Dr. Smith

Dr. Ferguson

Dr. Chuang

Can Scheduling Answer Basic Post-Op Questions?

No

Yes

Yes

NPO Instructions

Patient should be NPO for 6 hours prior to sedation

Patient should be NPO for 6 hours prior to sedation

Patient should be NPO for 8 hours prior to sedation.
Sips of water to take medication is okay.

Syringes
(wisdom teeth patients)

Syringes are given to patients on occasion

Syringes are given either at the 2 week post-op or immediately after surgery if no post-op needed.

Irrigate one full syringe to each socket at the end of the day for approximately 2 weeks

Not given to patients.

Ice Packs

Ice packs are not provided to patients

Ice packs are provided to patients when available in the office. Patient can use home ice packs.

Ice packs are provided to patients.

Gauze

Change gauze at 45 minutes & as needed.

Change gauze every 30 minutes with active bleeding. Hold moderate pressure to stop bleeding. Keep gauze in until most bleeding has subsided.

Change gauze at 15 minutes, add an additional 15 minutes if still bleeding.

Recommended Diet

Soft, Liquid, non-chew
Diet will range with procedure.

Soft, minimal chew diet

Soft foods for 3-5 days. Avoid grainy foods (rice, grits, quinoa) & crunchy foods.
Warm salt water rinses after meals.

Travel by airplane

Sinus surgery or jaw surgery after 1st post-op (10-14 days). Others as needed no restrictions.

Ok to travel by plane after 1 week. Sinus lift cases should wait 2 weeks.

No limitations unless sinus involvement.
Discuss with patient risks of travel associated with specific procedure.

Sports/Wind Instruments

Case variable

After 3 days

Sinus precautions: 2-4 weeks, follow-up at 2 week
Regular extractions: 7-10 days, for strenuous activity

Brushing Teeth

Case variable

Patient can brush teeth immediately. Avoid surgical site. No forceful spitting of toothpaste or mouthwash.

Patient can brush teeth same day. Gentle brushing. Avoid surgical site.

Medications 

Medications are typically prescribed the day of surgery.

Medications are typically prescribed the day of surgery.

Typically prescribed the day of surgery.
Major cases may Rx earlier/prior to appt.

Post Op Appointments

Post-ops are an in-person follow-up or a tech call.

Post-ops are an in-person follow-up most of the time. All else would be a follow-up phone call.

Post-ops are an in-person follow-up or follow-up phone call with tech or doctor.