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Pre and Post-Operative Instructions for Dental Procedures

At PerioClinik Gatineau, we prioritize your comfort and safety. To help you prepare for your oral surgery and ensure optimal recovery, we provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions. Whether you're having a dental implant, bone graft, or periodontal surgery, following these guidelines will support a smooth and complication-free healing process.

Pre-Op Information: How to Prepare for Your Dental Procedure

In case of emergency, contact us by phone at 819-790-9581, or by email at urgent@perioclinik.ca.

• If you take “blood thinners” such as Coumadin, Plavix, or aspirin you may be asked to stop these temporarily. We will consult with your medical doctor
• Have prescriptions filled (if prescribed in advance).

• Prepare soft foods for the days following surgery
• Do not drink alcohol
• If prescribed, start antibiotics
• If a sedative has been prescribed, take it as directed. You cannot drive if you are sedated

• Clean your mouth thoroughly (brushing and flossing) prior to surgery
• Do NOT wear make-up
• Eat an adequate breakfast and/or lunch, unless advised otherwise (e.g sedation cases)
• Wear comfortable clothes

Pre-Op Forms

Post-Operative Information

Practice the best oral hygiene possible and your healing should progress well. Follow these instructions carefully and healing should progress well. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 819-790-9581. For emergencies or if you are experiencing any difficulties related to your procedure and are uncertain about how to proceed, you may reach Dr. Fokam directly at any time outside office hours by calling (or texting) his direct line. If there is no answer, please leave a message or text and Dr. Fokam will respond as soon as possible.

• Do NOT eat until the anesthesia wears off, as you might bite your lips, cheek, or tongue and cause injury.
• You are likely to have some discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. Mild pain medication is recommended.
• You may eat as tolerated after the numbness has worn off. Avoid sticky, hard (such as ice cubes, nuts, popcorn) spicy, highly seasoned, or acidic foods the first day. Foods such as soups, pasta, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, etc. are best.
• Be sure to maintain adequate nutrition and drink plenty of fluids.

• Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) is recommended for the first day unless otherwise instructed or if you present any medical condition or allergy preventing you to take this drug. Do not exceed 2400mg within a 24 hr period.
• If you are unable to take ibuprofen, you may substitute with Tylenol. Do not take a single dose over 1000mg. Do not exceed 4000mg within a 24h period.
• In some specific cases, antibiotics are prescribed. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, it is important that you take the medication as instructed until all pills are taken. This will help you to achieve a better outcome.

Slight swelling is possible. A reusable ice pack or a frozen vegetable bag wrapped in a soft towel may be applied to the side of the face to help minimize swelling in the area. Alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off as needed for the first 24 hours is usually sufficient. Increased tooth sensitivity after scaling, especially to cold, is typically experienced by most patients.

Sensitivity usually decreases within several weeks after scaling and can be minimized by keeping the area as free of plaque as possible. You may also use a desensitizing toothpaste (such as Sensodyne) to help control sensitivity. If the sensitivity is extreme, contact our office for further instructions.

Minor bleeding resulting in a pinkish tinge to your saliva may occur during the first 48 hours. You may rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, but avoid extremely hot foods for the rest of the day. If bleeding continues, apply light pressure to the area with a moistened gauze or moistened tea bag. Keep in place for 10-20 minutes. If bleeding increases past the initial 48 hours, please notify our office to receive further instructions.

• Brushing and flossing as instructed is critically important after scaling and allows for the best healing.
• You may also rinse your mouth twice per day with your preferred mouth rinse or warm saltwater. This can be prepared by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in an 8-oz glass of water.
• Avoid smoking 7-14 days following the deep cleaning or surgical procedures, as smoking may delay healing and increase risks of infections. Please, strongly consider quitting smoking altogether.
• It is important to note that you will not receive a complete dental exam while being treated at our office. We recommend you see your general dentist once a year for a complete dental assessment.

Post-Op Forms

Contact

403-10 Allée de Hambourg
Gatineau, QC J9J4K2
Phone: 819-790-9581
Fax: 819 201 8615
info@perioclinik.ca

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