Pre-operative Instructions

The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last minute questions. We can be reached at Goldsboro Office Phone Number 919-731-2620 during regular business hours.

You should receive your pre/post-operative prescriptions with this instruction sheet. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery, unless they have been previously phoned into the pharmacy of your choice. Please bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.

It may be important to stop taking aspirin and non-steroidals such as Motrin and Advil, 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, remember to discontinue them as directed. If you take antibiotic premed, please take it as directed before your surgery. You will feel better if you have eaten prior to surgery. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you like.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1-5 weeks. In most cases, after surgery we will also look forward to seeing you back for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an examination of tissue maturation about 10-12 weeks following the surgery.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. You will be prescribed an antibiotic if our doctor determines it to be necessary. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

Sedation

Oral Conscious Sedation:  If you elect to use one of the oral sedatives ( Valium ), you must have a ride to and from the office.  Please bring your remaining tablets with you.

IV Conscious Sedation: The objective of IV conscious sedation is to lessen the undesirable side effects of long and stressful dental procedures by chemically reducing the fear, apprehension, emotional and physical stresses sometimes present.  This is accomplished by the administration of small incremental doses of various medications such that they produce a state of relaxation, and a degree of drowsiness, but  will not put you to sleep as with a general anesthetic.  You must have a responsible adult to bring you to the office, drive you home, and be with you until effects of the sedation have worn off.

Food Suggestions

When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices: