Preoperative Instructions - Minor Jaw Surgery (Wisdom Teeth, Implants, etc.)

Please read several days prior to your scheduled surgery.

If You Are Having IV Sedation or General Anesthesia

If you are going to sleep for surgery, for your personal safety on the day of surgery, please remember...

• No food or drink 8 hours before surgery. (You will need a very small amount (tablespoon) of water for any pre-medication that is given to you.)
• Wear loose, comfortable, two piece clothing and short sleeves.
• Remove fingernail polish on the right index finger.
• Remove contact lenses prior to surgery.
• Remove heavy makeup and jewelry.
• At the time indicated, take all medications that are given to you -- follow all of your doctor's instructions.
• If antibiotics have been prescribed and the recommendation is to "take with food" -- for this time only, take the antibiotic without food prior to surgery as instructed.
• If you normally take heart medications or blood pressure medications near the time your surgery is scheduled -- take them at least 2 hours before surgery with as little water as possible.
• Have a prearranged ride home by car, because you cannot drive yourself during the 24 hours after surgery.

Getting Ready for Surgery

• Arrange for a ride home by car after surgery if you are having General Anesthesia.
• Have an ice pack available in your freezer.
• Stock up on your favorite soft foods.

Consent

• When you arrive at our office on the date of surgery, you will be asked to sign a consent form if you have already met with your doctor
• Make sure that you have expressed all of your concerns and that we have addressed them.
• Make sure that you have disclosed all of your health history.
• If you are a minor (under 16), your parent or guardian needs to sign the consent form and health history.

Diet After Surgery

After surgery you may be taking pain medications, and during this time you have something in your stomach before you take your pain medication. Many patients want to know what is best to eat during this period. You will want only a soft diet, nothing hard or crunchy. This following is a list of foods that our patients have told us "hit the spot" throughout the healing time:

• Mashed Potatoes
• Pasta
• Yogurt
• Ice cream
• Cooked vegetables
• Soups
• Blenderized foods such as shakes and smoothies

Recovery Time After Surgery

We find that many of our patients do not realize that they will need to give themselves time to recover. You may need a little time off after surgery as well as time to come back for a postoperative visit if your doctor indicates that it is necessary.