Pre-operative Instructions

The following instructions are helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please, do not hesitate to call if you have any last minute questions.

We can be reached at Highland Park Periodontics & Dental Implants Phone Number 214-559-4670 during regular business hours or after hours for emergencies only at: (214) 517-9452.

You will receive pre/post-operative prescriptions and instructions prior to your surgery. Please, read it carefully as instructions may vary on the case/patient basis.  For your convenience, have prescriptions filled prior to the surgery day.

•  Inform our office of ANY change in your medical status and/or medications prior to your appointment.

•  For your best experience and comfort, most surgical procedures will be performed under intravenous conscious sedation.  Specific instructions and preparation measures will be provided. Our anesthesiologist will contact you prior to surgery.

• Eating and drinking: absolutely nothing by mouth (this includes water, tea, coffee, etc.) for 6 hours before surgery, except your regular prescription medications as directed with a sip of water. If you are taking blood pressure medication, it is important to continue it as prescribed. If you are scheduled for an afternoon surgery, you may have a light breakfast 6 hours prior.

• If your procedure does not involve intravenous sedation (conscious sedation), it is advised that you have a light meal prior to surgery in order to feel your best.

• If you take aspirin or other blood thinners, our office will contact your primary care physician to be advised whether or not to discontinue the medication.

• NEVER DISCONTINUE YOUR MEDICATIONS, UNLESS YOU HAVE AN ORDER FROM YOUR PHYSICIAN.

• If you are prescribed a pre-op sedative medication (Halcion, Valium, etc), take it one hour prior to surgery, or otherwise directed.  After taking sedatives, you are not to undertake any business/employment, drive, make any decisions, sign any important papers, operate machines, etc.

• You must make arrangements for someone to drive you home. The person must be a family member or friend. For your safety, no taxi service is permitted.

  YOUR DRIVER MUST BE IN THE RECEPTION AREA 30 MINUTES BEFORE YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO LEAVE.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves, or sleeves which can be rolled above the elbow. Remove earrings, watches, jewelry and contact lenses prior to arriving for appointment.

• If your procedure involves sedation, you are not to undertake any business/employment, driving, etc. for the next 24 HOURS following surgery.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for post-operative checks.  The first check is typically performed within the first week after surgery.  In most cases, as part of the post-operative therapy, we will look forward to seeing you back for appointments with the doctor and our hygienist, 2 weeks and then 6 weeks after the surgery.

Antibiotics*

Please alert the office to any allergies or adverse reaction that you might have to antibiotics or any other medication. You will be prescribed an antibiotic if the doctor determines it to be necessary.

If an antibiotic is prescribed, take it as directed. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills, an alternative birth control method should be considered.

*PRE-MED patients: take your antibiotics 1 HOUR PRIOR TO YOU APPOINTMENT as prescribed.

 

Food Suggestions

When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices:

Remember the first 24 hours only cold non-carbonated liquids. (DO NOT drink through a straw for the first 48 hours).