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 Dubois Office Phone Number 814-371-7515 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.

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. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you like.

Be sure Dr. Cole knows if you are taking any anticoagulant medication; generally, we have patients continue with any blood thinning medication like coumadin, Plavix or even aspirin before procedures, but it is important for us to know.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for weekly then bi-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. We often recommend establishing an alternating recall in conjunction with your general dentist to ensure ongoing periodontal health.

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. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

Sedatives

If you elect to have some oral sedation, 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. Medications frequently prescribed are:

  • Xanax (Alprazolam)
  • Triazalam (Halcion)

Food Suggestions

It is very important to avoid hard kerneled foods, seeds, nuts, granola and similar foods until you are told you can resume; these foods wedge under the healing gum line and cause significant problems with healing. 

When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices:

  • Ensure/Slim Fast
  • Soups
  • Pudding
  • Rice
  • Apple Sauce
  • Oatmeal
  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Easy to chew meats and vegetables
  • Jell-O
  • Bananas
  • Yogurt
  • Pasta
  • Milk Shakes
  • Casseroles
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Cottage Cheese