HELP US GET TO KNOW YOU
REGISTRATION FORMS
Thanks for taking the time to fill out our online registration forms. This ensures your time in our office is spent face-to-face, not filling out paperwork. Plus, the background you provide can help our doctor be prepared to answer your questions.
- In advance of your appointment, please follow this link, or the one in your email or text messages, to complete the registration forms.
- On the day of your appointment, we may take X-rays or a CT scan for diagnosis. If you have recently had these done at another office, bring them with you!
- After you’ve met with the doctor and any needed tests have been completed, you can expect to receive a treatment plan that outlines all expected costs.
- We bill insurance as a courtesy to you, but it is your responsibility to maintain coverage and let us know if anything changes. It’s always a good idea to verify your benefits.
STAY INFORMED
PRE -OP INSTRUCTIONS
When you meet with our doctor, you’ll learn about the entire preparation, treatment, and recovery process. However, some general information is provided below. As always, don’t hesitate to call our office to discuss any questions you may have.
If you are going to be sedated, please prepare accordingly. This includes:
- Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours before surgery
- No jewelry from the neck up
- No false fingernails or dark nail polish
- No contact lenses
- Short sleeved shirt
- Shoes that stay on
- Driver over 18 years old to drive you home (MUST STAY ON THE PREMISES AT ALL TIMES!)
POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Extractions of teeth or other oral surgeries are serious procedures. Postoperative care is very important and to prevent complications and unnecessary pain, discomfort, and expense, the following instructions should be followed closely to ensure proper healing.
SUTURES
Sutures are placed in the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding and to help healing. Sometimes they become dislodged; this is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it.
POST-SURGICAL CARE INFORMATION
The following are provided as general reminders for general and wisdom tooth extractions.
MEDICATION
Discomfort is normal after the extraction of teeth. If Ibuprofen and/or Tylenol alone won’t control your pain, take your prescribed narcotic. Ibuprofen and your prescribed narcotic can be taken together. Be certain to take your pain medication with food, food in order to help prevent nausea. Remember, narcotic pain medicine will impair your judgment and reflexes.
GAUZE PADS
Gauze pads should be placed directly over the extraction site(s) and held in place with firm biting pressure. Proper placement will help you not swallow blood, which can make you nauseated. Replace the gauze pads every 30-40 minutes, or as needed. When the gauze pads have little or no blood on them, they are no longer necessary. The amount of bleeding will vary from person to person. Most of your bleeding will slow within 3-4 hours, but a small amount of bleeding is common for up to 24 hours.
ORAL RINSE
Do not rinse on the day of surgery; it may prolong your bleeding. Begin oral rinse the day after surgery and continue for 1 week. Rinse with prescribed oral rinse 2-3 times each day.
ICE PACK
Swelling is normal after surgery and a major cause of post-extraction discomfort. Swelling typically peaks by the third day and then starts to resolve; it can be reduced by the use of an ice pack. Apply the ice pack to the impacted side of your face for 20 minutes, then transfer it to the opposite side for another 20 minutes. Continue icing the face for the first 24 hours. Do not freeze the skin. Ice packs are useful for the first 24 hours only. Also, keep your head elevated on two pillows for 3-4 days. These measures will not eliminate the swelling, but they will help to reduce its severity.
DIET
To allow blood clots to form undisturbed, do not eat for 1-2 hours after surgery (liquids only). Gradually ramp up your diet as tolerated. Always cool down any hot foods or liquids during the first 24 hours. You should only eat soft foods for the first week, such as: soups, eggs, mashed potatoes and meatloaf. For the next 3-7 days (if you had lower wisdom teeth extracted) do not eat any hard, crunchy or very chewy foods, such as: European breads, pizza crust, steak, jerky, nuts or popcorn. To help prevent dry socket, do not use a straw for the first 3-5 days after surgery.
ORAL HYGIENE
Begin brushing your teeth the day after surgery. It is important to brush all of your teeth, even if the teeth and gums are sensitive. Bacterial plaque and food accumulation near the extraction site will delay healing. Unless told otherwise, avoid vigorous physical activity for 5 days following your surgery. Physical activity increases your blood pressure, which will cause an increase in your swelling, pain and bleeding. You may gradually increase your activity, such as jogging or tennis, 3-4 days after surgery.
SMOKING
Do not smoke for at least a week after surgery. Smoking will increase your bleeding. The nicotine in tobacco will impair healing and may cause dry socket.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
Removal of impacted teeth is a surgical procedure. Post-operative problems are not unusual, and extra care must be taken to avoid complications.
- Severity of post-operative pain will depend on the procedure & your physical condition. Take medication for pain precisely as directed.
- Healing is usually slow in the affected area.
- Swelling can be expected. Be certain to apply ice packs as directed previously.
- Difficulty with opening mouth widely and discomfort upon swallowing should be anticipated.
- Numbness of lips and/or tongue on the affected side may be experienced for a variable period of time.
- Stitches dissolve in 3-10 days.
IN CASE OF PROBLEMS
You shouldn’t experience any trouble if you follow the instructions and suggestions as outlined. But if you do have any problems, such as excessive bleeding or pain, contact us for further instructions or additional treatment.
REFER A PATIENT
CARE FOR MUTUAL PATIENTS
As a local dentist, you know your patients and their needs better than anyone. When they require specialized oral surgery, we will provide a strong continuity of care that you can rely on. Give us a call, or fill out this form in order to process a referral. We look forward to working together to serve our community.
