Patient Information

Before Your Surgery Date:

• • Schedule wisely: Plan surgery when you can rest for at least 1-2 weeks after. Avoid scheduling during stressful work periods.
• • Arrange transportation: Do NOT drive yourself. Arrange for someone to pick you up immediately after surgery and stay with you for 24 hours.
• • Stock medications: Fill all pre-operative prescriptions at least 2 days before surgery.
• • Avoid certain medications: Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinners 1 week before surgery. Continue all other medications unless instructed otherwise.
• • Smoking: Stop smoking at least 72 hours before surgery. Smoking impairs healing.
• • Prepare your home: Stock soft foods, ice packs, and elevation pillows. Clean your house before surgery.
• • Inform us of health changes: Call immediately if you develop a cold, fever, or other illness in the week before surgery.

The Night Before Surgery:

• • Bathe or shower and wash your hair
• • Set out comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the next day
• • Eat an early, light dinner (finishing by 7 PM)
• • Get a good night's sleep

Morning of Surgery:

• • Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (or 6 hours before surgery if afternoon appointment). This includes water, gum, and mints.
• • Morning hygiene: You may brush your teeth and rinse, but do not swallow water.
• • Dress appropriately: Wear loose-fitting, short-sleeved clothing to allow easy access to your arm for anesthesia monitoring.
• • Minimal jewelry: Remove all jewelry, body piercings, and contact lenses. Dentures must be removed.
• • No cosmetics: Arrive without makeup, nail polish, or artificial nails (we need to monitor your color during surgery).

At Our Office:

• • Arrive 15 minutes early for final paperwork
• • Expect your procedure to last 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on complexity
• • Your escort will be updated regularly during the procedure

After Surgery:

• • You will recover in our facility under observation for 1-2 hours
• • You will receive post-operative instructions and prescribed medications
• • Your escort will drive you home (must depart within 30 minutes of discharge)
• • You will be groggy and confused due to anesthesia—do not make important decisions

First 24 Hours (Most Critical):

• • Rest: Stay in bed or on the couch with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows. Avoid all physical activity.
• • Ice therapy: Apply ice packs 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Use a barrier cloth to protect skin.
• • Medications: Take prescribed pain and antibiotic medications as directed. Do not exceed recommended dosages.
• • Bleeding: Some oozing is normal. Bite on gauze for 45-60 minutes. Change gauze only if needed. Do NOT rinse or spit forcefully.
• • Swelling: Peak swelling occurs 48-72 hours after surgery and is normal. Ice helps minimize it.
• • Diet: Stick to cold liquids and soft foods. No hot beverages for 5 days.

Days 2-7:

• • Transition to heat: After 24 hours, apply warm compresses 20 minutes on/off to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
• • Oral care: After 24 hours, rinse gently with salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water) 4-5 times daily, especially after eating.
• • Diet progression: Gradually introduce soft, cool foods. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, and sticky foods for at least 1 week.
• • Medications: Continue antibiotics as prescribed, even if you feel better.
• • Light activity: Short, gentle walks are encouraged, but avoid strenuous activity and exercise.

One Week and Beyond:

• • Suture removal: Return for suture removal in 7-10 days if needed (some sutures dissolve on their own).
• • Return to normal diet: Gradually introduce normal foods as healing progresses.
• • Physical activity: Resume light exercise after 1 week. Strenuous activity typically safe after 2-3 weeks.
• • Work/school: Most patients return to work within 3-5 days (depends on job demands).
• • Smoking: Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours. Wait one week if possible—smoking delays healing.

When to Call Us:

• ! Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 2 hours
• ! Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• ! Severe pain not controlled by medications
• ! Signs of infection: pus, increasing swelling after day 3, foul odor
• ! Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• ! Any concerns about your recovery

Wisdom teeth extractions are the most common oral surgical procedures. Here's what to expect:

• • Difficulty level: Impacted wisdom teeth require more complex extraction and may result in more swelling and longer recovery.
• • Nerve considerations: Lower wisdom teeth are close to the inferior alveolar nerve. Temporary numbness or tingling is possible but usually resolves.
• • Swelling timeline: Expect maximum swelling 48-72 hours post-op, then gradual improvement over 7-10 days.
• • Jaw stiffness: Limited jaw opening is normal for several days. Gently stretch with soft foods.
• • Dry socket risk: Avoid straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing for 5-7 days. Dry socket causes intense pain.
• • School/work: Plan for 5-7 days off for school or lighter work duties. Resume full activity after 2 weeks.
• • Diet:**Most patients can eat soft foods by day 3-4, solid foods by day 7-10.