Preparing for Your Procedure Before Surgery
Pick up your prescriptions
Begin taking your antibiotic the day of surgery. Take all your regular medications as prescribed by your physician, unless otherwise instructed.
Make arrangements for transportation and care
If you have elected to have oral conscious sedation, arrange for a responsible adult to bring you to your appointment and take you home after wards.
Stock up on soft foods
Scrambled eggs, yogurt, apple sauce, ice cream, oatmeal, pasta, soup, tuna or chicken salad, and meal replacement shakes are ideal. Avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, hard or crunchy. Allow hot food to cool before eating. If you are unsure how to plan post-operative meals for your particular procedure, call us for advice.
Clear your schedule for 2-3 days after surgery
Allow yourself adequate time to recover. You may want to take a day off work the day after surgery. If you have small children, you may want to arrange for someone to help with child care for the first 24-48 hours. Do not plan any trips that will require you to leave the city for a week after surgery. Get plenty of rest and resume normal activities as you are comfortable. You should not perform any vigorous excursive or activities for at least 2 days following your procedure.
Dress comfortably
Wear loose-fitting comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing heavy make-up. Feel free to bring your iPod or MP3 player to listen to during your procedure.
Discomfort after surgery
You may experience moderate discomfort after anesthesia wears off. Most of the discomfort should be controlled by taking the prescribed pain medication. If pain medication does not keep you comfortable, call Dr. Beck. It is normal to have increased soreness for 3-4 days following surgery. You may also experience tooth sensitivity to cold, hot or air that will slowly subside after a few weeks. If teeth remain sensitive, call our office for further instruction.
Antibiotics
It is advised to take an over-the-counter probiotic to help prevent intestinal upset.
For women taking birth control pills, please be aware that oral antibiotics may interfere with oral contraceptives. Be advised to use supplemental methods of contraception until you have finished taking your antibiotics.
Smoking
Do not smoke for 24 hours after surgery. Try to reduce amount of smoking for 2 weeks following surgery.
Supplements
Do not take any over the counter supplements including (but not limited to) fish oil, ginkgo biloba, omega supplements, garlic, ginseng, turmeric, St. John’s wart, or ginger for 3 days before your scheduled procedure as they may increase your risk of bleeding and other complications.
Additional Instructions for Sedation:
– Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to surgery
– Do not wear tight clothing on the day of appointment. Wear a short-sleeved shirt or blouse and comfortable clothing
– Do not wear fingernail polish or acrylic fingernails.
– Be sure that a responsible adult accompanies you on the day of the appointment to drive you to and from your appointment
– If you have any questions regarding your specific instructions simply call or email our office.
