For Osseous Surgery
The following information will help you be prepared for your upcoming osseous surgery.
Pre-Surgical Instructions
Please have your prescriptions filled prior to your surgical date.
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.
Do not take any aspirin products for three days prior to your appointment. If needed, Tylenol or Advil (ibuprofen) may be taken.
Please avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages the night before and the day of your surgery to avoid additional bleeding.
Post-surgical instructions
The day of treatment you will undergo surgery of the gum tissue and the bone surrounding the teeth. This process will reduce your periodontal pocket depth and restore your oral health.
This procedure will only be successful if you follow a strict oral regime. This will include professional, routine checkups and cleanings followed by immaculate home care. The key to success is consistency.
Medications
You may have several prescriptions. Have prescriptions filled prior to your appointment. 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.
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
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 alarmed 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. If your nose bleeds after treatment, do not blow vigorously.
A surgical dressing may be applied around the teeth involved in the surgery. It will protect the site from trauma and minimize temperature sensitivity.
This dressing may or may not stay in place. If it becomes loose, remove it yourself. Failure to remove this dressing if it is loose will result in a very irritated surgery site.
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. 24 hours after the surgery rinse your mouth with the prescribed rinse.
We will have you come back 1-2 weeks after surgery for a post-op appointment. We will remove sutures and surgical dressing at this time and check the progress of healing.
Do not rinse your mouth vigorously during the first 24 hours after the surgery. After 24 hours, rinse with the prescribed rinse (Peridex) only in the morning and at night.
Diet
Use care when eating, softer foods 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; hot foods will make area bleed more. 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