Surgical Instructions For Oral Surgery in Frisco

Before Anesthesia

Your safety during anesthesia begins with proper preparation. Following these instructions helps ensure your procedure goes smoothly while reducing the risk of complications associated with sedation or general anesthesia.

Do Not Eat or Drink

Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for at least eight hours before your scheduled surgery unless specifically instructed otherwise by your oral surgeon. Having food or liquids in your stomach can increase the risk of serious complications during anesthesia.

Medications

If you regularly take prescription medications, discuss them with our office before your appointment. You may be instructed to take certain medications with only a small sip of water on the morning of surgery.

Do not stop prescribed medications unless directed by your physician or oral surgeon.

Clothing

• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
• Wear short sleeves or sleeves that can easily be rolled above the elbow.
• Choose flat, comfortable shoes.
• Avoid high heels.

Jewelry and Makeup

Please do not wear:

• Jewelry
• Contact lenses
• Lipstick
• Heavy makeup
• Nail polish or artificial nails when possible

Transportation

If you will be receiving IV sedation or general anesthesia, a responsible adult must:

• Bring you to your appointment.
• Remain in the office or be immediately available during your procedure.
• Drive you home afterward.
• Stay with you for the remainder of the day.

You should not drive, operate machinery, return to work, or make important decisions for 24 hours following anesthesia.

Smoking and Alcohol

Avoid smoking, vaping, alcohol, and recreational drugs before surgery, as these substances can interfere with anesthesia and slow healing after your procedure.

If You Become Sick

If you develop a cold, sore throat, fever, cough, congestion, or other illness before your surgery, please contact Legacy Oral Surgery as soon as possible. Depending on your symptoms, your procedure may need to be rescheduled for your safety.

After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common oral surgery procedures. Following these instructions carefully can help minimize swelling, reduce discomfort, and encourage proper healing.

Controlling Bleeding

After surgery, bite firmly on the gauze placed over the surgical sites for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Replace the gauze as needed until bleeding slows. Slight oozing during the first 24 hours is normal.

If bleeding continues, place fresh folded gauze over the area and bite firmly for another 30 to 45 minutes. A dampened black tea bag may also help because the tannic acid encourages clot formation.

Managing Swelling

Swelling is a normal part of healing and usually reaches its maximum between 48 and 72 hours after surgery.

Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for the first 24 to 48 hours using this schedule:

• 20 minutes on
• 20 minutes off

After 48 hours, warm compresses may improve comfort and help reduce remaining swelling.

Pain Management

Take prescribed pain medication before the local anesthetic completely wears off. Taking medication early often provides better pain control than waiting until discomfort becomes severe.

Always follow the directions provided by your surgeon and avoid taking additional medications unless instructed.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids after surgery while avoiding the use of straws. Begin with soft foods such as:

• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup (cooled to a warm temperature)
• Scrambled eggs
• Smoothies eaten with a spoon
• Pudding

Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or chewy foods until your surgeon advises otherwise.

After Tooth Extractions

Whether you have one tooth removed or several, proper aftercare plays an important role in reducing discomfort and promoting healthy healing. Following these instructions will help protect the blood clot and lower your risk of complications.

Bleeding

Keep firm pressure on the gauze placed over the extraction site for 30 to 45 minutes following your procedure. Replace the gauze as instructed if slight bleeding continues. Minor oozing during the first day is expected.

If bleeding becomes excessive or does not slow after several hours, contact our office for additional instructions.

Swelling

Some swelling is normal after tooth extraction. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for the first 24 to 48 hours using 20-minute intervals on and off. Keeping your head elevated while resting may also help minimize swelling.

Pain Relief

Take all prescribed or recommended pain medications exactly as directed. Beginning medication before the numbness completely wears off often provides better pain control.

If antibiotics have been prescribed, complete the full course unless instructed otherwise by your oral surgeon.

Eating and Drinking

Drink plenty of fluids while avoiding carbonated beverages, alcohol, and hot drinks during the first day. Eat soft, nutritious foods until chewing becomes comfortable.

Recommended foods include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Oatmeal
• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Cottage cheese
• Scrambled eggs
• Pasta
• Smooth soups

Avoid chewing directly over the extraction site until healing progresses.

Oral Care

Do not rinse vigorously during the first 24 hours. After that time, gently rinse with warm salt water several times each day, especially after meals.

Continue brushing your remaining teeth carefully while avoiding direct contact with the surgical area.

Things to Avoid

• Smoking or vaping.
• Using drinking straws.
• Forceful spitting.
• Heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
• Alcohol while taking pain medication.

Healing Expectations

Mild discomfort, swelling, bruising, and jaw stiffness are all common during the first several days after surgery. These symptoms should gradually improve each day. If pain suddenly worsens several days after your extraction, contact our office to rule out dry socket or another complication.

After Multiple Extractions

Having several teeth removed during one appointment often requires additional recovery time. Careful attention to your post-operative instructions can help reduce swelling, improve comfort, and support successful healing before future restorative treatment.

Controlling Bleeding

Keep continuous pressure on the gauze provided by gently biting down for 30 to 45 minutes. Replace gauze as instructed until bleeding slows. Small amounts of blood mixed with saliva are normal during the first 24 hours.

Managing Swelling and Bruising

Swelling generally increases during the first two to three days before gradually improving. Apply ice packs during the first 48 hours and switch to warm compresses afterward if recommended by your surgeon.

