Surgical Instructions

Preoperative Instructions

LOCAL AND IV SEDATION SURGERIES

1. If you take regular medications:
   a.     Please continue taking your regular medications, unless specifically instructed by Dr. Griffitts.
   b.     If you have any questions about medication use, please call our office.
2. If you were prescribed Valium for your surgery, please take one dose the night before, at bedtime. You will take your second dose one hour before your appointment with a small sip of water.
3. For your safety, please inform our office of any upper respiratory infection within the last two weeks.
4. Your postoperative prescriptions are routinely sent to your pharmacy two days prior to your surgery date. Please arrange to collect those prescriptions from your pharmacy. If you have any questions about your prescriptions, please call our office.
5. If you are undergoing a Dental Implant and/or Bone Grafting:
   a.     Please take antibiotics one hour prior to surgery with small sips of water. Refer to your medication bottle for instructions.

IV SEDATION SURGERY ONLY

1. Please arrive for your surgical appointment having followed these diet instructions:
   a.     Do not eat 6 hours prior to your surgery (including gum and hard candy).
   b.     Consume only clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to your surgery.
   i. Clear liquids include: water, coffee (without creamer), tea, pulp-free juice
   c.     It is okay to brush your teeth prior to your appointment.
2. Please arrange for a responsible adult to care for you following your surgery. They are required to remain in our office for the entirety of your surgery.

Due to a shortage of IV fluids caused by the recent hurricanes, we recommend that patients ensure they are well-hydrated up to two hours before their procedure. Please note that this will not impact the sedation process during your surgery.

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Single Tooth Extraction Recovery

These instructions are important for proper healing. Please follow these guidelines to ensure the best outcome and recovery.

Immediately Following Surgery:

1. Gauze pads will be placed over the surgical site(s) at the time of surgery. If bleeding continues, replace them with a dampened and rolled gauze pad(s) with firm biting pressure. Change every 30-45 minutes until minimal pink/red spotting is present.
2. Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the wound area. This can dislodge the blood clot and cause additional discomfort.
3. Begin taking antibiotics as directed.
4. Take anti-inflammatory medications for pain management prior to feeling discomfort.
   a.     Ibuprofen 600 mg tablets – take one tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain
   a.     Extra Strength Tylenol 500 mg tablets – take one every 6 hours as needed for pain
5. Take all medications with food to prevent upset stomach and nausea.
6. Place ice packs on your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time as needed.
7. Limit your diet to cold, soft foods for the first 1-2 days, advancing as you are able. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid using a straw until 5 days post-op.
8. Restrict activities on surgery day, resuming normal activity as able.

Second Day Following Surgery:

1. Maintain your prescribed medication regimen, progressing to more substantial foods as you feel comfortable.
2. Begin using the mouth rinse, once in the morning and once in the evening for up to 2 weeks.
3. If you are experiencing muscle soreness today, apply heat to cheeks for 20 minutes at a time as needed.

Third Day Following Surgery:

1. Maintain your prescribed medication regimen, using heat as needed for continued muscle soreness.
2. Begin using the irrigation syringe marked SS in the lower extraction sites only for up to 1 week:
   a.     Fill the syringe with warm water.
   b.     Insert the tip of syringe slightly into socket and rinse lower extraction sites until no food comes out.
   c.      Some bleeding while irrigating can be normal.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Bleeding:

1. Bleeding is normal after surgery and should slow down by the evening with proper use of gauze.
2. Slight bleeding, oozing or redness in the saliva is common for about 2 days postoperatively.
3. If bleeding does not slow down after replacing gauze in the area, then place a moistened black tea bag over the surgical area for 30 mins and bite down firmly. If you have any concerns with bleeding, please contact our office at (208) 667-0824. If calling after-hours, there will be a phone prompt that connects you directly to Dr. Griffitts.

Medication:

1. If antibiotics were prescribed, it is important to complete the course of the prescription, even if you are feeling well.

Activity:

1. You are clear to return to normal activity levels after 7 days.

Diet:

1. During your recovery period, it is normal for your jaw muscles to be sore. Chewing will be difficult but should improve with time.

Swelling:

1. Swelling can decrease when following ice and heat application regimen. Expect swelling to peak 3-4 days postoperatively.
2. Brusing of the skin is normal and can take up to 10-14 days to subside.

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Wisdom Teeth Extraction Recovery

These instructions are important for proper healing. Please follow these guidelines to ensure the best outcome and recovery.

Immediately Following Surgery:

1. Gauze pads will be placed over the surgical site(s) at the time of surgery. If bleeding continues, replace them with a dampened and rolled gauze pad(s) with firm biting pressure. Change every 30-45 minutes until minimal pink/red spotting is present.
2. Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the wound area. This can dislodge the blood clot and cause additional discomfort.
3. Begin taking antibiotics as directed.
4. Take anti-inflammatory medications for pain management prior to feeling discomfort.
   a.     Ibuprofen 600 mg tablets – take one tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain
   a.     Extra Strength Tylenol 500 mg tablets – take one every 6 hours as needed for pain
5. Take all medications with food to prevent upset stomach and nausea.
6. Place ice packs on your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time as needed.
7. Limit your diet to cold, soft foods for the first 1-2 days, advancing as you are able. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid using a straw until 5 days post-op.
8. Restrict activities on surgery day, resuming normal activity as able.

Second Day Following Surgery:

1. Maintain your prescribed medication regimen, progressing to more substantial foods as you feel comfortable.
2. Begin using the mouth rinse, once in the morning and once in the evening for up to 2 weeks.
3. If you are experiencing muscle soreness today, apply heat to cheeks for 20 minutes at a time as needed.

Third Day Following Surgery:

1. Maintain your prescribed medication regimen, using heat as needed for continued muscle soreness.
2. Begin using the irrigation syringe marked SS in the lower extraction sites only for up to 1 week:
   a.     Fill the syringe with warm water.
   b.     Insert the tip of syringe slightly into socket and rinse lower extraction sites until no food comes out.
   c.     Some bleeding while irrigating can be normal.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Bleeding:

1. Bleeding is normal after surgery and should slow down by the evening with proper use of gauze.
2. Slight bleeding, oozing or redness in the saliva is common for about 2 days postoperatively.
3. If bleeding does not slow down after replacing gauze in the area, then place a moistened black tea bag over the surgical area for 30 mins and bite down firmly. If you have any concerns with bleeding, please contact our office at (208) 667-0824. If calling after-hours, there will be a phone prompt that connects you directly to Dr. Griffitts.

Medication:

1. If Exparel was used, expect numbness to last 2-3 days in the surgical sites. Continue taking prescribed pain medications as needed for up to one week following surgery.
2. If antibiotics were prescribed, it is important to complete the course of the prescription even when feeling well.

Activity:

1. You are clear to return to normal activity levels after 7 days.

Diet:

1. It is normal for your jaw muscles to be sore. Chewing will be difficult but should improve with time.
2. Expect to return to a normal diet 7 days after your surgery.

Swelling:

1. Swelling can decrease when following ice and heat application regimen. Expect swelling to peak 3-4 days postoperatively.
2. Brusing of the skin is normal and can take up to 10-14 days to subside.

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Dental Implant Recovery

These instructions are important for proper healing. Please follow these guidelines to ensure the best outcome and recovery.

Immediately Following Surgery:

1. Gauze pads will be placed over the surgical site(s) at the time of surgery. If bleeding continues, replace them with a dampened and rolled gauze pad(s) with firm pressure. Change every 30-45 minutes until minimal pink/red spotting is present.
2. Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the wound area. Gentle mouth rinsing can begin the day after surgery.
3. Take anti-inflammatory medications for pain management prior to feeling discomfort.
   a.     Ibuprofen 600 mg tablets – take one tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain
   b.     Extra Strength Tylenol 500 mg tablets – take one every 6 hours as needed for pain
4. Take all medications with food to prevent upset stomach and nausea.
5. Limit your diet to cold, soft foods for the first 1-2 days, advancing as you are able. Drink plenty of fluids.
6. Place ice packs on your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time as needed.
7. Restrict activities on surgery day, resuming normal activity as able.

Bleeding:

1. Bleeding is normal after surgery and should slow down by the evening with proper use of gauze.
2. Slight bleeding, oozing or redness in the saliva is common for about 2 days postoperatively.
3. If bleeding does not slow down after replacing gauze in the area, then place a moistened black tea bag over the surgical area for 30 mins and bite down firmly. If you have any concerns with bleeding, please contact our office at (208) 667-0824. If calling after-hours, there will be a phone prompt that connects you directly to Dr. Griffitts.

Medication:

1. If antibiotics were prescribed, it is important to take the antibiotic one hour prior to the scheduled surgery. Refer to the medication bottle for instructions.

Diet:

1. During your recovery period, it is normal for your jaw muscles to be sore. Chewing will be difficult but should improve with time.

Swelling:

1. Swelling can decrease when following ice application regimen.
2. Brusing of the skin is normal and can take up to 10-14 days to subside.

Dental Implant:

1. Your dentist will place the crown once the implant has healed sufficiently, which generally requires 3 months. Our office will schedule regular post operative visits to monitor the implant healing. If you have any questions, please contact our office.

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Extraction and Socket Graft Recovery

These instructions are important for proper healing. Please follow these guidelines to ensure the best outcome and recovery.

Immediately Following Surgery:

1. Gauze pads will be placed over the surgical site(s) at the time of surgery. If bleeding continues, replace them with a dampened and rolled gauze pad(s) with firm biting pressure. Change every 30-45 minutes until minimal pink/red spotting is present.
2. Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the wound area. Gentle mouth rinsing can begin the day after surgery.
3. If prescribed, begin taking antibiotics as directed.
4. Take anti-inflammatory medications for pain management prior to feeling discomfort.
   a.     Ibuprofen 600 mg tablets – take one tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain
   b.     Extra Strength Tylenol 500 mg tablets – take one every 6 hours as needed for pain
5. Take all medications with food to prevent upset stomach and nausea.
6. Limit your diet to cold, soft foods for the first 1-2 days, advancing as you are able. Drink plenty of fluids.
7. Place ice packs on your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time as needed.
8. Restrict activities on surgery day, resuming normal activity as able.
9. Permanent sutures were placed to allow improved soft tissue healing. They will be removed at a postoperative appointment two weeks after the surgery.
10. It is normal to have small pieces of bone graft come loose, if you are concerned about the amount, please call our office.

Bleeding:

1. Bleeding is normal after surgery and should slow down by the evening with proper use of gauze.
2. Slight bleeding, oozing or redness in the saliva is common for about 2 days postoperatively.
3. If bleeding does not slow down after replacing gauze in the area, then place a moistened black tea bag over the surgical area for 30 mins and bite down firmly. If you have any concerns with bleeding, please contact our office at (208) 667-0824. If calling after-hours, there will be a phone prompt that connects you directly to Dr. Griffitts.

Medication:

1. If antibiotics were prescribed, it is important to complete the course of the prescription, even if you are feeling well.
2. If Exparel was used, you will have numbness that lasts for 2-3 days in the surgical sites. Continue taking medication the following days as needed for your pain. It is typical to still require some pain medication up to one week following surgery.

Activity:

1. You are clear to return to normal activity levels after 7 days.

Diet:

1. During your recovery period, it is normal for your jaw muscles to be sore. Chewing will be difficult but should improve with time.

Swelling:

1. Swelling can decrease when following ice application regimen.
2. Brusing of the skin is normal and can take up to 10-14 days to subside.

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Tmj Injection/Arthrocentesis Recovery

These instructions are important for proper healing. Please follow these guidelines to ensure the best outcome and recovery.

Immediately Following Surgery:

1. A small bandage will be placed over the surgical sites and should remain for the rest of the day. It is normal to have minimal red spotting present on the bandage.
2. Avoid touching the surgical site.
3. Take anti-inflammatory medications for pain management prior to feeling discomfort.
   a.     Ibuprofen 600 mg tablets – take one tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain
   b.     Extra Strength Tylenol 500 mg tablets – take one every 6 hours as needed for pain
4. Take all medications with food to prevent upset stomach and nausea.
5. Place ice packs on your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time as needed.
6. Resume normal activity as able.

Bleeding:

1. If you have any concerns with bleeding, please contact our office at (208) 667-0824. If calling after-hours, there will be a phone prompt that connects you directly to Dr. Griffitts.

Diet:

1. During your recovery period, it is normal for your jaw muscles to be sore. Chewing will be difficult but should improve with time.

Swelling:

1. Swelling can decrease when following ice application regimen.
2. Brusing of the skin is normal and can take up to 10-14 days to subside.

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Biopsy Recovery

These instructions are important for proper healing. Please follow these guidelines to ensure the best outcome and recovery.

Immediately Following Surgery:

1. Gauze pads will be placed over the surgical site(s) at the time of surgery. If bleeding continues, replace them with a dampened and rolled gauze pad(s) with firm pressure. Change every 30-45 minutes until minimal pink/red spotting is present.
2. Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the wound area. Gentle mouth rinsing can begin the day after surgery.
3. If prescribed, begin taking antibiotics as directed.
4. Take anti-inflammatory medications for pain management prior to feeling discomfort.
   a.     Ibuprofen 600 mg tablets – take one tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain
   b.     Extra Strength Tylenol 500 mg tablets – take one every 6 hours as needed for pain
5. Take all medications with food to prevent upset stomach and nausea.
6. Limit your diet to cold, soft foods for the first 1-2 days, advancing as you are able. Drink plenty of fluids.
7. Place ice packs on your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time as needed.
8. Restrict activities on surgery day, resuming normal activity as able.
9. Biopsy results are typically received within one week after the surgery. We will review the results at your scheduled postoperative visit.

Bleeding:

1. Bleeding is normal after surgery and should slow down by the evening with proper use of gauze.
2. Slight bleeding, oozing or redness in the saliva is common for about 2 days postoperatively.
3. If bleeding does not slow down after replacing gauze in the area, then place a moistened black tea bag over the surgical area for 30 mins and bite down firmly. If you have any concerns with bleeding, please contact our office at (208) 667-0824. If calling after-hours, there will be a phone prompt that connects you directly to Dr. Griffitts.

Medication:

1. If antibiotics were prescribed, it is important to complete the course of the prescription, even if you are feeling well.

Diet:

1. It is normal for your jaw muscles to be sore. Chewing will be difficult but should improve with time.

Swelling:

1. Swelling can decrease when following ice application regimen.
2. Brusing of the skin is normal and can take up to 10-14 days to subside.

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