Pre-operative Instructions

You will be undertaking a procedure that will help restore your mouth to health.  By following our instructions before and after surgery, you can avoid significant changes in your daily activities.  Please call us if you have any questions.

Week Prior to Surgery    

  • Please inform us of any new medications you are taking or changes in your health history
  • Please have your prescriptions filled prior to your appointment

Night Before Surgery

  • Eat normally
  • Do not drink any alcoholic beverages
  • Get a good nights sleep
  • Please take medications as prescribed and directed
  • Do not smoke the day before surgery

Day of Surgery

  • Unless directed otherwise, please take your usual daily medications (such as medications for blood pressure)
  • Wear comfortable clothes, preferably with short sleeves, as we will be taking your blood pressure
  • Women, please do not wear lipstick or makeup around your mouth

About Your Medications

Some of the following medications below may have been prescribed for you.  All medications should be taken with a full glass of water to prevent nausea.

  • IBUPROFEN: These are moderate pain pills.  This should be taken for at least 3 days after surgery, even if you feel great.  Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) which will help to decrease swelling.
  • NORCO 5/325: These are heavy duty pain pills (narcotics).  Take them as prescribed in addition to the Ibuprofen if you have pain.  Do not stop taking Ibuprofen when you take this.
  • CHORHEXIDINE RINSE: This is an anti-bacterial mouth rinse.  It kills germs in your mouth and will be the substitute for your toothbrush at surgical site during the first week after the surgery.  Do not use it after the first week unless advised by Dr. Tsai.
  • AMOXICILLIN /  CLINDAMYCIN  /  AUGMENTIN  /  ZITHROMAX
    These are antibiotics to help prevent infection.  You may be prescribed one of these antibiotics.  Take all tablets as prescribed.