Preoperative Instructions

The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery.

The office may feel cool, so you should dress for your comfort. We have blankets available if you need. We encourage you to listen to music during the appointment. Consider bringing your headphones and your favorite playlist on your device. 

Prescriptions

Depending on the type of procedure, you may receive pre- and/or postoperative prescriptions. These prescriptions may be sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice prior to your surgery.

  • For your convenience, please have your prescriptions filled prior to your scheduled surgery and bring them with you to your appointment.
  • Please, inform our staff of any changes in the medications you are taking.
  • Let us know if you are taking any blood thinners (including aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Advil or Motrin). Commonly prescribed blood thinners include Coumadin (warfarin), Lovenox (low molecular weight heparin), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), Eliquis (apixaban) and Pradaxa (dabigatran). These medications may need to be discontinued prior to your surgery.
  • Please let us know if you generally take antibiotic premedication – e.g., due to a heart condition, past prosthetic joint replacement, or due to other medical condition – prior to dental visits so we can adjust any preoperative prescriptions accordingly.

Antibiotics

You may be prescribed an antibiotic if necessary. Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities to antibiotics that you might have.

  • Take prescribed antibiotics as directed until gone.
  • For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

Sedatives

You may elect to use an oral sedative to help you feel more relaxed during the procedure. Prescription for oral sedatives needs to be arranged in advance.  If a sedative is prescribed:

  • You must have a ride to and from the office.
  • Take the sedatives prior to the appointment as prescribed and bring your remaining tablets with you.
  • Follow the instructions given with your prescription. If Halcion (Triazolam) was prescribed please read our Oral Sedation Instructions (LINK) page.

 

Food Suggestions

A nutritious and balanced diet is important for proper healing. A soft diet that prevents trauma to the treated area is important. Cold foods are preferred for the first two days after surgery.  Cold tends to prevent swelling and reduces postoperative bleeding. Food items that can be easily broken-down with the back of a fork are considered to be soft enough. When preparing a postoperative menu, you may consider some of the following choices:

  • Ensure / Slim Fast
  • Blended soups / Broth
  • Pudding
  • Rice
  • Applesauce
  • Oatmeal
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Jell-O
  • Bananas
  • Yogurt
  • Pasta
  • Ice Cream / Milk Shakes (NO straws)
  • Casseroles
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Avocado
  • Hummus (NO crunchy chips)
  • Mashed / Soft Veggies

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at (650) 595-5083 or at [email protected].