Surgical Instructions

Before Administration of Anesthesia

Patients need to take a few steps of precaution before undergoing dental surgery:

1. Avoid eating or drinking anything at least eight hours prior to surgery.
2. Refrain from smoking 12 hours prior to surgery.
3. Make sure you have someone who accompanies you to surgery and can drive you home after.
4. Avoid wearing any kind of jewelry, contact lenses or dentures on the day of surgery.
5. In case you take regular medication, discuss them with your doctor to ensure if it’s okay to take them prior to surgery.

Post Care for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Post-operative care is necessary after wisdom tooth removal to reduce the chance of infection and other complications. The gauze pad on the extraction site should be kept on for 45 minutes and then discarded. Take the pain medication prescribed by your dentist to reduce the discomfort caused after the local anesthetic wears off and rest for a day post-surgery. Avoid rinsing your mouth or drinking through a straw to ensure that the blood clot formed at the site does not get dislodged.

After Dental Implant Surgery

48-72 hours of rest is recommended after dental implant surgery. Proper rest limits post-surgical bleeding and also aids the healing process. Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids, but nothing that is too cold. If swelling occurs, you can apply an ice pack to your face at 20-minute intervals for two days after surgery. Patients who receive upper implants need to avoid blowing their nose for up to two weeks post surgery. Slight bleeding, discomfort, and an increase in body temperature by one or two degrees for about two days after surgery are normal. You will start feeling much better by the third day. When eating, avoid chewing directly onto the bone graft.

After Impacted Tooth Surgery

A tooth is impacted when it is unlikely to erupt fully through the gums and reach its normal position, as there isn’t enough room in the dental arch. Mild discomfort and swelling are common after Impacted Tooth Surgery. Take the pain medication as prescribed by your dentist and use cold compresses to reduce swelling. Your doctor also may advise you to modify your diet to favor the extraction area and to allow healing.

Multiple Tooth Extractions

The jawbone requires reshaping and removal to prepare for dentures in case multiple teeth are being extracted. Within two days of a multiple tooth extraction, a lot of swelling inside the mouth and around the eyes may be experienced. The area around the eyes also may appear discolored; this can be alleviated with a warm compress. You may also experience a sore throat due to soreness of muscles around the extraction site. The mouth may feel dry and cracked due to being kept open for a long time during surgery. Your dentist will generally give you a follow-up appointment 48 hours after surgery to discuss any complications or discomfort you might be experiencing.