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Pre-operative Instructions for procedures with Sedation
If you are having surgery with sedation, please follow the instructions below.
1. You must have a responsible adult take you home. You are not allowed to drive after sedation. You may take a taxi home as along as you are with another responsible adult, the taxi driver doesn’t count. Public transportation is not recommended.
Please note that if you are receiving any sedation more then nitrous oxide (laughing gas), you are not drive a vehicle, operate hazardous machinery or consume alcohol for a minimum of 18 hours, or longer if drowsiness, or dizziness persists.
2. Prior to your surgery, you are not to have any solid foods for a minimum of 8 hours or any fluids for a minimum of 2 hours. If you are diabetic please discuss how to manage your medications, diet and blood sugar with the doctor.
3. Please wear loose comfortable clothing that will allow for access to your arms for monitoring equipment and IV lines if needed.
These policies are in adherence with the guidelines for sedation and anesthesia by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
Pre-operative Instructions for procedures without Sedation
If you are receiving local anaesthesia and no sedation for your procedure, you are welcome to have a hardy meal prior as your next meal may be difficult to ingest. To be well prepared for your recovery, have soft and liquidy foods available at home. Try to take the rest of the day off and don’t do any strenuous activity.
Post-operative Instructions
What to expect?
1. Pain: Pain is usually the worst in the first 24 hours. Please use the prescribed medication. It is better to take the pain killers before the freezing wears out and throughout the first day. If you are having a reaction to the medication please call us.
2. Bleeding: You can expect a small amount of bleeding for the first 24 hours. Small amounts of blood on a gauze are normal. On the first night you may want to place a towel on your pillow in case you drool some saliva mixed with blood. Blood completely soaking gauze is a concern and you should follow the instructions below.
I. Take 2-3 pieces of gauze and lightly moisten with water.
II. Fold the gauze on its self several times
III. Place the moistened folded gauze on the area bleeding and either bite or press firmly on the area for 20 minutes. Do not spit or rinse.
IV. If the bleeding does not stop, moisten a tea bag and place on the area firmly for 20 minutes.
V. If the bleeding persists, please call me at any time.
3. Swelling/bruising: Swelling typically occurs after surgery and peaks by 2-3 days after. Please ice the area for 20 Minute on/off intervals on the first day. Bruising may occur and slowly progress down your cheeks, jaw and neck.
4. Sensitive Teeth: Sensitivity is normal and usually resolves gradually over 6 weeks. Please use a toothpaste for sensitivity such as Colgate Pro-Relief for sensitive teeth twice daily.
5. Sutures: Several sutures have been placed, and may include some dissolvable sutures. Some may become loose or come out on their own, and some may be removed at the post-op appointment.
What to do immediately after surgery?
1. Rest, avoid talking excessively or strenuous activity.
2. Take the medications prescribed as directed.
3. Do not spit, you may allow excess saliva to drool over the sink.
4. Do not rinse your mouth for the remainder of the day
5. Avoid brushing the area of surgery for 1 week. Use the prescription mouthwash twice daily and warm salt water rinses. Do not spit, just let the liquid drool out the side. After 4 days, apply the mouth wash to the area of surgery with a q-tip to avoid unwanted staining of other teeth.
6. No Smoking.
7. No alcohol.
8. No drinking through a straw.
9. Eat a soft diet such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, warm soup, yogurt, etc. Avoid hot, sharp, or spicy foods.
10. If you have had sedation, please do not drive for the rest of the day or make any important decisions.
Additional Recommendations after Gum Grafting
Avoid brushing the areas of surgery for 2-3 weeks and apply the prescribed mouth wash to the area twice daily with a q-tip. Rinse with warm salt water several times a day. Avoid looking at the area of surgery or putting tension on the area.
Additional Recommendations after a Sinus Lift
You may notice some sinus congestion or mild bleeding from the nose. No blowing your nose for 1 week. You may wipe your nose gently. If you need to sneeze, do so from your mouth and not your nose. Avoid activities which cause pressure changes such as flying, swimming, scuba diving for at least 2 weeks.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at kermalli@gtaperio.com or termei@gtaperio.com.