Pre-operative Instructions

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 Dallas Office Phone Number 972-991-9891 during regular business hours.

You should receive your pre/post-operative prescriptions with this instruction sheet. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery, unless they have been previously phoned into the pharmacy of your choice. Please bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.

If instructed, stop taking aspirin and non-steroidals such as Motrin and Advil, 7-10 days prior to your surgery unless advised differently the doctor. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, remember to discontinue them as directed. If you are being administered conscious sedation do not eat or drink any liquids 6 hours prior to appointment. If you take an antibiotic premed, please take it as directed before your surgery. Wear casual, loose fitting clothing with short sleeves.  Do not wear contact lens, heavy jewelry or perfume. Men need to shave on the morning of surgery. 

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for a post-operative check during the first 2-3 weeks. In most cases, after surgery we will also look forward to seeing you back for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an examination of tissue maturation about 4 – 6 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.

Sedatives

Conscious Sedation or Sleep Dentistry

We offer conscious sedation to help make treatment more pleasant and comfortable. This important option has eased the minds of many patients and unlocked the benefits of treatment for those who might otherwise have avoided it.

Conscious sedation is a safe, drug-induced state in which the patient is conscious and pleasantly relaxed, yet free of fear and anxiety. Conscious sedation is different than general anesthesia because the patient is still able to respond to simple requests (such as please turn your head slightly to the left). However, during conscious sedation, the patient experiences little or no discomfort and usually does not remember the procedure after it is finished. The use of conscious sedation by an appropriately trained periodontist such as Dr. Orth is safe and effective.

If you’re not comfortable, we’re not comfortable. It’s important you feel relaxed when you receive dental treatment. Please ask Dr. Orth about this service for more information.

If you are having conscious sedation do not have anything to eat or drink (including water or coffee) for 6 hrs. prior to the surgical appointment. Take all daily medications at the usual time with a sip of water unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Orth and/or staff.

A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office and drive the patient home. You should plan to have an adult companion stay with you for the first 2 to 4 hours after surgery.

Food Suggestions

When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices: