Pre-Surgical Instructions
General Instructions
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Short sleeves are necessary as your blood pressure will be monitored during surgery. We will provide blankets. Do not wear contact lenses on the day of surgery. Avoid jewelry, acrylic nails, or restrictive clothing.
- Feel free to bring headphones and music you’d enjoy during the procedure.
- We submit prescriptions for your surgery electronically to your requested pharmacy. Please fill them in advance of your surgery date. Do not take any of the medications until the day of surgery unless directed otherwise.
- Regular medications prescribed by your physician should be taken as usual unless you are instructed otherwise.
- Please drink plenty of water 24 hours before the procedure.
- Eat a light, high protein meal before your appointment, but have no caffeine on the day of surgery.
Sedation Instructions
- If you have chosen to use oral sedation, please understand these medications are to help you feel relaxed and have reduced memory of the procedure. Patients regularly fall asleep, but some may be easily stimulated and awaken during the procedure. Please arrive early to your appointment.
- If you are utilizing sedation, you must confirm that you are not pregnant and have a driver before and after surgery.
- Your driver is someone you should trust to take care of you and is expected to be at the office throughout the procedure, or within a short radius of the office.
- Avoid driving for 24 hours following administration of sedation drugs.
Considerations
- Please bring any dental appliance (retainer, partial denture, etc.) to your appointment.
- If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you to your surgery appointment.
- If you have diabetes, please bring your glucose monitor with you to your surgery appointment. Avoid taking any medications treating your diabetes on the morning of surgery. You may resume those medications after surgery and with a meal.
- Please be aware that sutures (stitches) will be placed at your surgical sites. Please confirm a post operative appointment is scheduled for suture removal. Some sutures resorb (dissolve) naturally and can occasionally become loose during healing. You can always call our office to have any excess or uncomfortable suture trimmed.
- As with any surgery, there is always a risk of post operative bleeding, infection, pain, nerve damage, need for further surgery, discomfort, etc. Please review any concerns you may have with Dr. Cherry and his staff.
Post-Surgical Instructions
General Instructions
- Take medications as instructed.
- Always take medications with a small amount of simple food and water. Avoid alcohol and food that would upset your stomach.
- No smoking or marijuana use for 2 weeks.
- Rest as much as possible. Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area and avoid manipulating surgical site.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or submerging your head under water for 48 hours after surgery.
- Apply ice or cold pack wrapped in cloth to the surgical site for 15 minutes on and off to reduce swelling.
- Slow oozing from the surgical site is normal (place a towel on your pillow). Keep your head elevated when you sleep.
- If uncontrolled bleeding occurs, dampen a tea bag and apply firm pressure for a full 10 minutes.
- Swelling and bruising are normal and usually peak 72 hours following surgery.
Hygiene
- Avoid brushing or flossing the surgical site.
- All other teeth and gums away from the surgical site can be cleaned like normal.
- Gently swish warm salt water (1 tablespoon of salt into a glass of water) and allow the solution to fall out of your mouth into the sink without spitting.
- We will evaluate the surgical site at your post op appointment to discuss how to clean the area in the future.
Diet
- Avoid chewing at the surgical site, and try to use the other side of your mouth.
- For the first 24 hours after surgery, your diet should consist of soft/cold foods:
- Milk shakes, smoothies with protein, broth, pudding, Jell-O, ice cream, frozen yogurt, applesauce, cottage cheese, fresh fruits (no seeds), canned fruit (chilled), avocado, pureed foods, hummus.
- After the first 24 hours, your diet can change to soft/warm foods:
- Pancakes, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta, soup, stews, moist meat (flaky fish, ground meat, etc.), noodles, rice, cream of wheat, polenta.
- Avoid small seeds, crunchy, spicy, acidic foods, or use of straws for 2 weeks after surgery.
Return to clinic, contact your doctor, or proceed to the Emergency Department should concerns arise regarding fever >101.5°F/38.5°C, excessive swelling or bleeding, nausea/vomiting, difficulty breathing, or lightheadedness.
After-Hours Emergency
If you experience an emergency outside of office hours, please call (720) 279-4189.
For general inquiries, contact us at frontdesk@foundationimplants.com or call (303) 799-3949.
Foundation Implants & Periodontics
8683 E. Lincoln Ave, Suite 210
Lone Tree, CO 80124