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These instructions are designed to help you prepare for your upcoming surgery. If you have any last-minute questions, please call our Livingston Office at (973) 625-1491 during regular business hours.
You should receive your pre- and post-operative prescriptions along with this instruction sheet. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery unless they have already been sent to your pharmacy. Be sure to bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.
It may be important to stop taking aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin or Advil 7–10 days before surgery. If you are on Coumadin or another blood thinner, follow your doctor’s instructions for discontinuation. If you require an antibiotic premedication, take it exactly as directed before your surgery. Eating before surgery can help you feel better. The office is kept cool, so please dress warmly. You are welcome to bring an iPod or MP3 player if desired.
We will monitor your progress with weekly post-operative visits during the first 1–5 weeks. In most cases, we also schedule a follow-up for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and tissue evaluation approximately 10–12 weeks after surgery.
Please inform the office of any allergies or sensitivities to antibiotics. If prescribed, take your antibiotic as directed until the course is finished. Avoid taking these medications on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of nausea. Women taking birth control pills should be aware that antibiotics may reduce their effectiveness.
If you choose to use an oral sedative, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the office. Bring any remaining tablets with you, and remember to eat before your procedure. Sedatives may include:
Ativan (Lorazepam)
Triazolam (Halcion)
These instructions apply to the surgical procedure you have just completed. They are designed to help minimize post-surgical discomfort and guide you on when to seek additional attention if needed.
It is normal to experience discomfort for at least the first week after your surgical procedure. You may receive a prescription to help manage post-surgical pain. Take medications as directed, and avoid taking pain medication on an empty stomach to prevent nausea.
Over-the-counter alternatives, such as a combination of Ibuprofen and Tylenol, can also be effective. Recommended dosages: 3 Advil (200 mg each) and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol (500 mg) every 6 hours as needed for up to 3 days, even if taking blood thinners.
Note: If you are taking prescription medications containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), such as Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, or Tylenol with Codeine, do not take additional Tylenol to avoid exceeding safe limits. Contact the office with any questions.
Please inform the office of any allergies or sensitivities to antibiotics. You may be prescribed antibiotics following surgery. Take them as directed until the course is complete. Avoid taking antibiotics on an empty stomach. Women taking birth control pills should be aware that antibiotics may reduce their effectiveness.
Swelling is common and usually peaks 2–3 days after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside cheek for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue using ice as often as possible for 2–3 days post-procedure.
Some bleeding is normal. For excessive or continuous bleeding:
Avoid chewing on the side where surgery was performed until comfortable. Stick to a soft diet including cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, fish, poultry, soft meats, and soft fruits. Avoid fruits with seeds (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blackberries) until stitches are removed. Avoid foods with seeds such as poppy, sesame, flax, chia, or caraway.
Maintaining proper nutrition is essential for healing and recovery.
Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery, as it can slow healing and compromise results.
Avoid alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. Afterward, use an antiseptic mouthrinse like Listerine twice a day.
Do not brush the surgical site. Resume normal brushing and flossing in other areas the next day.
You may feel increased discomfort 3–4 days after surgery as the tissues begin to heal and pull on stitches. Taking pain medication one hour before your suture removal can help reduce tenderness. If you normally require antibiotic pre-medication, it is not needed before suture removal.
If you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please contact us at the Livingston Office: (973) 625-1491.
