FAQs

Nutrition is a big part of recovery and we want to be certain that you heal well. We recommend very soft, mushy foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs or oatmeal foods for 1 to 3 days after surgery, longer if you are still having significant swelling and discomfort. The focus should be on keeping the area clean and protected.

If you continue to experience pain or have difficulty eating more substantial foods, please contact us and we may request that you come in for a check. Of course, you shouldn’t chew with the area directly which could interfere with healing or dislodge sutures.

In general, we ask that you keep the gauze in place for 30 minutes after the procedure but everyone responds differently to surgery and everyone heals differently. A little oozing a day or two after surgery is common.

If significant bleeding develops, gently wipe away any clots over the surgical area and apply folded gauze with firm uninterrupted pressure for an additional 30 minutes. If you aren’t certain, please be persistent in asking the doctor or the assistant for clarification. We want you to be comfortable and confident throughout the entire process.

Depending on the procedure that is performed and the suture material used, we may have to remove the stitches. In most extraction cases, the sutures will fall out on their own in a few days to a week or more. Dental implants and bone grafts usually will require stitch removal.

If you have stitches that need to be removed, we will schedule an appointment before you leave. This will also allow us the opportunity to check the progress of your healing. Remember, it’s very important to avoid chewing on this area.

While it is important to keep the area clean, please don’t use a toothpick, toothbrush, or water flosser around the sutures as it may interfere with healing. Most importantly, heed the instructions given for recommended cleaning of the surgical area. The day following your surgery, you may begin your normal hygiene routine in the area of the surgical area.

You will leave the office with a prescription for pain medication if the procedure requires it. We want you to be comfortable; however, most patients are successful in treating pain with over-the-counter medications, especially on the first day or so.

If we prescribe pain medication and pain continues when you reach the end of the medication, please call us. We want to stay well-informed about what you are experiencing. We may ask you to come in so that we can monitor healing. Of course, if the doctor see’s that your situation requires more pain medication, he will certainly prescribe more.

The doctor will determine if antibiotics are indicated for your surgery. If the doctor prescribes an antibiotic, it’s very important that the prescription is filled and that all antibiotics are taken as directed. We want to avoid infection and ensure fast healing.

We anticipate a straightforward recovery from your procedure. In general, patients experience very little pain and manageable short-term discomfort. Patients usually progress quickly through the healing process. Those who receive sedation must be accompanied and driven home. Once home, you should rest and avoid all strenuous activity, including working out and heavy lifting.

These activity restrictions should be followed until your swelling and pain have resolved. We will provide you with information about pain management, dietary restrictions, and caring for the surgical site. Beyond that, gauge how you feel and take things slowly. Plan on a quiet low-key day or days if indicated.

We recommend that you wait a minimum of 1 to 3 days after your procedure to resume your workout routine. The activity restrictions should be followed until your swelling and pain have resolved. Even then, begin with light exertion and build up to your normal activity. If you feel light-headed, dizziness or discomfort discontinue your workout.

Depending on your procedure, the time involved varies. We allow for an allotted time and will inform you of the time estimated upon scheduling. Unless something unforeseen occurs, the time scheduled is pretty accurate. Most importantly, we want to be certain that our patients get what they need while they are with us and it might require more time than expected.

There is not a separate doctor who serves as a dental anesthesiologist. At Facial Surgery Group, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons have gone through extensive additional training to meet and exceed the certification to administer general anesthesia. Each surgeon has completed not only dental school, but also medical school in preparation to manage complex medical needs. We all continue to have quarterly anesthesia drills and continue to offer the highest level of anesthesia care possible.

In most cases, flying after a procedure is not a problem. Depending on the procedure, we may advise that you fly the day of or even up to 14 days after your procedure. Procedures involving the sinuses usually require longer. We find that it is best to schedule trips according to recovery time and the follow-up appointment involved. In most cases, we can provide you with the time involved during a consult or when scheduling your appointment.

That’s not an unusual perception but in the long run, dental implants are really the most cost-effective way to replace missing teeth. Other options like bridges and dentures have a much shorter lifespan and must be replaced many times over.

Unfortunately, those more temporary restorations can cause damage to neighboring teeth and the supporting bone and gums. This, in turn, requires further treatment and therefore, more cost. In most cases, if properly maintained, dental implants can last a lifetime and their placement doesn’t compromise surrounding areas. If cost is a concern, dental implants present a far more economically savvy option.

We are always happy to provide an estimate prior to surgery.

After surgery, we require that a family member or someone close to you sit with you in recovery. Everyone responds to anesthesia differently. You’ll feel more comfortable waking from sedation to a familiar face.