FAQ

1. What can I eat?
   once the anesthesia has worn off you can eat soft food like mac and cheese, cottage cheese, soup, scrambled eggs, pancakes, soft vegetables and smoothies all on the side that was not treated. Please avoid foods that are crunchy and hard like pizza, chips, hard crunchy bread. Not baby food , Just soft food. Eat a High Protein Diet!
2. How do I clean the area of the surgery
   Please use the Stella life on a q-tip gently in the area of surgery, very gently. When you return we will give you a special soft surgery brush. If you see blood on the Qtip or the soft brush don’t panick. Always rinse with warm salt water that is so important in healing. Rinse 2-3 times per day (whenever you brush your other teeth). This is truly a key in good healing practices.
3. Why does the graft look white or red and is thick?
   While the graft is healing it will take on many , many colors. Again it is best not to look at it because that can put tension on the site and DELAY healing. Rinse with warm water which allows the tissue on the graft to heal up and removes plaque without you actually touching the graft site.
4. Mouthcare
   Please rest assured that the mouth is one of the most rapidly healing areas of the body. Using Ibuprofin (if you can take it) is ideal for dental pain for it stops the Prostoglandins which in turn reduces inflammation. If you are experiencing a significant amount of pain not controlled by Motrin or Tylenol please email us at [email protected], or call Dr Hobbs at 919-422-8970 (her cell) . Email might be the best way to send message in case we are tied up with patients. We check email very frequently. You are also welcome to call us at the office during regular business hours at 919-590-0564
5. Rest
   Rest for the 24 hours after the surgery and please limit your activity to speed healing and avoid prolonged bleeding.
6. Swelling
   Apply an ice pack or frozen peas or corn on the surgery site (20mins on and 20 min off) to help keep swelling down. Also apply ARNICA (you can buy at CVS or Walmart) to the skin (not intra-orally ) to keep swelling and bruising down.
7. Alcohol and Smoking
   We ask you to please not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours and refrain from smoking for this will greatly affect the rate and quality of healing.
8. Stiches
   All the stiches will dissolve. If one is bothering you can trim the end but we would like to check you at your follow up before removing the sutures. Try to keep your tongue off the suture line.

We will schedule your appointment as promptly as possible. Please allow approximately 40-60 minutes for your initial visit. If you have pain or an emergency situation, every attempt will be made to see you that day.

First Visit

We make every attempt to stay on schedule to minimize waiting at the time of your appointment.

To ensure that your appointment starts on time during your initial visit you will need to bring the following information:

• Your referral slip and x-rays from your referring dentist (if your dentist takes digital radiographs, please have these transferred to our office prior to your appointment)
• If you have dental benefits, please bring any forms or documentation with you to the appointment.

When you arrive you will need to complete Patient Registration and Medical History forms. You can also download them from our website and bring them with you.

All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation appointment. Please notify the office if you have a medical condition or concern prior to surgery (e.g. artificial heart valves or joints requiring pre-medication, diabetes, or hypertension).

We will complete an in depth medical and dental health history and a thorough examination to measure for bone loss, loose teeth, bite, oral cancer screening, TMJ and other signs of periodontal disease.

The cost of periodontal treatment varies depending upon your needs. After Dr. Hobbs has examined you and determined the appropriate treatment, she will provide you with an estimate of the cost. If you have dental benefits, your carrier may cover some or all of your costs. Prior to proceeding with the treatment, fees and financial arrangements will be discussed with you so that you can make an informed decision and plan accordingly.

For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. While we are unable to provide financing for care, we do work with CareCredit™ to offer financing options.

Post-Implant Surgery Instructions

1. If tolerated well, take 2 or 3 Advil (Ibuprofen) every 6 hours for the first 24 to 72 hours following surgery.
2. Post-operative pain should be controlled by the Advil and analgesic tablets prescribed. The pain pills should only be taken if they are needed in addition to Advil. Please call if this is not the case and further recommendations will be given.
3. There may be some post-operative swelling and bruising. Ice packs should be used, alternating 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, for the first 72 hours. Beginning day 4, hot, moist compresses may be used to assist in eliminating swelling that has occurred.
4. There may be slight bleeding or discoloration of saliva for several hours after surgery. This should correct itself.
5. Avoid hot drinks and foods the day of the procedure. Do not use a drinking straw during the post-operative period. Limit yourself to a semi-soft diet and do any chewing opposite of the surgical site, if possible.
6. Rinse gently with your Perioguard (Chlorhexidene) 2 to 3 times a day. The day after treatment, also rinse with lightly salted warm water.
7. If sinus elevation surgery was done, refrain from blowing your nose for the next 2 to 3 weeks. Please just wipe your nose gently. If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open.
8. Rest during the first post-operative days is essential. Ease back into your normal activities, but avoid excessive exertion. With increased movement, you may experience increased discomfort.
9. Please contact Dr Hobbs at 919-422-8970 if there is a problem with:
   • Excessive bleeding
   • Pain not controlled by pain medication
   • Any reaction or nausea caused by the medications

Post-Operative Instructions

1. If tolerated well, take 2 or 3 Advil (Ibuprofen) every 6 hours for the first 24 to 72 hours following surgery.
2. Post-operative pain should be controlled by the Advil and analgesic tablets prescribed. The pain pills should only be taken if they are needed in addition to Advil. Please call if this is not the case and further recommendations will be given.
3. There may be some post-operative swelling and bruising. Ice packs should be used, alternating 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, for the first 72 hours. Beginning day 4, hot, moist compresses may be used to assist in eliminating swelling that has occurred.
4. There may be slight bleeding or discoloration of saliva for several hours after surgery. This should correct itself.
5. Avoid hot drinks and foods the day of the procedure. Do not use a drinking straw during the post-operative period. Limit yourself to a semi-soft diet and do any chewing opposite of the surgical site, if possible.
6. Rinse gently with your Perioguard (Chlorhexidene) 2 to 3 times a day. The day after treatment, also rinse with lightly salted warm water.
7. If sinus elevation surgery was done, refrain from blowing your nose for the next 2 to 3 weeks. Please just wipe your nose gently. If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open.
8. Rest during the first post-operative days is essential. Ease back into your normal activities, but avoid excessive exertion. With increased movement, you may experience increased discomfort.
9. Please contact Dr Hobbs at 919-422-8970 if there is a problem with:

• Excessive bleeding
• Pain not controlled by pain medication
• Any reaction to a medication
• Any nausea following the taking of the analgesic and antibiotic tablets