Pre-operative Instructions (Extractions)
*ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to eat or drink, including water, after midnight prior to your appointment if you are scheduled for general anesthesia or IV sedation.
*You must have someone to drive you home after surgery if you have had IV sedation or  general anesthesia.
*You must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. Please have this person be prepared to stay in the office for your entire appointment, as well as during your recovery at home that day. Children should not be left home alone after surgery.
*If you are taking prescription medications that have been approved by your doctor please take them with just a sip of water.
*Please try to wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery.
*If you are feeling ill, coming down with a cold or have a temperature, please notify our office 24 hours prior to your appointment so we can reschedule.
*If you are pregnant, or believe you might be pregnant, please notify our office so we can discuss the appropriateness of your appointment.
*If you are a smoker there is significant benefit from avoiding this after surgery. Smoking is known to delay wound healing for an extended period of time.
*Please note: As a courtesy to our patients, food and drink are prohibited in our facility.


Post-operative  Instructions (Extractions)
*Please avoid rinsing today. Beginning tomorrow rinse with warm salt water (1/2 t. salt to 1 cup water) every 2 to 3 hours for several days, then after meals and at bedtime for the next 2 weeks. You may begin brushing your teeth tomorrow.
*Please note that gradual increase in pain from days 3-5 is not uncommon.
*Our office uses stitches that are designed to fall out on their own from 3-5 days after surgery (certain types may last a few weeks or longer, however).
*DO NOT SMOKE. Smoking in any amount in the first few weeks can cause a dry socket, and will dramatically delay wound healing.
*You may eat or drink what you feel up to once the local anesthetic has worn off. Avoid very hot foods or liquids for 24 hours. Soft foods like eggs, pastas, warm soups and yogurt are recommended.
*The surgical site may continue to bleed slightly for a day or two. This is no cause for alarm. If heavy bleeding occurs, fold a piece of gauze or use a wet or dry tea bag, and place over the bleeding area. Maintain firm pressure for 30 minutes. Avoid frequent pack changes, rinsing, and spitting or physical exertion until the bleeding has ceased.
*DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages, drive, or operate machinery for 12 hours following general anesthesia. DO NOT combine pain medication with alcohol.
*Some discomfort is to be expected and may be rather uncomfortable for the first few hours or days. 
*Take the prescribed medication with food as directed.
*Allow 45 minutes for the medication to work. Therefore, take the medication before the pain becomes too severe.
*Take Ibuprofen (Advil) 800mg every 6 hours for minor discomfort or in between doses of pain medication to increase effectiveness.
*Swelling is to be expected and usually reaches its maximum during the first three days. Apply ice to the side of the face 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as often as possible for the first 24 hours. Frozen vegetable bags wrapped in dishtowels work nicely as they contour to the jaw. Change to heat (a heating pad or hot water bottle) 24 hours after surgery. Continue to use heat until the swelling has receded.
*Bruising may occur, especially along the jaw line. This is not unexpected and should disappear soon.
*Keep lips moist with Chap Stick or Vaseline to prevent chapping. Tightness of the jaw muscles may make it difficult for you to open your mouth for up two weeks.
*If you have been prescribed an antibiotic and are currently taking oral contraceptives you should use an alternate method of birth control for the remainder of this cycle.
*If any unusual symptoms occur or if you have any questions concerning your progress, do not hesitate to call the office during business hours (Mon. – Fri. 8am– 4pm) as we will have access to your records at that time. If an emergency arises we may be reached 24 hours a day by calling (812) 944-4000. Please note that pain medication cannot be refilled after office hours.




Post-operative Instructions (Implant Surgery)
*Avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting today. Beginning tomorrow you may rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt to 1 cup warm water) every 2 to 3 hours for the first couple of days, then rinse after meals and at bedtime for the next two weeks. If you have been prescribed Peridex rinse, use as directed on the bottle. You may begin brushing your teeth today, staying away from the surgical site for the first few days.
*Please do not wear your dentures or partial until your doctor gives you permission to do so.
*You may resume a regular diet as soon as you feel comfortable.
*In some cases, swelling may occur and usually reaches its peak in 48 -72 hours (2-3 days). Apply an ice bag to the side of the face 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off as often as possible for the first 24 hours. Then change to a heating pad or hot water bottle, 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off until swelling has receded.
*You may have mild discomfort following surgery. 
*Take the prescribed medication as directed with food.
*Allow 45 minutes for the medication to work. Therefore, take the medication before the pain becomes too severe.
*Take Ibuprofen (Advil) for minor discomfort.
*Bruising may occur. This is not uncommon and should disappear soon.
*Keep lips moist with cream or Vaseline to prevent them from cracking.
*NO SMOKING. Smoking is known to cause failure of implants.
*NO DRIVING or operating machinery for 24 hours following general anesthesia.
*If any unusual symptoms occur do not hesitate to call the office. (812 944-4000)
*If you have been prescribed an antibiotic and are currently on oral contraceptives, you should use an alternate method of birth control for the remainder of this cycle.


Sinus Precautions
You have either developed a communication between the maxillary sinus and your tooth socket or are at a high risk of developing one. We want to be certain that the tissues heal, and that a communication does not become permanent. For this reason, we are recommending:

*Do not smoke. Any smoking dramatically reduces wound healing, and will make the healing process extremely difficult.
*Avoid blowing your nose during the next four weeks, and avoid any activity that increases pressure in your sinuses, such as exercise or bending over/straining/sneezing. If you have to sneeze, do so with your mouth open. It is also important to avoid straws or suction.
*If your nose becomes very stuffy, you may use saline nasal spray twice a day for the next two weeks. This may be purchased at any pharmacy.
*Be sure to take the antibiotics we prescribed until they are gone.
*We strongly recommend Sudafed or Dimetapp for at least the next two weeks to reduce sinus congestion. A non-drowsy variety is recommended.
*Do not rinse your mouth too aggressively during these two weeks, rinse gently.
*You can expect that there will be some bleeding from your nose as well as from your mouth for the next week.


If you continue to get a feeling of water getting into your nose when you take a drink during the next few weeks, please call our office at (812) 944-4000

Soft Food Ideas

Breakfast Ideas

Milk, Fruit Juices,Cream of Wheat,Grits, Ensure/Boost Drinks, Carnation Instant Breakfast Drinks, Oatmeal, Scrambled Eggs/Omelet, Yogurt

Snack Ideas

Applesauce, Pudding, Ice Cream, Jello, Canned Fruits, Popsicles

Pasta

Any Type

Soups

Any Type

Cheese

Pimento, Cottage Cheese, Cream Cheese, Cheese Spread

Meat and Fish

Deviled Ham, Chicken, Salads(ham, egg, tuna chicken), Any Flaky Fish