Pre Operation Instructions
Patients who have elected to have Intravenous sedation will not be able to eat, drink, or take anything by mouth 6 hours before surgery. Patients will need to have a ride home, and also need to wear a short sleeve shirt which is helpful with the placements of the monitors.
Post Operative Instructions
After hours, call 269.385.2101 to have the message service page the doctor if you are having any complications.
If you feel you are experiencing a medical emergency go directly to the nearest Emergency Room. If your phone has privacy manager on it, Dr. Hamlin will not be able to phone you. There will be no narcotic pain medication phoned in after hours or on the weekends. Proper care following oral surgery procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications Rest: Minimize strenuous activities for 24-72 hours after surgery. Bleeding: Remove the gauze from mouth 1 hour after getting home and before drinking or eating. A small amount of bleeding is normal on the first day and night. Food: After surgery, liquids are acceptable when desired. Allow for the numbness to cease before beginning solid foods. The day after surgery, eat as desired and tolerated. Encourage clear fluid intake, initially, then progress to soft foods. Smoking, spitting and usage of straws will increase the risk of painful osteitis or dry sockets, which will delay healing. Swelling: It is normal to have swelling of the face after surgery. Use ice packs (ice in plastic Ziploc bags covered with a towel) for 3 days after surgery. It is important to place the ice pack on the outside of the face, alternating sides, 15 minutes on 15 minutes off. On the fourth day after surgery, switch to a warm moist towel compress. Usually the largest amount of swelling occurs on the third day after surgery. Do not rinse mouth today: Tomorrow rinse mouth gently every 3-4 hours (especially after meals) using 1/4 teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Continue rinses for several days. Teeth may be brushed the day after surgery, stay one tooth away from surgery sites. Toothpaste may be used but avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol. Bony edges: Small bone fragments may work through the gums during healing. These are not roots. Please contact the office to have Dr. Hamlin evaluate them if they occur. Nausea: Pain medications and antibiotics can cause nausea. Take medications with an adequate amount of soft food to help prevent nausea. Classic Coke and clear carbonated liquids are helpful in preventing nausea. If nausea still continues, discontinue narcotic pain medications. Substitute with Ibuprofen. Discontinue antibiotics only if Dr. Hamlin recommends this. Pain: Use narcotic pain prescription only if needed. Substitute or use in conjunction with 400 mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours Sutures: Dissolvable sutures will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. Sutures may become loose, irritating or may come out. This is usually not significant. Any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the office. Local anesthesia: Numbness from the injection site should wear off in 2-8 hours after surgery. If any symptoms occur which you feel are unusual or are concerning you, please call at once. |
Post-Op Implant/Bone Graft
1) Sutures that are purple may dissolve in 3-4 weeks or may be scheduled for removal by Dr. Hamlin, those which are tan colored may dissolve in 7-14 days. If sutures fall apart or come untied after 24-48 hours this is fine. After 2 weeks if you would like your sutures removed we will be glad to remove those for you.
2) Continue a soft diet for approximately one week. Use the other side of your mouth for more mechanical chewing. 3) Use the mouthwash if prescribed as follows: Use nightly for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then expectorate. Do not eat or drink anything for 1 hour after you use the mouthwash. 4) Continue normal oral hygiene. You may brush your teeth as normal and may brush the implant or bone graft site gently. 5) Continue all medications as directed by your doctor. 6) Depending on your specific case, you may have a second appointment for placement of a healing abutment that will be placed on your implant prior to visiting your dentist. Ask Dr. Hamlin if you have specific questions. 7) Any increasing discomfort or swelling, contact our office immediately for an appointment. 8) Finish all antibiotics if prescribed, and for mild to moderate pain and swelling take 400 mg of Motrin/ibuprofen every six hours for 3-5 days unless you have an allergy to this medicine or are told by your physician to avoid this type of medication. If this is the case, your Doctor will discuss alternative therapy with you. If you have any questions or concerns, we are always available to assist you at anytime! |
After hours, call 269.385.2101 to have the message service page the doctor if you are having any complications. If you feel you are experiencing a medical emergency go directly to the nearest Emergency Room. If your phone has privacy manager on it, Dr. Hamlin will not be able to phone you. There will be no narcotic pain medication phoned in after hours or on the weekends.