Can I Drink Water Before Surgery?
No. Nothing to eat or drink after 8pm the night before, unless you need to take medications as instructed by our staff.
I Have A Cold, Do I Need To Reschedule?
Reschedule criteria is productive cough, chest congestion, fever >100
Is It Normal To Be Bruised?
Sometimes bruises occur first near your surgical site and then move down into your neck and then chest by gravity. Bruises change colors from black/blue to yellow/green as they resolve. This is normal.
How Do I Eat Or Drink With Gauze In My Mouth?
Do not do this. Take the gauze out anytime you eat or drink and put fresh gauze in after you are done.
Ice Does Not Feel Good. Can I Use Heat?
Ice will help swelling and heat will help blood supply back to the area. Initially use ice then you may alternate the two.
I See A White Spot In The Socket Where The Tooth Was Removed
This is normal. It is like a scab in the mouth. Also if sutures were placed, they will turn a white color as they begin to dissolve.
I Am Still Hurting After Surgery
Pain is normal, especially day three and four. Your third day after surgery could be worse pain and swelling but should get better after that.
How Do I Put Gauze In With My Denture?
Put the same gauze in between the teeth as you would normally so that the denture fits tightly on the gums.
What If I Get Food In The Hole Where My Tooth Was?
Your mouth rinses should take care of any food getting trapped in the hole.
When Can I Start Rinsing My Mouth?
24 hours after surgery or when your bleeding stops.
When Will My Hole Close?
The socket (hole) heals from the inside out. The tissue will start to close over in 1-2 weeks and then it could take 2 months for the socket to completely heal.
When Will My Stitches Fall Out?
They will begin to dissolve several days after surgery but some may take weeks. The area will still heal properly even if they fall out the day or surgery, try to keep your tongue out of the area.
I Am Still Numb
Depending on what oral surgery was done, some numbness can be normal for one week to one month. If numbness persists after surgery, give us a call.
When Can I Brush?
You can brush your teeth the evening after your surgery, but be careful to not disturb the surgical site. Do not use a Sonicare tooth brush around the surgical area after bone grafts or dental implants.
When Can I Wear My Retainer?
You can wear your retainer the day after surgery.
When Can I Eat Solid Foods?
You will need to start with liquids until the numbness wears off then you may have soft foods, small bites and chew with your front teeth.
When Can I Drink Through A Straw?
After 1 week.
How Long Do I Have To Wait To Smoke?
Smoking delays healing therefore it is not recommended at all but if you must smoke wait at least 1 week.
My Denture Will Not Stay In, Can I Take It Out?
Yes you can take it out, you will probably need to contact your dentist to realign your denture.
I Feel Sharp Edges Where My Tooth Was.
That is normal to feel. You are feeling the bone that the tooth set in. It will wear down and cover with gum, eventually.