Pre-Surgical and Post-Surgical Instructions

1. Prescriptions for an antibiotic and/or a pain medication will be sent to your pharmacy prior to your surgery. Please begin taking the antibiotic prior to your surgery, as prescribed, with a meal.
2. A pre-operative kit may be given to patients prior to surgery. This 3-step kit improves gingival health, and should be used 3 times per day, beginning 3 days before your appointment to decrease inflammation. Not all patients need this kit, so do not be concerned if it has not been given to you.
3. Nose blowing and air travel must be avoided for 2-3 weeks following a sinus augmentation.
4. Patients must eat a well-balanced meal prior to surgery. There is no need to refrain from eating before your appointment as we do not perform IV sedation/general anesthesia.
5. During the surgical procedure, additional and alternative procedures may be necessary, such as the use of hard or soft tissue grafts. We also reserve the right to halt a procedure should it not be deemed suitable.
6. Smoking & vaping significantly increase the risk of failure. Smokers are asked to refrain from smoking & vaping one week prior to surgery and eight weeks following.  While this may enhance the result, it does not guarantee success.
7. We advised patients to bring a sweater or jacket, as the surgical suites are purposely kept at a lower temperature.
8. Feel free to bring in-ear headphones to listen to music, audiobooks, etc. on your phone during the appointment.
9. Post-operative monitoring of the surgical site(s) is essential. Patient cooperation is expected in the scheduling and keeping of these appointments.
10. Payment in full is required at the time services are rendered.
11. Please ensure your medical history form is accurate and up to date in our records.
12. Do not take aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, or Advil one week prior to the surgery.

1. Do not rinse your mouth, spit out, brush your teeth, or drink liquids with a straw today.
2. Beginning the day after your surgery, clean the rest of your teeth with the postoperative toothbrush provided, but do not attempt to brush near the treated area. We recommend rinsing with warm salt water or the rinse provided at our office, 2-3 times per day for one week to soothe the tissue and reduce inflammation.
3. A dressing may have been placed over the treated area for your protection.  Do not be concerned if small pieces of the dressing come off.
4. It is normal for some swelling to occur during the first few days. Apply an ice pack to the outside of the face, ten minutes on, ten minutes off, as often as possible for the first 36 hours. Subsequently, heat may be applied to the area to address soreness (microwave the gel pack given for 20-30 seconds). Bruising or discoloration may occur, externally, a few days after the procedure. This is normal as long as it is not accompanied by increased pain or fever. Arnica gel can be applied to the affected area to reduce the appearance of bruising if needed.
5. Ordinarily, slight oozing may be noticed around the surgical site, do not be alarmed. If bleeding seems severe, moisten a gauze pad provided or a tea bag with warm water. Place over the area for 5-10 minutes and apply firm pressure. Do not try to stop the bleeding by rinsing, and avoid exercise for several days after the surgery to avoid bleeding problems. If the bleeding persists, call the office.
6. If you had a sinus augmentation procedure, you must avoid blowing your nose and air travel for three weeks. A nose bleed may occur within the first few days after surgery. If so, apply pressure to the area with a tissue or dab gently to clean. Afrin nasal spray can be used in the event of nasal congestion.
7. If you were given a prescription for a pain medication or an antibiotic, take it as directed with food to avoid nausea. We also recommend taking a probiotic during this time.  All antibiotics should be taken for the full course. Severe swelling, difficulty in breathing, or appearance of a rash indicates an allergic response to the medication. Discontinue use at once and immediately seek medical attention.
8. Until you return for post-operative care, eat softer than normal foods. Do all chewing on the untreated side of your mouth, and avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, spicy, or very hot.
9. Please refrain from smoking during the postoperative period.  Avoid alcoholic beverages during this time, especially if you take medication.

Medications are prescribed before surgery appointments to ensure patient recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible. All medications should be taken for the full course. Severe swelling, difficulty in breathing, or appearance of a rash indicates an allergic response to the medication. Discontinue use at once and immediately seek medical attention. Please review the specific instructions for the medications prescribed for you: 

Diflunisal 500 mg (Generic for Dolobid): This is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that will aid in pain relief and reduce inflammation. The initial dose, usually given in office if you have eaten before the appointment, is 2 tablets. Continue to take 1 tablet every 12 hours with food until the bottle is finished, even if you do not have pain following the procedure. This means the medication is working! Do not take this medication on an empty stomach. Do not take Advil, Motrin, or Aleve when taking this medication. 

Amoxicillin 875 mg: This is an antibiotic that is prescribed to prevent or fight infection. It is especially important to take the complete dose of antibiotics to ensure the surgical site heals well and remains healthy. Amoxicillin 875 mg (1 tablet) is taken every 12 hours with food. The initial dose should be taken before your appointment, as directed on the bottle. We recommend taking an over-the-counter probiotic (Florastor, Align, Culturelle) to limit gastrointestinal issues during the course of the medication. 

