. Taking sedative – Eating must be three hours prior to your appointment. Start taking Halcion (sedative), two hours prior to your appointment.
Have prescriptions filled prior to your appointment. (Antibiotics, pain pills and mouth rinse.)
Do not take any aspirin products or blood thinning medications for three days prior to your appointment. If needed, Tylenol or Advil (ibuprofen) may be taken, they are okay. Consult with your physician if you need to come off Coumadin.
Post-surgical instructions
Medications
You were given several prescriptions. Have prescriptions filled prior to your appointment. (Antibiotics, pain pills and mouth rinse.) Please take your medications as directed. Pain medications should not be taken with any alcohol or when operating a vehicle. Do not take any pain medications on an empty stomach. If you develop a rash, itching, or other unusual reactions, stop taking the medication and promptly call our office. If you are taking a sedative (Halcion) for the procedure, please have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
You may take up to 4 Advil (Ibuprofen) every 4 hours with or without your pain medication. It will act as an anti-inflammatory.
Swelling
Swelling should be expected. Immediately following surgery, an ice pack may be applied to your face over the surgical area. Alternate 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off throughout the entire day of the surgery.
Avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 days after surgery to reduce swelling and bleeding. You will have an increase in swelling, bleeding and pain if too much activity is done.
*Please do not smoke. Smoking will delay the healing process and should be avoided as long as possible.
Expect the 3rd or 4th day after the surgery to be the worst in swelling. Do not be alarn1cd if you have swelling at this time, it is normal. By the 5th day the swelling should be down. For bruising and swelling you may go to any health food store (i.e. Whole Foods) and get some Arnica Montana. It will come in a pill or an ointment form, you may get either one.
Bleeding
Expect minimal bleeding from the surgery site. It will bleed. Small amounts of blood may color your saliva the first few hours after surgery. When saliva mixes with a small amount of blood it will appear to be more than it actually is. To stop bleeding apply firm pressure to area for 20 minutes. You may also place ice-cold water in your mouth and gently swish around or hold it in for a few minutes. If bleeding does not stop and it is bright red please contact our office immediately.
Hygiene
Your normal hygiene routine will be interrupted for the week after your surgery. You may not brush or floss the surgery site, leave it alone. You may brush and floss the teeth not involved in the surgery.
We will have you come back 1-2 weeks after surgery for a post-op appointment. We will remove sutures at this time and check the progress of healing.
Do not rinse your mouth that first day. Please allow 24 hours of healing before you start using your mouth rinse. Do not rinse vigorously. Rinse with the prescribed rinse (Peridex) only.
Diet
You will want to use care when eating. Softer foods and chewing on the opposite side are are strongly recommended for the first 5-7 days after the surgery. Do not eat foods that require heavy pressure for chewing. Please avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or spicy. Colder and lukewarm foods are best 24 hours after the procedure. Do not drink through a straw for at least 2 days.
Acceptable foods are:
Yogurt, eggs, soups, smoothies, chicken, pasta, rice, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, cheese, ground beef, cottage cheese, ice cream, pudding, juices and lots of fluids.
Foods to avoid:
Popcorn, nuts, seeds, hard candies, apples, crackers, chips, and hard breads.
If you need to get a hold of us and we are not in the office you may call Dr. Robinson on his cell phone. Please do not hesitate to call with any questions. Office Steven D. Robinson, DDS Phone Number Steven D. Robinson, DDS Phone Number 775-827-3302, Cell: (775) 232-6345