Please read over these instructions, your consent form, and your post-op instructions PRIOR to your appointment.
Your procedure will be done with local anesthetic (“numbing medication”), same as what is used when you get a filling or other dental work.
Eat a meal before your appointment. You will not be able to eat right after the procedure while your mouth is still numb.
In order to decrease your need for pain medication after the procedure, please take 600 mg ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, Motrin) 30-60 minutes prior to your appointment. If you cannot take ibuprofen, you may take 650 mg acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol).
Get the following items ready for after the procedure: ice packs, gauze, and soft/liquid food options.
Please call the office to reschedule if you are feeling sick, including any flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, or malaise.
If you have been given a prescription for anti-anxiety medication, take 1 tablet at bedtime the night before the procedure, 1 tablet 1 hour prior to the procedure, and bring 1 tablet with you to the appointment. You must have a driver to take you to your appointment and drive you home afterwards. (Make sure it is a family member or friend, no cabs/Uber.)
If you are getting a sinus lift procedure, buy an over-the-counter antihistamine/decongestant medication and start using the medicine as instructed the day before your procedure. You will continue using this medication for 10 days after your sinus lift as well. Examples include: Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D, Benadryl D Allergy and Sinus, Sudafed Sinus and Allergy. (Note: you only need ONE of these.)
Smoking greatly increases your risk of complications during surgery and during the healing process. It is STRONGLY recommended to quit smoking prior to your procedure.
If you cannot quit smoking before your procedure, please refrain from smoking for at least 1 week prior to your procedure and for 8 weeks after your procedure to help decrease your risk of complications.
Helpful resources for smoking cessation:
- Quit Line: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
- National Cancer Institute Tobacco Line: 1-877-448-7848 (also available in Spanish)
- CDC’s Guide on How to Quit Smoking: Tips From Former Smokers
- Book recommendation: Quit Smoking Today Without Gaining Weight by Paul McKenna
If you have any questions regarding insurance coverage or fees, please call the office BEFORE your appointment date or arrive to your appointment 30 minutes early to discuss finances with the patient care coordinator. Dr. Lam will not be able to discuss finances once you are seated in the dental chair as the appointment time is reserved for the procedure.
If any other questions arise, please do not hesitate to call the office at 518-631-5988.