Pre-op/Post-op Care

Pre-Operative Surgical Instructions

Please download and carefully review our Pre-Operative Surgical Instructions by clicking here.

Post-Operative Surgical Instructions

Medications

  • Take all prescribed medications as directed. Finish ALL antibiotics and medications prescribed for healing. Pain medications should be taken as needed. (Anaprox, Arnica, Motrin, Medrol Dose Pack)

Medications for Discomfort (analgesics)

  • Over the counter medications:
    • Acetaminophen
      • Take up to 1000mg every 6 hours, but less if effective
      • Trade names include Tylenol, Panedol
    • Ibuprofen
      • Take up to 800mg every 6 hours, but less if effective
      • Trade names include Advil, Nuprin, Motrin
    • Naproxen Sodium
      • Take up to 550mg every 12 hours, but less if effective
      • Trade name is Aleve

Acetaminophen is only a pain medication and will not reduce inflammation or swelling, but will not interfere with bleeding or anti-coagulants. Ibuprofen and Naproxen are both anti-inflammatories and pain medications but may interfere with bleeding and anti-coagulants. Discuss the best medications with your doctor.

Often combining acetaminophen with an anti-inflammatory (1/2 strength dose of each) is a very effective way to stay comfortable and avoid side effects. Again, discuss this with your doctor.

  • Prescription medications:

If significant discomfort is anticipated, you might be prescribed stronger analgesic medications:

  • Opioids:
    • Hydrocone (sold combined with acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
      • Trade name Norco, Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Vicoprofen
    • Oxycodone (sold combined with acetaminophen)
      • Trade name Percocet
    • Tapentadol
      • Trade name Nucynta, used for patients with opioid problems
    • Non-opioids:
      • Tramadol
        • Trade name Ultram
        • Can be habit-forming
      • Ketorolac
        • Trade name Toradol
        • Often used by injection into the surgical site or in muscle or IV
        • Available as inhaled version called Sprix
        • Occasionally also prescribed for follow up in pill form for oral use
        • Anti-inflammatory
      • Diflunisal
        • Trade name Dolobid
        • Anti-inflammatory

Swelling Post-Procedure

  • Swelling is normal for up to 1 week post procedure, peaking at 2 to 3 days and especially in the early morning.
  • First One to Two Days: Apply ice pack 20 minutes on/ 20 minutes off
  • Third Day: Apply heat pack 20 minutes on/20 minutes off.
  • Sleep on 2 pillows to elevate head if you have significant swelling

Bleeding Post-Surgery

  • Light bleeding (oozing) from the surgical area may occur for up to 48 hours post-surgery.

Control by applying pressure with moist gauze or a wet tea bag for minimum of 30 minutes.

Diet Post-Dental Surgery

  • All soft foods for 2 weeks post-procedure. Do NOT eat hard, crunchy, fried or spicy foods along with small seeds, pretzels, crust, chips, peanuts, popcorn, sesame seeds, kiwi seeds, cereal, bread, pizza, candy, rice, nuts, gum, nachos, steak, wings, sausage, etc.
  • Eat soft foods such as yogurt or cottage cheese, soup, well-cooked veggies, soft bread, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pudding or gelatin, sorbet, oatmeal, pasta, eggs, applesauce, bananas, protein shakes and fish.
  • All soft foods for 4 weeks following Immediate Load/TeethToday®/All-On-4™, PROARCH®

Post-Surgery Oral Hygiene Instructions

  • Do NOT brush or floss the area for 2 weeks. Okay to clean other teeth
  • Use a Q-tip dipped in Peridex (0.12% Chlorhexidine) to very gently swab surgical site for the first 2 weeks
  • After 24 hours, resume rinsing with Peridex 2X a day until completed. Okay to rinse with warm salt water in between

Sinus Instructions (Sinus Grafting Procedures)

  • Avoid bending over, nose blowing and suppressing a sneeze for 2 weeks
  • Slight nose bleeds are normal for up to 2 weeks
  • Small bone particles may be found in the mouth in the morning, they are normal

Periodontal Dressing (used occasionally)

  • Do not drink hot liquids for 24 hours after surgery. When/if dressing falls off, use a Q-tip dipped in Peridex and gently swab the area. If the dressing becomes loose, simply remove it, do not try to push back in place, this will irritate the tissue.

Avoid the Following for 24 Hours Post-Surgery:

  • Spitting out with force and/or drinking from a straw
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Smoking
  • Anything hot (food or drinks)

Avoid the Following for 3-5 Days Post-Surgery:

  • Aspirin
  • Cardio exercise
  • Eating small seeds, crunchy foods, anything that could get stuck under the gums

TeethToday® Immediately Loaded Implant Procedures:

  • Avoid chewing on the new implant and temporary tooth/teeth for ~6 weeks
  • Call the office immediately if you sense anything is loose

During business hours, if questions or concerns arise, you may call our office at 561-912-9993.

In case of after-hours emergency, we always have a doctor available. Call the office phone 561-912-9993, extension 8 and speak to the operator. One of the doctors will call you back.