Pre Operative instructions:

There are usually no restriction concerning driving or returning to work. Continue all medications as recommended by your physician. Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable. If you premedicate before dental treatment because of Mitral valve prolapsed, Knee, hip, cardiac or other prosthesis please make sure you take the appropriate medication  on the day of your appointment.

If you are undergoing IV sedation for root canal treatment, please refer to specific instructions below.

Post Operative Instructions:

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your general dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.

NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately. The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.

After treatment is completed, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration, this temporary is very thick. We expect the surface to wear some. A permanent restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. You should contact your general dentist for a follow up visit to have the permanent restoration placed.

Pre Operative instructions:

Do not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your appointment.

Please wear loose comfortable clothing, short sleeved shirt and shoes with out a heel.

You must have a driver bring you to your appointment and take you home after your appointment.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Medication:  All normal medications should be taken at the normal dosage and normal times.

Non Insulin Dependent Diabetics: All oral agents (Metformin, Glipizide, Glyburide, etc..) should be stopped the morning of your appointment and resume regular dose at original time after treatment.

Insulin Dependent Diabetics: Take 1/2 the dose regular dose of insulin the morning of your appointment. Resume meals and normal insulin dosage after treatment.

Coumadin/Warfarin: Prior to the procedure, a consultation with your regular physician will determine whether there is a need to temporarily stop your therapy. Lab studies may be required to determine your current level of anticoagulant activity (INR). If there is a need to discontinue your medication, Please follow the guidelines set forth by your physician.

Other Considerations: Patients with certain repaired & congenital coronary heart disease (CHD), prosthetic heart valves, cardiac transplant recipients whom have developed cardiac valvulopathy, previous infectious endocarditis, artificial joints and/or cardiac stents are subject to antibiotic prophylaxis 1 hour prior to treatment.

Post Operative instructions/ care:

Initial 24 hours after surgery:

Please refrain from carbonated beverages and fruit juices, avoid rinsing, hot liquids, spitting or using a straw.

Patients are strongly encouraged to refrain from smoking for as long as possible after treatment, as cigarette usages increases the likelihood of delayed healing, infection and implant/graft failure.

24 hours after Surgery:

Healing may be accelerated by performing warm salt water oral rinses 2 - 3 times a day. You will be given a Chlorhexidine rinse to clean the area. Us a cotton swab to gently swab the area, once in the morning and once at night. Continue for at least a week after the procedure. You may brush your teeth the day after surgery. Please make sure to brush your teeth only and not the gum tissue.

It is very important to keep the area clean, as this also can lead to infection or failure of graft/implant.

Bleeding, bruising and swelling are normal events in the healing process and are to be expected. Bleeding typically subsides a few hours after a procedure. Although unlikely, bruising may occur several days after surgery and will resolve within 7 to 14 days. Swelling is a natural component of the healing process and typically peaks in 72 hours after surgery. Swelling can be reduced with the use of ice packs and Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen). Swelling may cause limited movement and/or decrease opening of your mouth, this is a normal phenomenom. If swelling and/or limited opening continue after 7 days, please call our ofice.