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Patient Resources
Pain Medications (Lortab, Vicodin, Ultram, Darvocet, etc)
Prescription pain medicines are for severe pain following surgery. It is recommended to take these 1-2 hours following your surgery prior to the numbness wearing off and to continue every 4-6 hours for a total of 24 hours. For severe pain, you can double your pain medicine every four hours. Also, you can alternate one or two prescription pain pills (Those with Tylenol/Acetaminophen in them) with two or three Advil every few hours for severe pain. These medicines may cause mild stomach aches, so take with food. After this, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as Advil will take care of most of your discomfort and help with swelling.
If you develop severe throbbing pain 3-4 days after your surgery which is not relieved with pain medication, notify our office.
Dexamethasone (If Prescribed)
The short dose of oral steroids greatly diminishes facial swelling. Dexamethasone is used with tapering doses which should begin with 3 tablets the night before your surgery, at bedtime, or as directed on your dosing schedule.
You will receive specific instructions about taking this medication beginning either the night before or the morning of your surgery.
Chlorhexidene Oral Rinse (If Prescribed)
Chlorhexidene Oral Rinse is a mouth rinse with antibacterial properties.; It has been shown to decrease the chance of patients developing a dry socket. Swish with it for 30-45 seconds at bedtime the night before your surgery and again in the morning before coming to the office. Do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after rinsing. Do not use the mouth rinse again until 48 hours after surgery. Then rinse twice a day for 7 days after surgery and discontinue. Prolonged use of chlorhexidene rinse (several weeks) may cause staining of the teeth.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for simple extractions unless there is evidence of preoperative infection, or if patients are at a high risk of developing infections (i.e.: diabetes). If prescribed, take two pills or capsules of your prescription one hour before your procedure, with a sip of water. Antibiotics prescribed (Penicillin, Cephalexin, Clindamycin, etc) should be taken with food. As with any drug, side effects and allergies may occur. If you develop a skin rash, difficulty breathing or diarrhea, stop taking all medicine and notify the doctor.
Phenergan (If Prescribed)
Phenergan is used post operatively to prevent nausea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, Phenergan should be taken with food thirty minutes prior to taking your pain medications.
PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SURGERY APPOINTMENT
Emergency Contact (after business hours): 972-213-5500
