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Surgery and Sedation

 

At College Street Dental, we provide helpful information before your Oral Surgery and after care surgery instructions.  Please read and download the information before your appointment.

Call 416-519-5550 to Book an Appointment

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Surgery with Local Anesthesia and/or Nitrous Oxide

This is for patients getting local freezing by injection to numb the extraction site. If you choose to have laughing gas in addition to the injection, this is a gas you inhale through a nose piece to help you relax. In both cases, you are conscious (awake) for the surgery.

 

  1. Please have a light meal roughly 2 hours before your surgery. We do not want you to be hungry during the visit, but we also want your blood sugar levels to be normal.
     

  2. Escorts are not mandatory but you can bring someone if you choose to. It is always nice to have a companion for moral support. Please note they are welcome in the reception area during your surgery as your Dentist needs to focus all of his or her energy on your care!
     

  3. Your dentist may provide a prescription for the appropriate medications at the time of the visit. Some of these medications are restricted narcotics and will require you to bring a government issued I.D. Health Card, Drivers License, Passport or Photo ID (not a student card).
     

  4. To prepare for recovery, stock up on soft foods (no seeds or nuts they can irritate the extraction site and cause infection) and ice packs (wetting a few face towels and leave them in the freezer is the best). Medications will be prescribed on the day of surgery in most cases.
     

  5. Wear loose fitting clothing for comfort.

 

Ladies, please note, being on your period is not a problem for they types of surgery we perform at this clinic. If you are taking addition medications, please alert your Dentist so they may modify any medication prescriptions.

 

Please call us at 416-519-5550 if you have any further questions.

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Tips for Oral Sedation

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This is for patients who have been prescribed special anti-anxiety pills for the appointment. You would have had an assessment visit with your dentist prior to booking this appointment. This cannot be requested on the day of your surgery.
 

  1. You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for 4 hours prior to the appointment.
     

  2. A responsible adult must accompany you to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive you home. We will not send you home unsupervised under any circumstances (Taxi, public transport included).
     

  3. You cannot drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
     

  4. Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and flat shoes.
     

  5. Do not wear excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery. This helps us to assess your vital signs.
     

  6. If you have an illness prior to the surgery such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office. Ladies, it is not a problem if you are on your period.
     

  7. Make a trip to the washroom just prior to being seated.

 

Please call us at 416-519-5550 if you have any further questions.

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Important Information Following Oral Sedation

  1. The time you need to fully recover and feel 'back to normal' will usually vary depending on the total amount of anesthetic drugs required during your appointment. We use the least amount of drug needed. That amount varies with:
    - Your own individual tolerance for sedative/anesthetic drugs.
    - The length of your appointment and amount of treatment performed.
     

  2. You must be taken directly home by your accompaniment after your appointment and remain there with until you have fully recovered. You should relax or sleep, but be sure to eat and drink also.
     

  3. It is important to plan for a period of at least 24 hours after sedation or anaesthesia during which you must not drive a vehicle, operate hazardous machinery, consume alcohol or make important, binding decisions. In rare occasions when drowsiness or dizziness persists, this time should be extended until you feel 'back to normal'.
     

  4. It is very important to drink a plentiful quantity of fluids during the remainder of the day of your appointment and every day after that you feel residual effects of your sedation. Caffeinated drinks may help you feel more alert.
     

  5. It is also very important that you get good nutrition. You must eat today and tomorrow! If you need a 'soft chew' diet because of your dental treatment, we can provide suggestions. Good nutrition and calories ('fuel') are important for your recovery.
     

  6. Be sure to immediately fill the prescriptions given to you and ensure you take them as directed. You should take all other prescription medications as usual, the exception being sleeping pills or tranquilizers, until you no longer feel the effects of your sedation.
     

  7. It is normal for the anesthetic drugs to cause some vagueness of memory for a few hours after you awaken. Do not be alarmed if you do not remember every detail about things in the time immediately after your appointment.

 

If you have any problems, concerns or questions please call us at 416-519-5550.

 

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Surgery Aftercare Instructions

  1. Bleeding is normal for the first 24-48 hours. Applying direct pressure to the surgery site with a wet gauze to the site helps to manage heavy bleeding by biting on it firmly. Keeping it wet prevents it from sticking to your skin and sutures, inadvertently pulling them apart. Change the gauze once every 60 minutes. Once the bleeding slows and only small patches of blood are visible on the gauze, you can stop packing the site. A tea bag soaked in cold water also works well. If you are hungry before the bleeding slows, leave the gauze out of your mouth when eating and then repack when ready. Do not go to sleep with the gauze in your mouth.
     

  2. Fill in your medication prescription if one was given. Some medications will cause drowsiness. Freezing will wear off roughly 3-6 hours after surgery. Starting the pain medication before the freezing wears off will greatly improve pain control.
     

  3. Ice the area to reduce swelling and pain for the first 24-48 hours. Moisten a few face towels and place them in the freezer to create ice sheets, or use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas.
     

  4. Stick to a soft diet, like soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, etc. Avoid nuts and seeds since they can get trapped in the extraction site and cause infection.
     

  5. Avoid major physical activity or lifting anything heavy for 3-5 days, this may prolong bleeding.
     

  6. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or drinking through a straw for 7days. These can all cause your blood clot to dissolve prematurely, leaving you in extreme pain from having a condition called dry socket.
     

  7. Keep the surgical site clean, gently rinse with salt water rinses (or prescribed mouth rinse) after meals. If you were provided with a Monoject syringe, use as directed. You can still brush the adjacent teeth, using toothpaste is ok.
     

  8. If you received stitches, they will dissolve on their own within 4 days. Avoid bubble gum or sticky foods that can tug at the suture preemptively. Don't worry if they start to dissolve the same day, it is not necessary to replace them.
     

  9. Sleep with your head slightly more elevated than usual and apply an old towel to protect your pillow.
     

  10. Don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions at all. 416-519-5550

 

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