Call for an appointment: Barre, VT 802-479-3243
Surgery Instructions Pre & Post Operative

Pre-Operative Instructions:

All appointments for oral surgery under general anesthesia or IV Sedation are made under the following conditions:

 

  • You may not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure. This is INCLUDING WATER.  
  • You must be free from cold or congestion. Please contact our office as we can assess your situation over the phone to see if we are able to proceed with the surgery appointment
  • A responsible adult (18 years or older) who can drive must come with you to the office.  Please note: Your driver must remain at our office during your surgery.
  • Wear comfortable clothes with low healed shoes. A short sleeved shirt is preferable as we will need to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure throughout the surgery so we want your arms easily accessable.
  • Please remove the following items prior to your appointment: contact lenses, nose and tongue piercings, dentures, and any other removal appliance you may have.

 

 

 

Post-Operative Instructions:

 

 

Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so not all of the instructions may apply but please read thru them first.  However, when in doubt follow these guidelines then if you need more clarification or concerned please contact our office.

 

Use ice packs for approximately 20-30 minutes over each surgical site four to five times a day for the first 2-3 days. 

 

 

Day of Surgery

 

First Hour:

Bite down gently but firmly on the gauze making sure they remain in place.  Do not change for the first 45 minutes unless the bleeding is not controlled.  If active bleeding persists, place enough new gauze to obtain pressure over the area for another 30 minutes.   

 

Persistent Bleeding: 

Bleeding should never be severe.  If so, it usually means that the packs are being clenched between teeth only and are not exerting pressure on the surgical areas. Try repositioning the packs. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in cold water, squeezed damp-dry and wrapped in gauze) for 20-30 minutes.  Oozing from the site is normal, however, if bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office.

 

Hygiene Care: 

  • Do not disturb the surgical area today. 
  • Do Not rinse or spit for the first 24 hours. 
  • You may brush your teeth gently. 
  • PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours, since this is very detrimental to healing and may cause a dry socket.

 

Oozing: 

Intermittent bleeding or oozing overnight is normal.

 

Dry Socket Symptoms: 

Sometime “dry socket” will occur on the third day after extractions.  The symptoms are a VERY SEVERE throbbing, pounding, and aching discomfort in the lower area(s).  If you feel that you may have this condition please contact our office.

 

Pain: 

Unfortunately most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort.  You will usually have a prescription for pain medication.  If you take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn off, you should be able to manage any discomfort better. 

The effects of pain medications vary widely among individuals.  If you do not achieve adequate relief at first, you may take an advil or ibuprofen in-between each dose. Ensure to take as directed. (Do ont take Tylenol as a supplement if you were prescribed Vicodin or "Hydrocodone".

Remember that the most severe pain is usually within six hours after the local anesthetic wears off; after that your need for medicine should lessen.

 

Nausea: 

Nausea is not uncommon after surgery.  Sometimes, pain medications can be the cause. Nausea can be reduced by taking medication with food and water. 

 

Special Food Instructions: 

Eat cold soft foods for the first 24 hours (puddings, yogurt, milk shakes, etc).  Avoid foods such as nuts, popcorn, chips etc as these could become lodged in the socket areas.  For the second post-operative day you can progress to warmer soft foods.  Gradually progress over the next few days to more solid foods.

 

Sharp Edges: 

If you feel something hard or sharp edges in the areas, you are feeling the bony walls which once supported the extracted teeth.  Occasionally small slivers of bone may work themselves out during the following week or so.  If they cause concern or discomfort, please contact our office.

 

Instructions for the second and third days:

 

Mouth Rinses: 

Use ¼ teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 oz. glass of water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glassful.  Repeat as often as you like, but at least 2-3 times a day.

 

Brushing: 

Begin your normal oral hygiene routine as soon as possible after surgery.  Soreness and swelling may permit vigorous brushing, but please ensure to clean your teeth within the bounds of your comfort.

 

Hot Applications: 

You may apply warm compresses to the skin over the areas of swelling (hot water bottle, hot moist towels etc) for 20 minutes at a time starting on the third day to help soothe the tender areas.  This will also help decrease swelling and stiffness.

 

Healing: 

The first two days after surgery are generally the most uncomfortable and, although, still swollen, can usually begin a more substantial diet.  The remainder of the post-operative course should be gradual, steady improvement.  If you don’t see continued improvement, please contact our office.

 

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible.  Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call our office.  A 24-hour answering service is available to contact Dr. Jim Culver after hours. 

 

 

PLEASE NOTE:  Telephone calls for pain medications and other prescription renewals are ONLY accepted during office hours.