Preoperative Instructions – Baltimore, MD

Preparation:

• You may receive pre/post-operative prescriptions. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery unless they have been previously phoned in to 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, please discontinue them if you were instructed.
• If you need antibiotic premedication, please take it as directed before your surgery.
• You will feel better if you have eaten prior to surgery, but if you are having IV sedation, please remember that you cannot have anything to eat or drink eight (8) hours before your appointment.
• We keep the dental office cool, so dress warmly, preferably in layers.
• You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you would like.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we may see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1 – 6 weeks. After surgery, in most cases, 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.

Before Intravenous Anesthesia Sedation

• You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for eight (8) hours prior to the appointment.
• No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Smoking greatly impairs your body’s ability to heal. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery. Minimal smoking for a period up to three weeks before your surgery will significantly enhance your comfort and surgical outcome.
• A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the dental office, remain in the dental office during the procedure, and drive the patient home.
• The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
• Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes.
• Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
• Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
• If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the dental office.
• If you take routine oral medications, please check with the dental office prior to your surgical date for instructions.

Antibiotics

Please alert the dental 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.

Sedatives

If you elect to use one of the following oral sedatives, you must have a ride to and from the dental office. Please bring your remaining tablets with you. Remember, we encourage you to eat prior to your surgery. Please remember that if you are to receive IV sedation, you may not have anything to eat or drink for eight hours before your appointment.

• Ativan (Lorazepam)
• Valium (Diazepam)
• Triazalam (Halcion)

Food Suggestions

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

• Jell-O
• Bananas
• Yogurt
• Pasta
• Milk Shakes
• Casseroles
• Eggs
• Fish
• Cottage Cheese
• Ensure/Slim Fast
• Soups
• Pudding
• Rice
• Apple Sauce
• Oatmeal
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Mashed Potatoes

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns during regular dental office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us.