Augmentin 875 mg (Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid): This is an antibiotic that is prescribed to prevent or fight infection. It is especially important to take the complete dose of antibiotics to ensure the surgical site heals well and remains healthy. Augmentin 875 mg (1 tablet) is taken every 12 hours with food. The initial dose should be taken before your appointment, as directed on the bottle. We recommend taking an over-the-counter probiotic (Florastor, Align, Culturelle) to limit gastrointestinal issues during the course of the medication. 

Amoxicillin 500 mg: This is an antibiotic that is prescribed to prevent or fight infection. It is especially important to take the complete dose of antibiotics to ensure the surgical site heals well and remains healthy. Amoxicillin 500 mg (1 capsule) is taken every 8 hours with food. The initial dose should be taken before your appointment, as directed on the bottle. We recommend taking an over-the-counter probiotic (Florastor, Align, Culturelle) to limit gastrointestinal issues during the course of the medication. 

Zithromax Z-Pak (Azithromycin 250 mg): This is an antibiotic that is prescribed to prevent or fight infection. It is especially important to take the complete dose of antibiotics to ensure the surgical site heals well and remains healthy. Z-Pak is taken every 24 hours with food. The initial dose is 2 tablets, and should be taken before your appointment, as directed on the package. The remaining dosages are 1 tablet daily, at the same time as the initial dose. We recommend taking an over-the-counter probiotic (Florastor, Align, Culturelle) to limit gastrointestinal issues during the course of the medication.

Clindamycin 300 mg: This is an antibiotic that is prescribed to prevent or fight infection. It is especially important to take the complete dose of antibiotics to ensure the surgical site heals well and remains healthy. Clindamycin 300 mg (1 capsule) is taken every 6 hours with food. The initial dose should be taken before your appointment, as directed on the bottle. We recommend taking an over-the-counter probiotic (Florastor, Align, Culturelle) to limit gastrointestinal issues during the course of the medication. 

Metronidazole 250 mg: This is an antibiotic/antiprotozoal that is prescribed to prevent or fight infection. It is especially important to take the complete dose to ensure the surgical site heals well and remains healthy. Metronidazole 250 mg (1 tablet) is taken every 12 hours with food. The initial dose should be taken before your appointment, as directed on the bottle. We recommend taking an over-the-counter probiotic (Florastor, Align, Culturelle) to limit gastrointestinal issues during the course of the medication. 

Cefdinir 300 mg: This is an antibiotic that is prescribed to prevent or fight infection. It is especially important to take the complete dose of antibiotics to ensure the surgical site heals well and remains healthy. Cefdinir 300 mg (1 tablet) is taken every 12 hours with food. The initial dose should be taken before your appointment, as directed on the bottle. We recommend taking an over-the-counter probiotic (Florastor, Align, Culturelle) to limit gastrointestinal issues during the course of the medication. 

Tylenol #3 (Acetaminophen and codeine): This is an opioid drug that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. We prescribe Tylenol #3 to be taken as a supplement to Diflunisal (if you can take NSAIDs), not instead of it, as Tylenol does not address inflammation. Take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, as needed, for pain relief. Take this medication with food to prevent GI upset or nausea. If your pain level is mild and you do not need codeine, you may discontinue it OR take over-the-counter Tylenol instead. 

Norco 7.5/325 mg (Hydrocodone and acetaminophen): This is an opioid drug that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. We prescribe Norco to be taken as a supplement to Diflunisal (if you can take NSAIDs), not instead of it, as Tylenol does not address inflammation. Take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours, as needed, for pain relief. Take this medication with food to prevent GI upset or nausea. If your pain level is mild and you do not need codeine, you may discontinue it OR take over-the-counter Tylenol instead. 

StellaLife: This is an antimicrobial oral rinse formulated to hydrate, promote healthy gums, and maintain oral health. You were prescribed this rinse to begin using the evening of the day after your surgery. Shake well and swish ¾ tablespoon (10 ml) around the mouth for 1-2 minutes and then spit out. Do not swallow. Refrain from eating or drinking for at least 20 minutes after use. Use this rinse three times a day until your post-operative appointment. 

StellaLife Recovery Kit (Pre-Surgical): This is a 3-step kit used to improve gingival health, and you were prescribed this rinse to use 3 times per day, beginning 3 days before your surgery appointment to increase therapeutic levels. Shake the Oral Rinse well and swish ¾ tablespoon (10 ml) around the mouth for 1-2 minutes, three times per day, and then spit out. Do not swallow. Spray 4 pumps of the Oral Spray under the tongue three times per day. Then apply the Oral Gel to the area to be treated with a cotton swab three times per day. Refrain from eating or drinking for at least 20 minutes after use. 

StellaLife Recovery Kit (Post-Surgical): This is a 3-step kit used to improve gingival health, and you were prescribed this rinse to use 3 times per day, beginning the spray and gel  on the evening of surgery, and the rise the day after your surgery appointment to increase therapeutic levels. Shake the Oral Rinse well and swish ¾ tablespoon (10 ml) around the mouth for 1-2 minutes, three times per day, and then spit out. Do not swallow. Spray 4 pumps of the Oral Spray under the tongue three times per day. Then apply the Oral Gel to the area treated with a cotton swab three times per day. Refrain from eating or drinking for at least 20 minutes after use.