Please share a tip on some do's and don'ts with regard to oral surgery.

Root: Root canal therapy rarely causes more than minor discomfort.

Make: Make sure you stop Aspirin one week prior to surgery. Stop smoking to minimize complications.

Smoking: Smoking can adversely affect healing.

Bromelain: Bromelain taken the week before can help decrease post-op swelling.

Ice: Ice packs after surgery mitigate swelling.

Do: Do not smoke or use a straw. You pull out the blood clot resulting in dry socket.

Do: Do follow the dentist's instructions. Don't chew on the treated area until instructed to do so.

Avoid: Avoid vigorous swishing/spitting or smoking after dental extractions to reduce risk of a dry socket.

Having: Having a tooth removed? Find an oral surgeon who can replace it immediately with a dental implant!

Avoid: Avoid supplements which can thin the blood before surgery including vit e, fish oil, ginkgo & garlic.

After: After oral surgery do not drink through a straw until the dentist tells you it's ok!

Do: Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or carbonated beverages for at least 24 hours after a tooth extraction.

Don't: Don't stick your tongue in the socket left after your extraction(s)!

After: After oral surgery, when drinking, do not use a straw. This can hinder the healing process.

Whenever: Whenever you are having a tooth extracted, ask your doctor what they can do to preserve the bone!

After: After pulling out the tooth. It is vital to follow instructions given to you by the oral surgeon.

Hygiene: Hygiene and antibiotic coverage. Prior surgery brush teeth well; rinse with oral antiseptic.

Do: Do research on oral surgeon - do listen to your dentist's referral opinion, don't procrastinate. Treat!

Don't: Don't wait to have wisdom teeth removed until symptoms (they quite often do silent damage). Treat now!

Sedation: Sedation is a valuable adjunct to a smooth, painless, and pleasant experience.

If: If needing an extraction, ridge preservation bone graft at same time is critical for implant later.

Try: Try to preserve the bone with a bone graft / socket preservation after extraction.

Folow: Folow surgeon after-care exactly. Flush surgical sites as directed. Take antibiotics if prescribed.

Do: Do follow the surgeon's instructions to the best of your ability after the surgery.

Oral: Oral surgery don'ts: smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking liquids through a straw.

What: What type of sedation and monitoring will be used? What will recovery be like?

To: To reduce the risk of a painful dry socket, avoid smoking as long as possible (at least 3-4 days).

Stay: Stay on a soft or liquid diet as directed by your doctor. Take it easy for a few days after surgery.

Do: Do not smoke for at least 48 hours after oral surgery.

Don't: Don't smoke after an extraction. This can lead healing problems, such as a very painful dry socket.

It: It is important to tell the oral surgeon all medications you are taking.

If: If you are prescribed an antibiotic take it until you finish the pills, even if you feel better.

Avoid: Avoid drinking thru a straw for the first day after a tooth extraction.

Do: Do follow the rules on sedation and post op instructions. Don't smoke and don't break the rules.

Facing: Facing oral surgery, ask about anesthesia, especially if surgery is outpatient!

Do: Do follow your doctor's post op instructions. Don't smoke or drink alcohol for at least 5-6 days.

Do: Do go to an oral surgeon. They are highly qualified to address your pain issues!

Don't: Don't do too much too soon. Give yourself a day or two to heal before increasing activity.

Discuss: Discuss with your dentist if you need "antibiotic prophylaxis" before the procedure.

Don't: Don't use tobacco, practice good hygiene, read and follow the surgeon's postoperative instructions.

Plan: Plan ahead for optimal healing. If you smoke, quit several weeks ahead & abstain until fully healed.

Tobacco: Tobacco cessation is helpful in preventing unnecessary oral surgery for oral cancers.

"Keep: "keep the mouth clean." it's the best thing you can do to promote healing.

No: No smoking or rinsing 48hrs, apply ice 24hrs, minimize exercise 24 hrs, take meds as directed.

Oral: Oral surgery today is essentially painless.

Do: Do tell your doctor if you take Aspirin or herbal supplements such as garlic. Do not smoke.

Bleeding risk: Stop Plavix (clopidogrel) at least 5 days before oral surgery. Don't smoke or use caffeine the morning of surgery.

Premedication: Premedication a day before wisdom teeth extractions with a mild steroid and Motrin will do wonders.

Follow: Follow directions from the provider. After-care is vitally important including rinses, etc.

Stop: Stop tobacco use, use fluoride, and brush prior to planned procedure as recommended by surgeon.

Instead: Instead of biting on gauze after tooth extraction, try a wet tea bag. This helps stop bleeding.

After: After extraction do not suck, smoke, or spit - it may cause a dry socket.

Always: Always report to your dentist as soon as possible about non-healing mouth ulcers.

Believe: Believe it when you are advised not to eat or drink before surgery & to have someone drive you home!

