Surgical Instructions

Patient Information

Pre-Operative Instructions

The following guidelines are provided to help you prepare for your upcoming surgical procedure. If you have any questions before your appointment, please feel free to contact Mainline Dental Arts at +1 610-664-9510 during regular business hours.

You will receive your prescriptions along with detailed instructions at the time of your surgical visit. If preferred, prescriptions can also be sent directly to your pharmacy.

You may continue taking your daily low-dose aspirin unless instructed otherwise. If you are currently taking medications such as Coumadin, Pradaxa, Xarelto, or any other blood thinner, please consult your physician or cardiologist for specific instructions prior to surgery. If you require antibiotic premedication, be sure to take it as directed before your appointment. Eating a light meal before surgery is recommended, as this often helps you feel more comfortable. Since the office temperature may be cool, wearing warm clothing is advised. You are welcome to bring headphones or a music device for added comfort during your visit.

Antibiotics

Please inform our office of any allergies or sensitivities you may have to antibiotics. Antibiotics will be prescribed only when considered necessary by the doctor. Take all medications exactly as instructed and complete the full course unless directed otherwise. It is recommended to take these medications with food to minimize stomach discomfort. Patients taking birth control pills should be aware that antibiotics may reduce their effectiveness.

Sedatives

If you choose to take an oral sedative for your procedure, you must arrange transportation to and from the office. Please bring any remaining tablets with you on the day of your appointment. As mentioned earlier, eating prior to surgery is encouraged.

Common oral sedatives may include:

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

Food Suggestions After Surgery

When planning meals following your procedure, soft and easy-to-eat foods are recommended. Suggested options include:

Nutritional shakes such as Ensure or SlimFast
Soups
Pudding
Rice
Applesauce
Oatmeal
Macaroni and cheese
Mashed potatoes
Jell-O
Bananas
Yogurt
Pasta
Milkshakes
Soft casseroles
Eggs
Fish
Cottage cheese

Post-Operative Instructions

The following instructions are intended for patients who have recently undergone a surgical procedure at Mainline Dental Arts LLC. These guidelines are designed to help reduce discomfort after surgery and to inform you about situations that may require additional attention during your recovery.

Pain Medications

It is normal to experience some level of discomfort during the first week after surgery. You may be provided with prescription medication to help manage pain during the healing period. Please take all medications exactly as directed. Taking pain medication on an empty stomach may cause nausea, so it is recommended to eat beforehand.

Some patients may prefer an over-the-counter alternative. A combination of Ibuprofen and Tylenol may help relieve discomfort. Suggested options include:

3 Advil Liqui-Gels with 2 Regular Strength Tylenol, or
3 Advil Liqui-Gels with 1 Extra Strength Tylenol

This may be taken every 4–6 hours as needed.

Important: If you are taking prescribed medications that already contain Acetaminophen (Tylenol), such as Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, or Tylenol with Codeine, do not take additional Tylenol to avoid exceeding safe dosage limits. Please contact the office if you have any questions regarding medication use.

Antibiotics

Please inform the office of any allergies or sensitivities to antibiotics prior to taking them. If antibiotics are prescribed following your procedure, take them as instructed until the course is completed. These medications should not be taken on an empty stomach to help prevent nausea. Patients taking birth control pills should be aware that antibiotics may reduce their effectiveness.

Swelling

Swelling after surgery is common and may increase within the first 2–3 days. To help reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of the cheek near the surgical area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue this process as frequently as possible during the first 2–3 days.

Diet Recommendations

Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods.

Suggested Foods:

Yogurt
Applesauce
Pudding
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Oatmeal
Rice
Pasta
Soup (lukewarm)
Smoothies (avoid straws)
Cottage cheese
Fish
Protein shakes

Avoid using straws for 5–7 days, as suction can disrupt healing.

Follow-Up Visits

Depending on your procedure, we may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures if necessary. For implant or periodontal procedures, additional maintenance visits may be recommended.

Call Our Office If You Experience:

Excessive bleeding
Severe pain not controlled by medication
Persistent swelling after several days
Fever
Signs of infection

At Mainline Dental Arts, your comfort and healing are our priority. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns during your recovery.

Surgical Instructions