Pre-Surgical Instructions

Before Intravenous Anesthesia Sedation

  • Do not eat or drink (including water) for at least six (6) hours prior to your appointment.
  • Please brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly the morning of your surgery.
  • Do not smoke on the day of your surgical appointment and preferably, three to four days after your procedure to avoid post-operative pain and potential infection.
  • If you are under the age of 18, a responsible adult must be present at the time of surgery.
  • Following sedation, all patients must have a responsible adult to accompany them home. Public transportation is not suitable following anesthesia; a cab ride is permitted.
  • Please wear comfortable, loose clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow.
  • Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup or nail polish on the day of the surgery.
  • Please remove contact lens, all jewelry and watches prior to surgery.
  • If you have any current illnesses (for example – flu) prior to your appointment, please notify the office immediately.
  • Consents must be filled out prior to surgery and before taking mediations.
  • Financial arrangements need to be arranged prior to surgery day.

Please consult with Dr. Perkinson on directions of current medications taken. They will direct you on how to manage your current medications.

Post-Operative Instructions

  • Do not disturb the area of surgery. Avoid vigorous chewing, spitting, rinsing, brushing, use of a straw, or smoking.
  • To stop the bleeding, bite firmly on gauze or tea bag for 30-45 minutes. Replace the gauze or tea bag if bleeding persists.
  • Expect minor bleeding from the operative site, which may take place for several days especially when brushing in the area. You may resume brushing your teeth 24 hours after surgery.
  • Pain and swelling are a natural outcome of oral surgery, highest degree of discomfort will be the 3rd to the 5th day after surgery.
  • Do plan to take off work or school for at least 1 day.
  • Do rinse only with warm salt water or Chlorhexidine after surgery. Avoid mouthwash such as Listerine or Scope for 1 week.

Dietary Instructions

  • Day 1 – Clear liquids only. For example – BROTH, TEA, COFFEE, CARBONATED DRINKS, APPLE JUICE. The most solid food appropriate for the 1st day is JELLO.
  • Day 2 – Thicker liquids. For example – MILK SHAKES, CREAMED SOUPS, ICE CREAM.
  • Day 3 – Soft foods. For example – MASHED POTATOES, PASTA, RICE, OATMEAL, EGGS, SOFT BREAD, FISH.
  • Day 4 – Try to resume your regular diet. If chewing regular foods continues to cause discomfort revert back to softer foods as needed.
  • Please avoid foods that are SOUR, TOO HOT or TOO SPICY as they will irritate the wound.
New Patient Information Forms