Pre-operative Instructions

How To Care For Yourself Before Periodontal Surgery

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 Tennessee Valley Periodontics Phone Number This text is auto-generated, please update within your website settings. during regular business hours.

If you receive your pre/post-operative prescriptions, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery and bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.

You may be instructed 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 only if directed and as directed. If you take antibiotic premed, please take it as directed before your surgery. You will feel better if you have eaten prior to surgery. However, for patients having sedation for anxiolysis (relief of dental anxiety), we may request that you do not eat prior to your appointment or within a certain amount of time prior. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly and comfortably. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you like. If you have questions about medications or proper protocols, please contact our office in advance of your treatment so we can advise you as appropriate.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for post-operative checks during the first 1-5 weeks. In some 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 for a full cycle and precautions should be taken.

Sedatives

If you elect for oral sedation during your procedure, you must have a ride to and from the office. If the sedative is prescribed prior to surgery, please bring your tablets with you. Do not take any oral sedatives prior to your arrival at the office unless directed by our doctors to do so. Remember, we may request that you do not eat within a certain amount of time prior to your surgery. Typical oral sedatives we may prescribe/administer include:

• Ativan (Lorazepam)
• Valium (Diazepam)
• Triazalam (Halcion)

Food Suggestions

Avoid peanuts, popcorn, food with seeds, or crunchy foods.  When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices: