Surgery Instructions

Before Surgery

1. Please arrive NPO. This means that you should not consume ANY food or drink after midnight the night before your surgery. THIS INCLUDES WATER. In the event that you do not follow these directions, your surgical procedure will be rescheduled.
2. You must have someone accompany you to your appointment. Your driver and their vehicle MUST stay on the property for the entirety of your appointment. Once you arrive at the office, your escort will be required to stay in the waiting room until your surgery has been completed. They are not allowed to leave the office or go back with you for your surgery. If you are unable to obtain an escort/driver, your appointment will be rescheduled.
3. Please brush your teeth the morning of your appointment.
4. Absolutely NO SMOKING within 24 hours of your appointment time.
5. If you start to feel unwell (feverish, cough, cold or flu-like symptoms), please call the office as soon as possible so we can determine if your appointment needs to be rescheduled or not.
6. If you were given a Pre-Med, please take it 1 hour prior to your procedure with the smallest amount of water possible (must be taken with water ONLY).
7. Daily medications that are usually taken in the morning should be taken at least 1 hour prior to your procedure with the smallest amount of water possible (must be taken with water ONLY).
8. Please do not wear any makeup, jewelry, nail polish or artificial nails to your appointment.
9. If you have long hair, please pull it up into a knot or ponytail.
10. Contacts MUST be removed prior to your surgery.
11. Please wear a short-sleeved shirt to your appointment. A hoodie, jacket or sweater may be worn over it, but you will be asked to remove it later, once you are being prepped for the procedure. This gives the doctor proper access to your arm for monitoring vitals and placing the IV.
12. Please make arrangements for someone to stay with you for the remainder of the day. Most patients are very groggy after surgery and may need some assistance.
13. Our office will attempt to contact you to confirm your surgery 1 to 2 days prior to your appointment. If we cannot reach you by noon the day before, your appointment will be canceled and the time slot will be filled. If you are unable to answer at the time we call, please call back as soon as possible to avoid the loss of your appointment.
14. It is very important that you drink at least 4 to 6, 8-ounce glasses of water, Gatorade or Powerade each day, starting 48 hours prior to your appointment.
15. Please make sure that whoever is accompanying you knows that photography and/or videography, by any means, is strictly prohibited. If anyone is caught recording or taking photos, they will be made to leave.

After Surgery

1. IN CASE OF EXCESSIVE BLEEDING, FIRST RINSE WITH COLD WATER FOR ONE MINUTE. NEXT, PLACE A MOIST TEA BAG OVER THE BLEEDING AREA AND BITE FIRMLY FOR ONE HOUR. USE AN ICE PACK AGAINST THE SIDE OF THE FACE. KEEP YOUR HEAD RAISED UP. IF THIS DOES NOT CONTROL THE BLEEDING, DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL 706-234-0718.
2. Gauze Packs: Bite firmly on moistened gauze for one hour at a time, and change the gauze hourly if bleeding continues. The gauze may be removed when it is time for your medication. When the bleeding has stopped, you may stop using the gauze. It is not unusual for bleeding to last for several hours after surgery. DO NOT SPIT -THIS WILL PROLONG BLEEDING!
3. Medications: The first dose of pain medication should be taken as soon as you get home, before the numbness wears off. Take with milk, ice cream, pudding, yogurt, etc. Pain is usually increased during 24-48 hours after surgery. If you have nausea or itching, stop the medication and call the doctor. You may take Dramamine, Phenergan, or Zofran for nausea.
4. Ice Pack: (After Extractions) Apply for 15-minute intervals. Alternate from side to side, continuously until bedtime. Use the ice pack consistently for 2 Days. Remember to keep your head elevated.
5. Activity: Avoid heavy work, lifting, straining, or bending over at the waist during the first 2-3 days after surgery. No driving for 24 hours if you were sedated or asleep during surgery.
6. Swelling: Swelling can last for several days. You will notice more swelling the day after surgery, and the swelling will peak 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Avoid the use of heat during this time. Heat may increase swelling. Avoid bending over at the waist. Keep your back up straight and head up. Do not lay flat, as this will cause more swelling and discomfort.
7. Drinking and Eating: First Day – Water, tea, Gatorade, Sprite, Coke, ice cream, jello, yogurt, pudding, soup at room temperature (broth only).
8. Drinking and Eating: Day Two – Same as the first day, and you may add soft foods such as mashed potatoes, eggs, pancakes. Do not use a straw for 48 hours. Avoid any crunchy snacks such as popcorn, chips, nuts, pretzels, and crackers for two (2) weeks after your surgery.
9. Rinsing and Brushing: Do not brush on the 1st day! Starting on the 2nd day, rinse 3 times daily with warm salty water or plain water. No Listerine or peroxide. When brushing, use regular toothpaste. Be careful not to disturb the extraction site(s). Try using a Q-tip if you are having trouble reaching the back areas. A white film is sometimes visible on the gums. This is normal and will go away with time. The stitches (if placed) will dissolve or come out on their own. Please do not pull on any stitches. Do not use electronic toothbrushes or waterpik devices.
10. Smoking: Avoid all tobacco products for at least 48-72 hours. You will heal faster if you do not smoke.
11. Questions: If you have any questions or concerns, please call: AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY # (706) 234-0718. A staff member should be available to take your call, or you may leave a message and the staff member should return your call.