You will always be given local anesthesia for your surgery, but you may choose any of those listed below as a supplement. Each choice requires different preparation on you part, and for your safety it is important that you read and follow the instructions carefully. If you are unclear about anything, please ask Dr. Kur.

For all surgery, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Tops/shirts should have sleeves that are easily drawn up above the elbow. You will be awake and recall the surgery, but there should be no significant discomfort.

ORAL PREMEDICATION: is medication taken by mouth; this may be prescribed as a a supplement to local anesthesia.

• Take the medication at the time directed before your surgery.
• Have a light meal a few hours prior to surgery unless you are also having intravenous or general anesthesia.
• It is not safe to drive after taking sedative drugs, and you MUST have someone drive you to and from surgery.
• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not operate power tools, machinery, etc., for 24 hours after surgery.

NITROUS OXIDE is known as “laughing gas.” You will be relaxed and somewhat less aware of your surroundings, but will recall most of the surgical event. Nitrous oxide is generally used in conjunction with local anesthesia, but may also be used to supplement the anesthetic below.

INTRAVENOUS SEDATION: Medications are given through a vein in your arm or hand, which will cause total relaxation. Although you will not actually be unconscious, you will recall very little, (if any) of the events surrounding surgery.

• Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for six (6) hours prior to surgery. However, it is important that you take any regular medications (high blood pressure, antibiotics, etc.) or any pre-medication prescription that we have provided, using only a small sip of water.
• For morning appointments, skip breakfast.
• For afternoon appointment, eat a light breakfast seven (7) hours before your appointment, and skip lunch.
• Take any regular medications with only enough water to get the pill down.
• You MUST have someone drive you home. The driver MUST remain on premises during procedure.
• Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not operate power tools, machinery, etc., for 24 hours after surgery.

Medications are given through a vein, which will result in total loss of consciousness, complete lack of recall of the event and usually a longer recovery time. General anesthesia has an excellent safety record as an office procedure, but may, if desired, be provided in a hospital setting. (Your health insurance may not cover you unless there is a bona fide medical reason for hospitalization).

• The same instructions offered above for intravenous sedation apply for general anesthesia.

If you prefer to listen to your own music, feel free to bring small earbuds.

Our goal is to provide you with a safe, pleasant, and effective anesthetic To do this it is imperative that we have your full cooperation. Please feel free to as,k or call about any questions concerning your surgery or anesthetic.

In doing so you may invite irritation, infection and/or bleeding. The healing process begins immediately after surgery as your body sends blood to the tooth socket. Biting on a piece of gauze with slight pressure will help control the bleeding and also help a blood clot to form over the socket. It is normal for some blood to ooze from the site for 8-12 hours after surgery. You will be given an extra packet of gauze to take home in case the bleeding continues.  The gauze should be changed every 30-40 minutes until the bleeding has stopped completely.

To prevent dislodging of the blood clot you should not brush or rinse for the first 24 hours following surgery. After the first 24 hours it is important to keep the area as clean as possible. You may use a soft toothbrush around and across the surgical site or carefully wipe the area with a clean, wet gauze pad or cloth. Warm salt water rinses starting after the first24 hours are strongly encouraged. Rinsing after every meal will help flush out any debris and is recommended for up to one week after surgery. Regular over the counter mouth wash may burn or irritate the area until the gum tissue has fully closed.

There is no spitting (forcefulness out) and no drinking through a straw (forcefulness in) for 72 hours. This could dislodge the blood clot from the surgical site and promote bleeding.

To prevent swelling, apply an ice packet or cold towel to the outside of your face near the surgical area during the first 24 hours after surgery. Apply alternately, 20 mins on and then 20 mins off. After 24 hours, a warm compress can be applied to promote circulation with the same alternating schedule.

For the first 24-48 hours after surgery you should maintain a soft food diet such as Jello, pudding, applesauce, eggs, soup, pasta, etc. Food with small pieces or that crumbles easily should be avoided so it does not lodge in the area. Avoid eating or drinking anything hot, as it can cause irritation. Room temperature or cool is best. Eating immediately following a procedure is not recommended. When the numbness has worn off you may eat. Return to normal diet as tolerated.

Increased activity could lead to increased bleeding. No physical activity is recommended for at least 24 hours after surgery. No bending or heavy lifting for two or three days; and do not play any wind instruments for a period of 10-14 days.

When a local anesthetic is used, your lip, tongue, and cheek will be numb for several hours following surgery. While the area is still numb you must be careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch this area. This could all lead to soft tissue trauma. If you have chosen to have IV sedation you cannot drive within the first 24 hours following surgery. The medications given make you groggy and impair your ability to drive.