Surgical Instructions

If you’re preparing for a procedure at Malek Periodontics, our staff has found the following surgical instructions most helpful. We recommend you print them out and have them ready for both before and after your visit.

Pre-Operative Instructions

We want your upcoming surgery to go as smoothly as possible. Dr. Malek has prepared the following surgical instructions for patients. As always, our office is always available to answer any questions – please don’t hesitate to contact us before your visit.

Please do not take aspirin and NSAIDS (Eg: Motrin, Advil) for 7-10 days prior to your visit. Discontinue the use of any blood thinners as directed by your doctor.
Do take any prescribed antibiotics as prescribed.
Please feel free to bring your headphones and your phone, if you’d like something to listen to during the procedure. We want you to feel relaxed!
We will schedule follow-up checks and exams for the weeks following your procedure.

Antibiotics

As you may be prescribed antibiotics by Dr. Malek, it’s important to inform our office prior to your visit of any allergies or sensitivities. If you are given a prescription, remember that antibiotics only work if taken as prescribed – don’t skip doses or stop early.

Be aware that antibiotics may have a side effect of nausea, and are best taken on a full stomach. (Please see our Food Suggestions below for ideas.) In addition, antibiotics may interfere with the use of birth control pills.

Sedatives

If you choose to take any of the following sedative medications, we will require that someone provides you a ride to and from our office. Please bring any remaining sedative pills or tablets with you to your appointment, and remember to eat when you take them.

Ativan (Lorazepam)
Valium (Diazepam)
Halcion (Triazolam)

Food Suggestions

Choosing what to eat after your procedure can pose problems. Our office is happy to offer these suggestions:

Ensure / Slim Fast
Pudding
Rice
Apple Sauce

Oatmeal
Macaroni & Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Jell-O

Bananas
Yogurt
Pasta
Milkshakes

Casseroles
Eggs
Fish
Cottage Cheese

Post-Operative Instructions

We want our patients to have minimal discomfort and feel comfortable discussing any post-procedural issues with us. Please review these post-operative surgical instructions prior to your visit.

Pain Medications

Our goal is to make experiences less painful and stressful for our patients. To assist with your post-surgical recovery, Dr. Malek will prescribe a medication to help with any discomfort.

It’s important to follow the directions on prescriptions as directed. We’ve also prepared some helpful tips to help you use your pain medications properly.

As with antibiotics, try not to take pills on an empty stomach.
You may need to adjust the frequency of your doses to stay ahead of the soreness.
If you are prescribed any medication with Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), such as Hydrocodone, Percocet, or Vicodin, do not take additional medications that contain Acetaminophen.

Swelling

Swelling may occur just after surgery and can increase in the days following. Use ice packs to reduce swelling by applying them in short cycles. 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off for 2-3 days will help.

Bleeding

It’s likely that you will experience a small amount of blood after your procedure. Should it continue, or seem excessive, these tips will help:

Avoid rinsing your mouth.
Keep your head elevated if you lie down.
Use a moistened tea bag wrapped in gauze to apply pressure to the area for 20 minutes.
As with any problems, please call our office if bleeding persists.

Dressing

Your dressing is part of reducing discomfort and protecting the surgical area. Should it come loose or feel uncomfortable, call our office for instructions.

Diet

You may not feel ready to chew on the side of your mouth that had the procedure. This is fine – wait until you feel comfortable. Please see our list of food recommendations for a soft, nutritious menu.

Smoking

Smoking impedes healing. To get the best results after your surgery, don’t smoke for two weeks after your visit.

Alcohol

If you are taking prescribed pain medication, avoid alcohol. The interactions can be harmful.

Rinsing

Healing the area properly includes not rinsing your mouth right away. Wait 24 hours. Then, use a diluted mouthwash to help keep everything clean and fresh-feeling.

Brushing

As the area is still healing, avoid brushing the surgical site. However, continue with your regular oral hygiene routine in the rest of your mouth.

Suture Removal

Sutures will begin to feel different as your tissue heals, and some pulling occurs. This may be uncomfortable at the 3-4 day mark. Here’s how to prepare for their removal at our practice:

You may take your prescribed pain medication one hour prior to your appointment.
Take your prescribed antibiotic at the same time.

How Can We Help?

Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at our Malek Periodontics office in Glendale. 623.362.8969

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