Pain Control

Take prescribed medications exactly as directed. If multiple medications have been prescribed, follow the schedule provided by your oral surgeon to maintain consistent pain relief throughout the day.

Diet During Recovery

Your mouth will likely remain tender for several days. Choose soft, high-protein foods that require little chewing while staying well hydrated.

• Protein shakes (without using a straw)
• Greek yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese
• Scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal
• Soft pasta
• Well-cooked vegetables

Gradually return to your normal diet as healing allows and chewing becomes more comfortable.

After Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implants are designed to replace missing teeth with a strong, long-lasting foundation. Following your post-operative instructions carefully will help protect the implant site and encourage successful integration between the implant and your jawbone.

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal during the first 24 hours. Bite gently on the gauze provided for approximately 30 to 45 minutes after surgery, replacing it if necessary until the bleeding slows.

Avoid disturbing the surgical site by excessive rinsing, touching the area with your tongue, or repeatedly checking the implant.

Swelling

Some swelling and minor bruising are expected following implant placement. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for the first 24 to 48 hours using 20-minute intervals on and off.

Most swelling reaches its peak within two to three days before gradually improving.

Pain Management

Take prescribed medications exactly as directed. Many patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort following implant surgery, especially when medication is started before the numbness wears off.

If antibiotics have been prescribed, complete the full course to reduce the risk of infection.

Diet

Eat soft foods for several days while avoiding chewing directly over the implant site. Good choices include:

• Yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup
• Pasta
• Smoothies eaten with a spoon
• Soft fish
• Oatmeal

Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods until your oral surgeon tells you it is safe to resume your normal diet.

Oral Hygiene

Excellent oral hygiene is critical for implant success. Brush and floss your remaining teeth normally while avoiding direct brushing over the surgical site during the first day.

Beginning the day after surgery, gently rinse with warm salt water several times daily. If a prescription mouth rinse has been provided, use it exactly as instructed.

Protecting Your Dental Implant

During healing, avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the implant site.

• Do not smoke or vape.
• Avoid drinking through straws.
• Avoid chewing ice or hard foods.
• Do not repeatedly touch the implant with your fingers or tongue.
• Follow all scheduled follow-up appointments.

Healing Timeline

Although your gums may begin healing within the first few weeks, the implant itself requires several months to fully integrate with your jawbone. During this period, it is important to attend all follow-up appointments so your oral surgeon can monitor healing and determine when your final restoration can be placed.

After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

An impacted tooth exposure is commonly performed to help guide a tooth into its proper position during orthodontic treatment. Careful post-operative care helps protect the surgical site while supporting successful tooth movement.

Bleeding

Minor bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal during the first several hours after surgery. Bite gently on the gauze provided until the bleeding slows. Avoid excessive rinsing or disturbing the surgical site during the first day.

Swelling

Some swelling and mild bruising are expected. Apply ice packs to the outside of your face during the first 24 to 48 hours using alternating 20-minute intervals on and off.

Pain Control

Take your prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed. Most discomfort improves significantly within the first several days following surgery.

Orthodontic Attachment Care

If an orthodontic bracket and chain have been attached to the impacted tooth, it is important not to pull, twist, or manipulate the attachment. Your orthodontist will begin applying gentle force to guide the tooth into position during future adjustment appointments.

Eating After Surgery

Choose soft foods for the first several days and avoid chewing directly over the surgical site whenever possible.

• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup
• Soft pasta
• Eggs
• Applesauce
• Oatmeal

General Recovery Guidelines

While every procedure has unique instructions, the following recommendations apply to most oral surgery procedures performed at Legacy Oral Surgery.

Take Medications as Directed

Take all prescribed medications exactly as instructed by your oral surgeon. If antibiotics are prescribed, complete the entire course even if you begin feeling better. Never exceed the recommended dosage of pain medication.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout your recovery. Proper hydration supports healing and helps your body recover more comfortably. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking prescription pain medications.

Do Not Smoke or Vape

Smoking and vaping significantly delay healing and increase the risk of complications, including infection, dry socket, and dental implant failure. Avoid all tobacco and nicotine products during your recovery period or for as long as your surgeon recommends.

Maintain Good Nutrition

Choose soft, nutritious foods that provide adequate protein, vitamins, and calories while your mouth heals. As your comfort improves, gradually return to your regular diet following your surgeon’s recommendations.

Keep Follow-Up Appointments

Your follow-up visits allow our team to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and answer any questions you may have. Attending these appointments helps ensure the best possible outcome.

When to Contact Legacy Oral Surgery

Please contact our office immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms after your procedure:

• Heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure with gauze.
• Increasing swelling after the third day.
• Persistent fever or chills.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Severe pain that is not relieved by prescribed medication.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting.
• Pus, foul taste, or drainage from the surgical site.
• An allergic reaction to medication, including rash or difficulty breathing.
• Any concerns about your recovery or healing.

Prompt communication allows our team to evaluate your symptoms and provide recommendations before a minor concern becomes a larger problem.

Questions About Your Recovery?

Your comfort, safety, and successful healing are our highest priorities. Every patient heals differently, and our team is here to provide guidance throughout your recovery.

If you have questions before your procedure or at any point during your recovery, please contact Legacy Oral Surgery. We are happy to answer your questions, address concerns, and help ensure you have a smooth recovery experience.

Following these surgical instructions carefully can reduce complications, promote faster healing, and help you achieve the best possible outcome from your oral surgery procedure.