Pre-Surgical Instructions

    • Do NOT eat or drink anything within 12 hours of your surgery.

      • A small sip of water is permitted in order to take regularly scheduled or pre-operative valium medications.

      • Diabetic patients should call us again to discuss your specific fasting and insulin plan for your procedure.

    • Do NOT skip any medications unless instructed to do so by your physician or surgeon.

    • Wear loose comfortable clothing but please avoid wearing long sleeved items.

    • You must bring an adult over 18 years with you; they will be responsible for getting you home and receiving after-care instructions.

    • Female patients must either sign a waiver to refuse a pregnancy test OR have a negative result on a pregnancy test

      • Take a home pregnancy test the night before your surgery and take a phone-photo of the negative result AND the instructions/reference that indicate a negative result. 

    • Please inform your doctor of any recent cough/cold/illness.

    • Please inform your doctor of any recent changes in your health.

    • You are permitted to have a light breakfast.

    • Wear comfortable clothing

    • You may drive yourself home and do not need someone to accompany you to your visit.

    • Do not skip any medications unless instructed to do so by your physician or surgeon.

    • You are permitted to have a light breakfast.

    • Wear comfortable clothing

    • You may drive yourself home and do not need someone to accompany you to your visit.

    • Do not skip any medications unless instructed to do so by your physician or surgeon.

    • Do NOT stop any medications on your own unless allowed/instructed by your physician or surgeon.

  • Mandatory

    • Heart Valve Replacements

    • Cyanotic Heart Defects 

    • Endocarditis or Rheumatic Fever

    May Be Necessary (Call Us)

    • Taking certain Bone Medications called Bisphosphonates 

    • Taking Immunosuppressants

    • Radiation to the head or neck region

    • Recent or current chemotherapy

    • Certain cancers of the blood

    • Had a total knee or hip or joint replacement?
      No longer necessary as per the ADA. Call your orthopedic surgeon and have them Rx you antibiotics if they feel it’s necessary.

Supplies to Buy

    • OK TO EAT

      • First 24 Hours: No Chew diet - Yogurt, pudding, soup, applesauce, ice cream, protein shake

      • Days 2-5: Everything above plus a Minimal Chew Diet: eggs, pasta, mashed potatoes, pancakes, etc.

      • Days 5-10: Start incorporating some more chewy food - pizza, chicken, breads.

      • Day 10 and on: Resume a normal diet

    • AVOID LIST

      • Anything: Crunchy, crispy, acidic, spicy.

      • Grains, seeds, rice, oatmeal, chia

      • Straws

  • You’ll Want to Stock Up On

    • A very soft and small toothbrush (the kind for toddlers are perfect)

    • Listerine Zero or any alcohol free mouth-rinse

    • Saline Nose Spray

    • Gauze

    • Black Tea Bags

    • Ice Pack

    • Nicotine Patches if you are a smoker.

  • Optional

    • A wedge shaped pillow to keep your head upright at night.

    • A face/head Ice Pack Wrap … search for “Jaw Bra”