Pre-Surgery Instructions
Patients who are well prepared for their surgery usually have a smoother recovery. Here are some helpful details for you to understand prior to your oral surgery:
- Shop for soft foods as suggested prior to surgery day
- Learn what to avoid the day before surgery
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment on the day of surgery
- Instructions for day-of-surgery, including IV sedation
- Suggestions for week following surgery
Plan to eat soft food after oral surgery
We advise the patient to plan ahead and buy some soft food items prior to surgery. The following are examples of soft food items:
- Room Temperature Broth
- Juice (cranberry, apple, grape) avoid citrus juice for a few days
- Room Temperature Herbal Tea
- Jell-O
- Yogurt (soft or frozen) or Ice Cream
- Cottage Cheese
- Pudding/Custard
- Soft Fruit (papaya, canned peaches or pears)
- Applesauce
- Plain Popsicles, Ice Cream & Milkshakes
- Fresh Cooked Vegetables
- Fruit Smoothies/Protein Shakes (except those with berries)
- Oatmeal/Cream of Wheat
- Eggs (scrambled, soft boiled, omelettes, egg salad)
- Mashed Potatoes
- Tofu
- Pasta (plain or with sauce)
- Fish (soft white fish, sole, trout, snapper
Avoid the following the day before surgery
- Alcoholic beverages should be avoided 24 hours before and 7 days after surgery.
- Smoking must be avoided 24 hours before surgery and 24 hours after surgery.
Pre-operative instructions for surgery
- Any patients under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the time of surgery.
- Please wear loose fitting short sleeve shirt and comfortable clothing.
- Please wear flat soled shoes with ankle support like sneakers (no high heels).
- Please remove contact lenses, all jewelry, and watches before surgery.
- Do not apply make-up, perfume or cologne on day of surgery.
- Please remove fingernail polish on both index fingers.
- Brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly before surgery.
- If prescribed medication at consultation, please take as directed prior to appointment. You may take this with no more than half a glass of water.
- Have ice packs available at home after surgery to reduce swelling.
- Please have Advil or Tylenol available for after surgery.
Patients having IV sedation
- DO NOT EAT OR DRINK 8 HOURS PRIOR TO SURGERY: including water and coffee. If you need to take medications please take them with no more than half a glass of water. Any questions, please call our office. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone surgery if instructions are not followed.
- Please arrange for a ride to and from the office on the day of your surgery. Patient will not be able to drive home after surgery and operate machinery.
- PLEASE INFORM YOUR DRIVER THAT HE/SHE WILL NEED TO STAY IN THE RECEPTION ROOM DURING SURGERY. We suggest the driver bring some reading material.
- Please buy suggested foods to have on hand after your surgery. Please refer to recommendations on the soft food list.
- Please have a responsible adult at home to care for you on the day of surgery.
What to eat after surgery (day of surgery)
On the day of surgery, begin with clear fluids (juice, broth, tea, Jell-O)
and progress slowly to more substantial foods. Remember, it is important to maintain nutrition for optimal healing to occur. Be sure to rest and take it easy for the first few days; rent a few movies (comedies) and have a relaxing recovery!
Please avoid the following foods the first 7 days after surgery:
- Spicy Foods
- Foods that are difficult to chew
- Popcorn & Chips (avoid for a month)
- Seeds, nuts and berries
- French bread loafs and baguettes
- Alcoholic beverages
- Carbonated beverages
