Pre-operative Instructions

The following instructions may be 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 Brunswick Office Phone Number 912-264-9250 during regular business hours.

You should receive your pre/post-operative prescriptions with this instruction sheet. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery, unless they have been previously phoned into the pharmacy of your choice. Please bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.

It may be important to stop taking aspirin and non-steroidals such as Motrin and Advil, 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, remember to discontinue them as directed. If you take antibiotic premed, please take it as directed before your surgery.  We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you like.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1-5 weeks. In most cases, after surgery we will also look forward to seeing you back for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an examination of tissue maturation about 10-12 weeks following the surgery.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. You will be prescribed an antibiotic if our doctor determines it to be necessary. Take as directed until gone. 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 their effectiveness.

Sedatives

If you elect to use IV sedation, you must have a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure. You will be unable to leave the office alone. For a procedure scheduled in the morning, DO NOT EAT AFTER MIDNIGHT (12:00AM) of the morning in which the procedure is scheduled. You may ingest clear liquids such as water or apple juice along with any medications you are required to take. For an afternoon procedure avoid anything by mouth after 8:00 AM. A light carbohydrate breakfast of dry cereal and juice may be taken before 8:00 AM that morning. Medications should be taken normally with water.

Please wear a shirt with short sleeves and loose-fitting, comfortable garments and plan to arrive approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment. Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed.

If you should develop a cold, flu, sore throat, respiratory infection, or any other illness, please notify our office as soon as any symptoms develop. We will need to reschedule your appointment when you are more physically fit. At least 24 hours notice is greatly appreciated when rescheduling appointments.

PLEASE LET THE DOCTOR OR STAFF KNOW IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

  • You are or think there is any possibility of being pregnant.
  • Any history of liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis).
  • Any history of thyroid problems.
  • If you are taking any monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI…such as Nardil or Surmontil, or Vivactil).
  • If you are allergic to or have any adverse reactions to any medications.

Food Suggestions

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

  • Ensure/Slim Fast
  • Soups
  • Pudding
  • Rice
  • Apple Sauce
  • Oatmeal
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Jell-O
  • Bananas
  • Yogurt
  • Pasta
  • Milk Shakes
  • Casseroles
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Cottage Cheese