Mackler, Lutins and Benitez Periodontics and Dental Implants

Periodontics

Greensboro, NC

(336) 379-8377

PATIENT INFORMATION

Drs. Mackler, Lutins and Benitez

Surgical Instructions

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 (336) 379-8377 during regular business hours.

 It may be important to stop taking Aspirin and non-steroidals such as Motrin and Advil, 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, remember to discontinue them as directed. If you take antibiotic premed, please take it as directed before your surgery. You will feel better if you have eaten prior to surgery. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you would like.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you approximately 7-10 days after your surgery, and then again 4 weeks later.  In most cases, we will also look forward to seeing you back for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an examination of tissue maturation about 10-12 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.
 
Sedatives
If you elect to use one of the following oral sedatives you must have a ride to and from the office. Please bring your remaining tablets with you.  You may or may not eat before the procedure, but the sedatives will be more effective if you do not.
  • Ativan (Lorazepam)
  • Valium (Diazepam)
  • Triazalam (Halcion)
* If you elect IV Sedation remember nothing to eat or drink the night prior to your surgical procedure (8 hours prior to appointment).
 
Food Suggestions
When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices:
  • Jell-O
  • Bananas
  • Yogurt
  • Pasta
  • Milk Shakes
  • Casseroles
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Ensure/Slim Fast
  • Soups
  • Pudding
  • Rice
  • Apple Sauce
  • Oatmeal
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes
Post-operative Instructions
These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.
 
Pain Medications
It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you with any post-treatment discomfort. Please take your medications as directed. If necessary, you may take your pain medication more frequently than every 4-6 hours to stay ahead of the soreness. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.

As an alternative to prescription medications, some patients have found taking a combination of over the counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol to be effective. You may take the combination in either of the following dosages: 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 2 Regular Strength Tylenol or 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol, every 4-6 hours as needed.

Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicoden or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office with any questions you may have.

Antibiotics
An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. 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 some antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.
 
Swelling
Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically increase 2-3 days after the procedure. To minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue using ice for 2-3 days following the procedure as often as possible.
 
Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:
  • Do not rinse your mouth.
  • Elevate your head when lying down.
  • Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes, repeat if necessary.
  • Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
  • Call the office if bleeding persists.
Dressing
The dressing (which acts as a bandage) may or not be used  to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction.
 
Diet
Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 hour following the surgery so as not to soften the dressing. A soft diet is recommended. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fruits are more easily eaten. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.
 
Smoking
It is advised not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.
 
Alcohol
You should  not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
 
Rinsing
Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, you may use a mild, diluted mouthwash. Repeat as necessary to help keep the dressing clean.
 
Brushing
Do not brush the surgical site. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day.
 
Suture Removal
We will remove any remaining sutures at your post-operative appointment approximately 7-10 days after your surgical procedure.  Often we use resorbable sutures which do not need to be removed.  If these sutures are used we will still need to see you in 7-10 days to check the healing.  If resorbable sutures are not used, we will ask that you return for their removal .   Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at (336) 379-8377 or email us at info@macklerandlutinsdds.com