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 707-525-0555 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.

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. One of the popular features that our patients love is our DVD goggles. Yes, you can watch a movie during your treatment! We have over 200 selections to choose from. If you wish, you may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if would rather just listen to your own selections.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1-5 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 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. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. Take medications with a tall glass of room temperature water. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

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. Remember, we encourage you to eat prior to your surgery.

• Ativan (Lorazepam)
• Valium (Diazepam)
• Triazalam (Halcion)

Food Suggestions

Good nutrition is vital to good healing. Rather than avoiding eating, you should plan to keep your nutrition up to a high standard. We also strongly recommend staying well hydrated. Take your medications with a tall glass of room temperature water. This will help them be gentle on your stomach.

When preparing a post-operative menu in advance of your treatment, please consider some of the following choices: