Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Occasionally, surgery can be done the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day. Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e.: diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.), or if you are on any medication.
If intravenous anesthesia is anticipated, have nothing to eat or drink for six hours prior to your appointment. Also, please be sure to have a responsible adult available to drive you home, or accompany you if you’re taking public transportation or walking home.
To help us process any claims, please provide the following information at the time of your consultation:
Download the patient registration form.
Patient Referral FormWe make every effort to provide you with the finest surgical care and the most convenient financial options. To accomplish this, we work hand in hand with you to maximize your insurance reimbursement for covered procedures.
If intravenous anesthesia is anticipated, have nothing to eat or drink for six hours prior to your appointment. Also, please be sure to have a responsible adult available to drive you home, or accompany you if you’re taking public transportation or walking home.
If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, chewing gum at intervals or applying of warm, moist heat to the outside of your face will help relax the muscles.
After the first post-operative day, use a warm salt-water rinse following meals and a few times in between for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris which may lodge in the surgical area. This should be done 6-8 times a day using 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
Your diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc.
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure to the surgical area using small rolled gauze for 90 minutes. After that time, remove the gauze and you may eat or drink. If bleeding persists, place a moist teabag in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour straight to aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding still persists, call our office.
If you are a smoker, we suggest that you do not smoke for at least five (5) days after surgery. Nicotine may break down the blood clot and cause a “Dry-Socket.”
Immediately following your procedure, keep steady pressure on the bleeding area by biting firmly on the gauze placed there by your doctor. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and aids in the formation of a clot in the tooth socket. Gently remove the compress approximately 45 minutes later. After 24 hours, some oozing of blood may persist. If necessary, resume the use of moist tea bags. After the bleeding has stopped, cautiously resume oral hygiene.
Immediately following the procedure, begin taking the prescribed medication as directed by your doctor to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia wears off. Application of an ice bag can also help relieve discomfort. If pain persists after 24 hours, continue to take your medication.
Immediately following your procedure, apply an ice bag over the affected area. Use 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for 24 hours to help prevent the development of excessive swelling and discomfort. After 24 hours, it should not be necessary to continue with cold applications. You may expect swelling to last for 10 to 12 days, and you may develop a fever of 99 degrees F to 100 degrees F.
24 hours after surgery, rinse your mouth gently with a solution of one-half teaspoonful of salt dissolved in a glass of water. Repeat after every meal or snack for seven days. Rinsing is important because it removes food particles and debris from the socket area, and thus helps prevent infection and promote healing. Brush your tongue with a dry toothbrush to keep bacteria growth down, but be careful not to touch the extraction site. You can resume your regular tooth brushing, but avoid disturbing the surgical site so as not to loosen or remove the blood clot.
Have your meals at the usual time, and remember to eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids. Have what you wish, but be careful not to disturb the blood clot. Add solid foods to your diet as soon as you are comfortable to chew.
You should experience little, if any, trouble if you follow the instructions and suggestions as detailed.However, if you should have any problems (such as excessive bleeding, pain, or difficulty in opening your mouth), call our office immediately for further instructions or additional treatment.
Postoperative visits are available on an as-needed basis. In the meantime, maintain a healthy diet, observe the rules of proper oral hygiene, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or complications relating to your progress and recovery.