Pre-operative Instructions

The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last minute questions. We can be reached at Erik Low, D.M.D., M.S., Inc. and Howard Low, D.D.S., Inc. Phone Number 408-746-3878 during regular business hours.

You should receive your pre/post-operative prescriptions with this instruction sheet. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery, unless they have been previously phoned into the pharmacy of your choice. Please bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.  Do not take any pain medication until we have instructed you to do so.

It may be important to stop taking aspirin and non-steroidals such as Motrin and Advil, 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, remember to discontinue them as directed. If you take antibiotic premed, please take it as directed before your surgery. Brush and floss your teeth as thoroughly as possible prior to your appointment.  Also please use the restroom prior to your appointment.  You will feel better if you have eaten prior to surgery. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you like.  

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1-5 weeks. In most cases, after surgery we will also look forward to seeing you back for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an examination of tissue maturation about 10-12 weeks following the surgery.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. You will be prescribed an antibiotic if our doctor determines it to be necessary. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

Bone grafting procedures

If you are having blood drawn for a bone grafting procedure, please stay hydrated.  Please drink 1 full glass (12oz) of water 1 hour prior to your appointment even if you are having I.V. sedation.

Sedatives

If you elect to use one of the following oral sedatives you must have a ride to and from the office. Please bring your remaining tablets with you.  Take ONLY ONE Halcion (your sedative medication) 30 minutes prior to your appointment.  Do not drive after taking this medication. 

• Ativan (Lorazepam)
• Valium (Diazepam)
• Triazalam (Halcion)

iv sedation

If you are being sedated intravenously (I.V.), take your Halcion (your sedative medication) as directed above with water. Your stomach should be empty for at least 5 hours prior to surgery. Clear liquids, such as water, are ok before surgery. However, if you are a diabetic continue with regular meals. Please have all watches and jewelry removed from both wrists and wear loose fitting clothes.

Food Suggestions

When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices: