Post surgery information

Sedation Checklist

Many of these instructions are included in your medication instruction letter, but they bear repeating. Stick this handy checklist on your fridge!

Smokers

Nicotine levels in your blood will affect your sedation experience
• Less than ½ pack a day? – refrain from smoking for 12 hours
• ½ - full pack a day? – refrain from smoking for 8 hours
• 1-1 ½ pack a day? – refrain from smoking for 4 hours
• More than 1 ½ packs per day? – smoke right before coming to the office

• No Grapefruit juice or products

• No Alcohol or Narcotic drugs

• We cannot safely sedate you if you have consumed alcohol, narcotics of any type (including Vicodin/Hydrocodone) or any street or recreational drugs

• No Caffeine for 12 hours (coffee, iced tea, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, etc.) consuming caffeine will limit your level of sedation

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight or at least 6 hours before the appointment

• The evening before your appointment take:

• The morning of your appointment if applicable:

• Take the medications provided at _____AM or exactly one hour before you have been asked to arrive at the office

• Leave all valuables, purse, wallet and watches at home or with your companion

• No contact lenses

• Wear light-weight comfortable clothing , preferably with short sleeves

• Wear comfortable shoes and socks or bedroom slippers

• Bring along your favorite blanket

• It is absolutely ess ential that you have your escort drive you to your appointment.

• We will not be able to proceed with your appointment if you drive yourself, and this will result in a forfeiting of your prepaid fee.

• Your companion will need instructions. So please have him/her speak with the dental team before dropping you off. Should your companion wish to remain here during your sedation visit, we have a comfortable lounge for their use.

 

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After Dental Surgery

To Do:

Take a pain reliever before the anesthetic wears off as directed by your dentist (i.e. Advil, Tylenol, Ibuprofen).
Slight bleeding is normal. If excessive bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure to the area with a moistened gauze pad for 20 – 30 mins. (extra gauze is supplied)
Apply ice packs over the area (10 mins. on 10 mins off) for 6-8 hours to minimize swelling.
Take prescription medication as directed.
Eat only soft nourishing food until you can chew without difficulty (e.g. Soup yogurt, pasta eggs )

RINSE with warm salt water 24 hours after surgery, after meals and before bed for up to 1 week after surgery.

Take time to rest and relax.
Request absentee note if required for school or work.

NOT to do:

Do not disturb the area with your tongue, toothbrush or food.
Do not eat or drink until the anesthetic wears off.
Do not use straws to drink liquids for first 24 hours as suction may delay healing
Do not smoke for 24 – 48 hours.
Do not eat or drink anything extremely hot or cold
Do not bend over or do activities where you will lower your head.

DO NOT RINSE FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS

Any concerns or questions call 604-874-6322

Other instructions:____________________________

 

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Instructions after Dental Surgery

Care of the Mouth

FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS AVOID PEROXIDE, ALCOHOL, CARBONATED BEVERAGES, AND DRINKING THROUGH A STRAW please limit yourself to a semi-soft diet and avoid excessively hot foods. After this period you may return to your regular diet. However try to avoid eating on the surgical side

When the anesthesia wears off you may have some discomfort from the operation. Your dentist may recommend some pain medication for you if necessary.

Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours following surgery, and then use the Chlorehexidine rinse as directed. After 24 hours, try to avoid food from accumulating around the surgical areas by using a salt water rinse after eating.

Brushing and Flossing:

Begin brushing and flossing the areas not operated on the day following surgery. AVOID THE SURGICAL SITE until given specific instructions at your postoperative visit. Clean the areas around the incisions with a very soft brush but do not brush the incisions themselves.
DO NOT use an electric toothbrush such as Sonicare or Oral-B Braun for 6 weeks following surgery. DO NOT use a Water Pik for at least 6 weeks after surgery

Activities

Rest Plan to rest at home the remainder of the day of surgery and the following day.
Athletics and prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided for the first three days after the operation. Also… no swimming

Medications

If required take pain medication within one hour after treatment with milk, fruit juice or a full glass of water. Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach. The medication may be repeated every three to four hours as needed for discomfort. Do not use aspirin or products containing aspirin for one week following surgery. This type of medication can contribute to bleeding problems. Non aspirin pain relievers such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Tylenol are acceptable.
If antibiotics have been prescribed please take all the pills until finished.

Swelling

Ice Packs Some swelling can occur after periodontal surgery. To minimize this you may use ice packs. (4-6 ice cubes in a lockable baggie inside a clean cloth or one of the reusable commercial products) Place the ice pack on the outside of your face over the treated area for 10 minutes on then 10 minutes off. Continue to apply ice packs as much as possible for the first day after surgery.

Bleeding Slight bleeding or oozing is normal during the first one or two days following surgery. If excessive bleeding occurs, please call our office.

Smoking Do not smoke for three weeks after surgery. Smoking is detrimental to healing tissues and will affect the results of surgery.

Sutures

Resorbable. Some types of resorbable sutures used will usually be resorbed by the time you return for your post-operative visit, other types can be resorbed in 4 – 6 weeks.

Non-resorbable. If non-resorbable sutures were placed they will be removed at your post-operative visit.

It is our sincere desire that you are as comfortable as possible following surgery. If you should have any questions or problems, please call our office anytime

 

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After Tooth Whitening Treatment

Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients. The Zoom light generates minimal heat which is the usual source of discomfort. Occasionally, minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate.

Any post treatment sensitivity is temporary.

If sensitivity is uncomfortable a few hours after the procedure, use Ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve the discomfort on the evening following the procedure. The discomfort will diminish by 50% 24 hours after treatment and disappear 48 hours after treatment.
For any sensitivity after treatment continue to use Relief ACP with custom trays 15-30 minutes 2x a day for the next two days. If any individual areas continue to be sensitive apply Relief ACP to the specific area to relieve discomfort as needed.
If you have any concerns or discomfort that does not respond to the treatment suggested please call our office.

Please avoid smoking and dark staining food and drinks for the first 48 hours after Zoom whitening

Home Kit

The Zoom bleach treatment includes custom bleach trays and mini home bleach kit to complete the whitening process. After 48 hours, use the home kit as directed for 20-30 mins. each application for five days. You can apply the home bleach gel twice a day if the treatment is well tolerated.

If the teeth are sensitive, reduce the applications to once a day. After the at-home treatment apply Relief ACP with custom trays for 15-30 mins.
The level of sensitivity dictates the frequency of application. Any sensitivity will disappear when the bleaching applications are completed.
Additional home gel syringes can be purchased from our office.

How long do the results last?

By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-ups with PolaDay or Nite White gel using the home kit provided by your dental office. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.

What causes tooth discoloration?

There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

 

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Instructions after Periodontal Dental Surgery

Care of the Mouth

A periodontal dressing has been placed around your teeth. It is comparable to the surgical dressings used in other types of operations. It serves a very useful purpose and should not be disturbed. The dressing will become semi rigid within a few hours. It can then with stand some of the forces of chewing without breaking.

FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS AVOID PEROXIDE, ALCOHOL, CARBONATED BEVERAGES, AND DRINKING THROUGH A STRAW please limit yourself to a semi-soft diet and avoid excessively hot foods. After this period you may return to your regular diet. However try to avoid eating on the side with the dressing.

The dressing should be permitted to remain in place as long as possible. Small particles may chip off during the week. Should a sizeable portion become loose or fall off, please call the office.

While the dressing is in place you may notice a slight pain or soreness in the cheek or inside the mouth. The edge of the dressing may irritate the tissue. Please call the office if the soreness persists. It can be easily remedied.

When the anesthesia wears off you may have some discomfort from the operation. Your dentist may recommend some pain medication for you if necessary.

Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours following surgery, and then use the Chlorehexidine rinse as directed. After 24 hours, try to avoid food from accumulating around the surgical areas by using a salt water rinse after eating.

Brushing and Flossing:

Begin brushing and flossing the areas not operated on the day following surgery. AVOID THE SURGICAL SITE until given specific instructions at your postoperative visit. Clean the areas around the incisions with a very soft brush but do not brush the incisions themselves.
DO NOT use an electric toothbrush such as Sonicare or Oral-B Braun for 6 weeks following surgery. DO NOT use a Water Pik for at least 6 weeks after surgery

Activities

Rest Plan to rest at home the remainder of the day of surgery and the following day.
Athletics and prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided for the first three days after the operation. Also… no swimming

Medications

If required take pain medication within one hour after treatment with milk, fruit juice or a full glass of water. Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach. The medication may be repeated every three to four hours as needed for discomfort. Do not use aspirin or products containing aspirin for one week following surgery. This type of medication can contribute to bleeding problems. Non aspirin pain relievers such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Tylenol are acceptable.
If antibiotics have been prescribed please take all the pills until finished.

Swelling

Ice Packs Some swelling can occur after periodontal surgery. To minimize this you may use ice packs. (4-6 ice cubes in a lockable baggie inside a clean cloth or one of the reusable commercial products) Place the ice pack on the outside of your face over the treated area for 10 minutes on then 10 minutes off. Continue to apply ice packs as much as possible for the first day after surgery.

Bleeding Slight bleeding or oozing is normal during the first one or two days following surgery. If excessive bleeding occurs, please call our office.

Smoking Do not smoke for three weeks after surgery. Smoking is detrimental to healing tissues and will affect the results of surgery.

Sutures

Resorbable. Some types of resorbable sutures used will usually be resorbed by the time you return for your post-operative visit, other types can be resorbed in 4 – 6 weeks.

Non-resorbable. If non-resorbable sutures were placed they will be removed at your post-operative visit.

It is our sincere desire that you are as comfortable as possible following surgery. If you should have any questions or problems, please call our office anytime

 

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Instructions after Implant Surgery

General Information

You may expect some swelling after dental surgery. Swelling is a part of the natural healing process and may last several weeks. This is dependent on the nature and extent of your surgery. Individuals with fair skin or who bruise easily may anticipate some discolouration of the skin in the area surrounding the surgical procedure(s). Any discomfort you may have should be controlled with proper medication and not be severe.

Take pain medications and antibiotics if prescribed
Do not probe the wound or the sutures with your tongue.
At home after surgery, to decrease the amount of swelling place an ice pack over the site of the surgery (10 mins on 10 mins off) for the remainder of the day.
Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours.
Next day start rinsing with warm salt water after meals and use the Chlorhexidine mouthwash as directed in the morning and before bed.
Maintain a soft diet for the first few days – soup, scrambled eggs, juices, milk-shakes.

Taking care of your mouth

Much of the healing process depends on keeping your teeth and gums clean. If you don’t take care of your mouth you may get an infection. This can cause implants to fail. For best results:_

Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums after every meal.

Clean the areas near your incisions but do not brush the incisions themselves.
Use dental floss once a day but take care around the surgical area and do not disturb the implant site.

Call the office if you have excessive swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, pain that does not respond to medication, fever, or numbness that does not go away when the anesthesia wears off.

 

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