Surgery

The Day of Surgery

• Take all medications as directed on the instruction sheet prior to surgery.
• Eat a light meal no less than two hours before surgery.
• Do NOT drink grapefruit juice.

Post Surgery Instructions
If you were sedated:

• You must not leave alone. You must be accompanied by an adult.
• You may not drive or operate any vehicle or heavy equipment.
• Women: Do not wear high heels or platform shoes.

Medications:

• If antibiotics or steroids were prescribed, you should take them according to the instructions on the prescription bottle.
• Take pain medication as directed in the instructions.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages until the healing process is complete.

Your dietary needs:

• Do not consume hot liquids for 48 hours.
• Do not try to eat solid foods until the local anesthetic wears off.
• Do not use a straw when taking in liquids. The suction action may dislodge a clot.
• Do take in liquids.
• A nutritious diet throughout your healing stage is important to your comfort, temperament and healing. The diet for the first four days should be relatively soft foods. Increase Vitamin C intake.

Bleeding:

To slow and prevent bleeding, bite with light pressure on the gauze pack that has been placed over the surgical area. Pressure should be applied in thirty minute intervals and repeated until the bleeding is controlled. If profuse bleeding is still occurring 3 - 4 hour later, and the above measures have been taken, call this office immediately.

• Do not forcefully swish when rinsing as this can dislodge the blood clot.
• Do not exercise for 48 hours. Strenuous activity will increase your blood pressure and may dislodge the blood clot.
   

Swelling:

• Swelling is part of the healing process and can be expected for several days.
• Apply ice packs at 15 minute intervals to reduce swelling the day of surgery.
• After 72 hours, light heat will relieve the swelling.

When you should notify Dr. Dougherty

• If profuse bleeding continues after 3 - 4 hours of applied pressure.
• If you are unable to maintain a nutritious diet after 48 hours.
• If pain or swelling increase after the third day.
• If the sutures become loose or dislodged prior to the third day.
• If an oral bandage or dressing that was placed becomes dislodged prior to the third day.
• If your body temperature remains higher than 100 degrees F. taken orally after the third day.
• If you have any symptoms which may indicate a reaction or allergy to the medications, such as:
   
  • Skin rash
  • Hives
  • Elevated temperature
  • Increased or erratic heart rate
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Dizziness/faint
  • Blurred vision

Remember, no question is too small and we are just a phone call away: (301) 530-2434.