Pre-operative Instructions

The following instructions may be helpful when you are preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please call our office at 928-778-2340 with any questions or concerns you may have. It is important for us to evaluate your progress and healing. We will see you for an initial post-operative check within 2-4 weeks of your surgery.

Medications:
It is essential to continue taking any medications that have been prescribed by your physician as directed.

Blood Thinners:
It may be important to stop taking aspirin or another blood thinner 5-7 days prior to your surgery. If so, we will contact your physician to determine whether medication can be safely discontinued prior to your surgery. Patients that are on any self-prescribed medication (example: daily aspirin) may be asked to stop 5-7 days prior to surgery and resume regimen again the evening of the surgery.

Antibiotics:
An antibiotic may be prescribed if our doctors deem it necessary. Please alert the office to any allergies you may have. Patients with existing medical conditions (artificial joints, heart valves, etc.) will be prescribed an antibiotic regimen. If you take an antibiotic premedication, please take it as directed one hour before your surgery and continue the antibiotic course until it is gone. It is advised not to take antibiotic medications on an empty stomach.

Sedatives:
If you have elected to use an oral sedative, an escort will need to drive you to and from your surgery. Please take the prescribed sedative one hour prior to your appointment and follow the directions on the label.

Pain Medications:
A pain reliever may be prescribed; please alert the office to any allergies you may have. An over the counter pain reliever may be recommended, such as ibuprofen, to alleviate post-operative discomfort. 400-600 mg of Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours or alternating between the prescribed narcotic pain medication and ibuprofen is recommended. Narcotic pain medications may make you drowsy. Please refrain from driving, operating heavy equipment and making important decisions while under the influence of these medications. Do not take these medications on an empty stomach.

Anti-bacterial Rinse:
In most cases a prescription strength mouth rinse (Peridex or Chlorhexidine) will be prescribed for use following treatment. The directions for use are as follows: Take ½ ounce of Peridex rinse and gently tilt your head side to side for 30 seconds. Let the rinse fall freely from your mouth. Do not vigorously swish the rinse in your mouth. Avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes after use. Rinse two times daily, until your post-operative appointment.

Food Suggestions:
It is recommended to avoid hot foods or liquids (lukewarm is acceptable) and avoid using straws for the first few days following your surgery. It is important to maintain a healthy diet during recovery.

The following are some post-operative food suggestions:

Common Questions:

Are there any food restrictions before my surgery?
There are no food restrictions prior to your surgery. A light, nutritious meal is recommended prior to surgery.

When can I exercise or go back to work?
It is recommended that you rest for the duration of the day of your surgery. It is NOT recommended that you return to any activities that require vigorous activity or exertion for 7 days.

Will I be in any discomfort during the surgery?
No. You will be anesthetized with local anesthetic. Our goal is to make your surgical visit as comfortable and pain free as possible.

Will I have any bruising or pain after the surgery?
Bruising, swelling and discomfort are typical after surgery. Swelling and bruising usually peak 3-4 days following the procedure.