Pre & post operative instructions

To ensure your periodontal surgery is as pleasant as possible, please follow the recommendations listed below:

1. If you are not having intravenous or oral sedation, eat breakfast or lunch on the day of surgery.  If you are having intravenous or oral sedation, do not eat or drink anything, including water, for at least six hours before your appointment.
2. Take all medications you would normally take as directed for other medical reasons. Be sure Dr. Lo is aware of all medications you have taken in the preceding 24 hour period.
3. Have our prescriptions filled, take before surgery as directed, and bring them with you to your surgery appointment.
4. When sedation is used during surgery you must have someone pick you up to drive you home and to stay with you for several hours. The effect of the sedative drugs lasts for 2-6 hours following surgery.
5. Be sure to wear comfortable, open-collared, loose clothing to the surgery appointment.
6. Please leave out contact lenses, if you wear them.
7. Do not ignore a head or chest cold when oral surgery is to be performed.  Please call the office if you have any symptoms for we may have to reschedule.
8. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call our office at 416.226.6021

Post Operative Instructions

1. It is not unusual for swelling to occur following surgery.  Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for five hours after the surgery.  This will help keep the swelling to a minimum, but may not completely eliminate it.  You may not notice any swelling until the next day.  Swelling often peaks 2-3 days after the procedure, and it may take 4 to 7 days to subside.
2. A small amount of bleeding can be expected for the first few hours after surgery.  If there is a considerable amount, apply pressure to the area with a wash cloth or gauze until the bleeding stops.  If bleeding persists, don't hesitate to call our office.  It is recommended that you place a towel over your pillow the first few nights after surgery to prevent possible staining.
3. Following periodontal surgery, a certain amount of discomfort can be expected.  To minimize discomfort in the surgery area, take your pain reliever medication as directed.   Avoid taking pain reliever medication on an empty stomach to prevent nausea.
4. Avoid rinsing the mouth the day of the surgery if at all possible.
5. A proper diet is essential to healing.  Soft foods are recommended for the first post operative days.  Stay away from sharp, brittle foods (no popcorn, potato chips, etc.).
6. The first appointment following a surgical procedure will be scheduled in 5-7 days.
7. Post operative appointments are important to assure proper healing, regardless of how the surgery area looks or feels.  These appointments need to be scheduled in our office within 3-4 weeks following the surgery.
8. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call our office at 416-226-6021