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Secure a Successful Surgery
How you prepare for your surgery, both mentally and physically, can have a big impact on the success of your procedure. If you require anesthesia for your surgery, there are several ways in which you must prepare so you remain safe during surgery. It’s normal to feel apprehensive or nervous, but rest assured, your surgical team at Palani Center For Dental Implants has the qualifications and training to provide safe and comfortable treatment in Rancho Palos Verdes. Following our pre-operative instructions can help you experience a better surgery and recovery.
Food and Drink
Do not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for the 8 hours leading up to your appointment time. If your surgery is scheduled for the morning, avoid food and water after midnight. If you have an afternoon appointment, you can eat and drink lightly (toast, water, tea, or black coffee) in the morning. Do not drink alcohol for the 24 hours prior to your appointment. Smoking
Refrain from smoking at least 48 hours before your appointment. Ideally, it will be most beneficial for your health and healing to minimize or stop smoking as soon as you can prior to your surgery. Tobacco and nicotine can burn oral tissues and restrict blood and oxygen flow. Healing slows and the risk for infection significantly increases. Clothing and Accessories
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and short-sleeves and shoes with low heels (or no heels). We’ll need access to your arm during surgery and want you to feel as comfortable as possible. Do not wear jewelry, contacts, or any cosmetics (perfume, makeup, lipstick, nail polish, etc.). Medication
For your safety during surgery, you must fully inform our team of any medications or supplements you take daily, including vitamins and herbal products, blood thinners, insulin, pain or depression medication, or any other substances used medically or recreationally. Certain medications are allowed the day of surgery, but others may need to be paused days and even weeks before. Patients with asthma should bring their inhalers to the appointment. Physical Health
Composite dental fillings are the metal-free alternative to conventional cavity treatment with amalgam fillings. Composite is naturally tooth-colored and just as durable, for a strong and aesthetic result. The metal-free cavity filling solution also eliminates the risk of allergic reaction or health issues related to mercury release. Assistance
You will need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment and to remain in our office (or waiting outside in a vehicle) for the duration of your surgery. You will be unable to drive, operate machinery, or make decisions for yourself for the rest of the day. Activity
Do not participate in any physical activity or exercise, drive a vehicle, or use machinery for the first 24 hours following your surgery.
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Ensure Proper Healing
Your recovery period after your procedure is critical to the overall success of your surgery. It’s important that you keep the surgical site undisturbed, especially if a blood clot needs to form. Most discomfort can be alleviated with cold and hot compresses and over-the-counter pain medication. We encourage you to relax for the first few days after surgery, drink the recommended amount of water, and eat nutritionally to help jumpstart your recovery. We’ll review your post-operative instructions during your visit at Palani Center For Dental Implants in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA to make sure you’re comfortable with the healing process before treatment begins.
Bleeding
Minor bleeding at the surgical site is normal for the first 24 hours. If more persistent bleeding occurs, bite down firmly on a gauze pad placed on the wound for 30 minutes. Contact our office immediately if any excessive or uncontrollable bleeding occurs. Swelling
Swelling of the gums around the exposed tooth is normal. Apply an ice pack to the cheek or external area of the mouth where the surgical site is. Maintain the application of this ice pack anytime you are awake for the first 36 hours after surgery. Pain
Begin taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication before the local anesthetic begins wearing off to reduce any discomfort. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is generally strong enough to control any post-operative pain. If prescribed medication is needed, take only as directed. If you experience severe pain that persists, contact our office right away. Oral Hygiene
The day after your surgery, rinse with mouthwash and/or saltwater 5-6 times a day and especially after meals. Continue rinsing your mouth until the site has healed. Brush your teeth only with a soft-bristled toothbrush and be careful to avoid harming the surgical site. Diet
Immediately after surgery, resume drinking the recommended amount of water each day to avoid dehydration. Nutritionally rich soft foods can be eaten on the day of surgery. Avoid hot foods and liquids. You can return to a normal diet within a few days but continue eating wholesome meals to assist your body in the healing process. Activity
Minimize exercise and physical activities for the first few days after surgery. Do not begin rigorous exercise as this can cause excessive bleeding and throbbing at the surgical site. Resume physical activities slowly over the next several weeks. Sleep Apnea Treatment
Do you snore at night? Do you wake most mornings with a headache and feel fatigued even after sleeping through the night? You may have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Night guards or custom oral appliances can open your airway and help you get the restful sleep you, and your partner, need! TMJ Treatment
If you’re grinding or clenching your teeth, have worn-down teeth, or frequently experience jaw pain you may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This can occur for a number of reasons from malocclusion (bad bite), unhealthy oral habits, as well as jaw joint problems. An occlusal adjustment or custom mouthguard may be all you need to restore proper balance, relieve your pain, and maintain your oral health. |
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