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 Fort Worth Office Phone Number 817-581-4867 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.

It may be important to stop taking aspirin 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, it may be necessary to discontinue them as directed. 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.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for 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.

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.

Oral Sedation

If you elect to use one of the following oral sedatives 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.

• Diazepam (Valium)
• Triazalam (Halcion)

Intravenous Sedation

Your Obligation if IV Anesthesia is used:

A.    Because anesthetic medications cause prolonged drowsiness, you MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you until you are recovered sufficiently to care for yourself.  This may be up to 24 hours.  This responsible party must remain at Drs. Bedichek, Anyakwo or ’s office while you are sedated.

 

B.    During recovery time (24 hours) you should not drive, exercise, or operate devices that may harm you, or make important decisions that demand full comprehension.

 

C.    You must have a completely empty stomach. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU HAVE NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK FOR EIGHT (8) HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR ANESTHETIC.  TO DO OTHERWISE MAY BE LIFE THREATENING!

 

D.    However, it is important that you take any regular medications (high blood pressure, antibiotics, etc.) or any medications provided by this office, using only a small sip of water.

Food Suggestions

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