Dental Surgery Instructions
Important pre-operative and post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth, safe, and comfortable dental surgery experience.
Please read the following instructions carefully before and after your dental surgery. Following these guidelines will help ensure the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Please follow these instructions before your scheduled surgery:
- 1Inform our office of any changes to your health or medications since your last visit.
- 2If you are taking blood thinners, consult with your physician before surgery and inform our team.
- 3Eat a light meal 2 hours before your appointment (unless sedation requires fasting).
- 4If you are receiving sedation, do not eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours before your appointment.
- 5Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home if you are receiving sedation.
- 6Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with short sleeves for easy access.
- 7Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before surgery.
- 8Take all prescribed pre-operative medications as directed.
- 9Brush and floss your teeth before your appointment.
- 10Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork.
Post-Operative Instructions
Follow these instructions after your surgery for optimal healing:
- 1Bite firmly on the gauze pad placed over the surgical area for 30 to 45 minutes.
- 2Do not spit, use a straw, or rinse vigorously for 24 hours, as this can dislodge the blood clot.
- 3Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for the first 24 hours.
- 4Take prescribed pain medication as directed before the local anesthetic wears off.
- 5Eat soft foods for the first 24 to 48 hours (yogurt, applesauce, soup, mashed potatoes).
- 6Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods for at least 3 days after surgery.
- 7Do not smoke for at least 72 hours after surgery, as it can delay healing and cause dry socket.
- 8After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (half teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) 4 to 5 times daily.
- 9Avoid strenuous physical activity for 48 to 72 hours after surgery.
- 10Keep your head elevated when resting to help reduce swelling.
- 11Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed until the full course is completed.
- 12Contact our office immediately if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or difficulty breathing.
Medication Guidelines
- Take pain medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
- Do not take aspirin as it can increase bleeding.
- If prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course even if you feel better.
- Avoid alcohol while taking prescribed medications.
- Over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil) can be used for mild discomfort as directed.
When to Contact Us Immediately
Please call our office right away if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or increasing pain that is not controlled by medication
- Heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 30 minutes
- Fever above 38.5 C (101.3 F)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling that worsens after 3 days
- Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours after surgery
- Allergic reaction to medication (rash, hives, difficulty breathing)
Emergency Phone: (403) 291-4945
Questions About Your Surgery?
Our team is here to help. Contact us anytime with questions about your upcoming or recent procedure.
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