DENTAL SERVICE GROUP

What do I bring with me on my first visit?

Your initial visit will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:

• your referral slip if you have been referred
• any xrays (if your dentist has taken xrays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office otherwise we will need to take new ones)
• list of medications you are presently taking
• your Alberta Health Care card
• your dental insurance card or information

Should someone come with me?

For all General Anesthetic and IV sedation appointments, you must make arrangements for a responsible adult to bring you to your appointment and take you home after treatment. You will not be allowed to drive yourself or go home alone in a taxi because you are legally impaired for 24 hours. It is strongly suggested you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24 hours. These instructions are important for your safety. If you do not have a ride home, we will have to cancel your appointment.

How long should I stop eating before my appointment?

You must stop eating at midnight the night before your General Anesthetic or IV sedation appointment. You can review our preoperative instructions here.

Should I take my usual medications?

Some medications should be taken and some should not. Please contact our office as everybody’s preoperative medical has been reviewed by our anesthetist and we can guide you with this step.

What will happen before my surgery appointment?

You will meet our anesthetist on day of surgery. He will review your medical history with you and answer any questions you may have. You will then discuss your treatment with the dentist. Monitoring devices will be attached such as blood pressure cuff, EKG, and other devices for your safety. If at all possible, please wear loose comfortable clothing and stable footwear.

What can I expect when I wake up?

After you wake up, you will continue to be monitored closely by the anesthetist and our team of Registered Nurses, who will keep you comfortable. After a short period of time, the nurses will review discharge instructions with you and your ride and prepare you to go home. You may leave only after the anesthetist indicates it is safe.

What can I expect after my surgery?

In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. Take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist The following tips will help speed your recovery.

• If you are bleeding, apply firm biting pressure to gauge pads placed over the extraction sites for 45 minutes at a time until bleeding has stopped.
• While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek or lip, or your tongue.
• Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows. Try using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. Apply the ice pack in 20 minute intervals (20 minutes, 20 minutes off)
• Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
• Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or a thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
• Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and delay healing.
• After the first 48 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Do not smoke for at least 7 days after your surgery. The sucking motion can loosen the clot and delay healing. In addition, smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
• Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers. Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully.
• The Dentist will be calling you the evening after your surgery to ensure you have everything you need and that they are no post operative problems.
• For a more detailed post operative instruction, please read our discharge form here.