Surgical Instructions

Before Anesthesia

These instructions apply to patients undergoing oral surgery with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Following these guidelines is essential for your safety and the success of your procedure.

  • Do not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours prior to your appointment. This includes water, coffee, gum, candy, and mints.
  • You may brush your teeth the morning of surgery, but do not swallow water.
  • A responsible adult must accompany you to your appointment, remain in the office during your procedure, and drive you home afterward.
  • You must not drive, operate machinery, return to work or school, or make important decisions for at least twenty-four hours following anesthesia.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves if possible. Avoid tight collars or hooded sweatshirts.
  • Remove contact lenses, jewelry, dentures, retainers, makeup, and nail polish before arriving.
  • If you develop a fever, sore throat, cough, nausea, or any illness prior to surgery, contact the office as soon as possible.
  • Take routine medications only if specifically instructed to do so by your surgeon.

Download IV Sedation Instructions (PDF)

Dental Implant Surgery Instructions

Proper care after dental implant placement is critical to protect the surgical site and support successful integration of the implant with the jawbone.

  • Do not touch or disturb the surgical area with your fingers or tongue.
  • Avoid rinsing, spitting forcefully, or using straws for at least seventy-two hours.
  • Some bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal during the first twenty-four hours.
  • If bleeding occurs, place clean gauze over the site and apply steady pressure for thirty minutes.
  • Swelling and bruising are common and may peak within two to three days.
  • Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity for several days following surgery.
  • Maintain gentle oral hygiene and avoid brushing directly over the implant site until instructed.
  • Eat a soft diet and avoid chewing on the implant area during early healing.

Wisdom Tooth Removal Instructions

Careful post-operative management following wisdom tooth removal helps minimize pain, swelling, and the risk of infection.

  • Bite firmly on gauze placed over the surgical areas for thirty to forty-five minutes after surgery.
  • Replace gauze as needed to control bleeding during the first day.
  • Do not rinse vigorously, spit, smoke, use straws, or consume alcohol for at least seventy-two hours.
  • Swelling and jaw stiffness are normal and typically peak within the first few days.
  • Take prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as directed.
  • Begin gentle rinsing only when instructed by your surgeon.
  • Eat soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy items during healing.
  • Rest with your head elevated to help reduce swelling.

Exposure of an Impacted Tooth Instructions

When a tooth is surgically exposed to assist orthodontic treatment, proper care supports healing and successful tooth movement.

  • Do not disturb the surgical area or any dressing unless instructed.
  • Minor bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal for the first twenty-four hours.
  • If bleeding increases, place gauze over the area and apply firm pressure.
  • Avoid touching the site with your fingers or tongue.
  • Follow all medication, oral hygiene, and activity instructions provided.
  • If a chain or bracket was placed, follow guidance from both your surgeon and orthodontist.

Single Tooth Extraction Instructions

Proper care after a tooth extraction allows a stable blood clot to form and supports normal healing.

  • Bite on gauze with firm pressure for thirty to forty-five minutes immediately after surgery.
  • Do not disturb the blood clot.
  • Avoid rinsing, spitting, smoking, using straws, or drinking alcohol for at least seventy-two hours.
  • Some mild bleeding is normal during the first day.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for at least twenty-four hours.
  • Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the extraction side.
  • Brush and floss other areas normally while avoiding the extraction site.

Multiple Extractions Instructions

When multiple teeth are removed, additional care is required to manage bleeding and swelling.

  • Bite firmly on gauze pads for thirty minutes at a time and replace as needed.
  • If bleeding continues, a moistened black tea bag may help promote clotting.
  • Avoid hot liquids, smoking, alcohol, and strenuous activity during early healing.
  • Do not rinse vigorously or disturb the surgical sites.
  • Follow dietary and oral hygiene instructions carefully.