| PATIENT INFORMATION |

Surgical Instructions

PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Absolutely nothing to eat or drink. Including water, for eight hours prior to your appointment.
2. You must have someone to drive you home after surgery, if you have had nitrous oxide, IV sedation or general anesthesia.
3. Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing.
4. If you wear contact lenses, they should be removed prior to surgery.
5. If you are feeling ill, coming down with a cold, or have a temperature, please notify our office 24 hours prior to your appointment. If necessary we can reschedule. Thank you.
6. If you are pregnant, or believe you might be pregnant, please notify our office so we can discuss the appropriateness of your appointment.
7. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children should not be left alone at home after surgery.
8. If you are a smoker there is a benefit from restraining from smoking one week before your surgery and a period after, while healing is taking place.

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

If you have had anesthesia (gone to sleep or received a sedative) do not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day.

You may eat what you would like after 1 hour from the time of surgery, however, often it is beneficial to stay with soft or liquid foods. Please avoid hot foods and hot liquids until the numbness from the local anesthesia is gone to avoid burns. Do not use a straw as it encourages bleeding.

Do not rinse your mouth today. Starting tomorrow gently rinse your mouth at least 6 times a day with warm salt water. (1/2 teaspoon to 8 ounces warm water).

It is usual for slight bleeding to persist for 24 hours after surgery. Should you have excessive or uncontrolled bleeding often it can be managed by placing a damp folded gauze or a damp tea bag directly over the socket. Wipe away large clot if present and bite down firmly and continuously for 30-40 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

Swelling frequently develops following oral surgery. The maximum swelling is often seen the second day after surgery and will gradually diminish after this.

Ice may be used the first day of surgery to minimize swelling. After the first day warm moist heat can be beneficial.

If pain should develop adults may take non-prescription tylenol, ibuprofenor aspirin as directed by package labeling. The doctor may have written you a prescription for other pain medication(s). Please take as directed when needed. If a narcotic is being taken do not drink alcoholic beverages, drive a car, or operate dangerous machinery. Pain medication for children can include children's tylenol, children's motrin or a written prescription.

Please avoid smoking at least 2 days following surgery to reduce the chances of complications.

Female patients need to be aware that if an antibiotic has been prescribed it may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and additional methods of birth control should be used.