Be: Be well hydrated, get a good nights sleep. Follow pre-op instructions. Take Ibuprofen before appoint.

Do:: Do: seek the care of the most competent provider in your area (oral surgeon is best).

Do: Do ask questions beforehand and follow directions and don't do anything your told not to do.

With: With any surgery important to check references and certifications. Consider 2nd opinions if need be.

Do: Do not drink from a straw, smoke, or drink alcohol for at least a few days.

Soup: Soup broth, milk shakes, juice, milk, or water are usually ok the first day.

For: For swelling it is usually recommended to place ice on the swollen area around 10min. On, 10min. Off.

Make: Make your mouth as healthy as possible pre-surgery (floss daily) to help speed the healing process.

Badly: Badly administered anesthesia can kill; pain does not. Get to know your anesthesia provider!

Steady: Steady pressure for 45 minutes should stop the bleeding.

Do: Do brush, floss, and rinse with tooth rinse prior to oral surgery.

Do: Do follow your doctor's post-operative instructions very carefully.

Do: Do hold still during surgery if you are awake. It will make it easier on you and your doctor.

Do: Do let your doctor know if you are still in pain after initial anesthesia.

Swelling: Swelling or reactions associated with novocaine anesthetics should be evaluated by an allergist.

Keep: Keep the wound area clean. Drink plenty of fluids. Do not eat chips or pretzels.

If: If it elective get at least two opinions ask your dentist his opinion make sure you understand risks.

Advise: Advise surgeon of blood thinning meds, including aspirin, before... ; rest, ice, no rinsing after...

Oral: Oral surgery is not very effective for obstructive sleep apnea. Efficacy rate is less than 40%.

Don't: Don't eat a heavy meal the night before surgery.Do apply pressure for two hours after surgery.

With: With regards to "do's" make sure to select a board certified oral surgeon, preferably an md as well.

Sleep@45: Sleep@45 dgrs, ice on/off every 20 min, take rx as prescribed pre and post, do this for 3 days at least.

Don't: Don't have it if you don't need it.

Avoid: Avoid over zealous rinsing for several days; this can dislodge the fragile blood clot.

You: You will do better with an early morning rather than late afternoon appointment.

If: If you had oral surgery done, do not spit, rinse or use a straw for 24 hours.

Avoid: Avoid hot liquids after oral surgery. This will minumize the chance of more bleeding.

Brushing: Brushing your teeth with msm can speed recovery and strengthen gums.

General: General dentists can be excellent at oral surgery--but be sure to ask them about their comfort level.

Low: Low activity, no exercise, no rinsing and ice the surgical area for the first 24-36 hours.

Warm: Warm salt water rinses, one mouthful, for 2 minutes, starting after 24 hrs, 3 times a day x2 weeks.

Keep: Keep toes dry at all time during normal activities.

Don't: Don't take narcotics for pain prescribed by other doctors. Rely on your surgeons advice for pain.

Find: Find a surgeon who you are comfortable with and asked to see some patient reviews.

Metformin: Metformin users, stop at time of intravascular contrast study. Start in 48hrs with good renal test.

Do: Do not smoke after any oral surgical procedures , for as long as possible. & use soft diets only.

DO: Do finish a prescribed antibiotic as directed unless side-effects or allergic reaction arise.

Be: Be sure to see an experiencedexpert and don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Ask questions.

Don't: Don't smoke or suck on a straw after an extraction.

Don't: Don't smoke after an extraction - unless you want the worst pain of your life.

With: With oral surgery the quicker the procedure and the least invasive it is the faster it will heal.

After: After surgery do not suck through a straw and avoid spitting as this may dislodge the healing blood.

Sip: Sip from a cup but don't suck from a straw - the pressure can cause "dry socket" & that hurts!

Ask: Ask around to get the best person for your particualar problem. Never hesitate to get a 2nd opinion.

Be: Be prepared to follow a strict oral hygiene regimen after you oral surgery.

Taking: Taking 800 mg of Ibuprofen 1 hour before surgery can minimize post operative pain.

All: All oral surgery stresses the body like any other area. Rest, ice, decrease use and allow to heal.

Depending: Depending on the type of oral surgery, the best tip is to follow advice oral surgeon/staff.

Mantain: Mantain good oral hygiene after the surgery to prevent infection and delay in wound healing!

Only: Only have oral surgery done by an oral surgeon. Some general dentists are experiences but be careful.

Don't: Don't smoke after any surgical procedure. Smoking will delay healing!

Do: Do not smoke, put ice bag for 3-4 hrs after.

Get: Get (2)opinions if possible prior to oral surgery.

If: If you have mitral valve prolapse be sure to take antibiotics before the procedure!

In: In the days preceding your surgery, brush your teeth regularly, floss and use mouthwash.

Do: Do ask your dr what medications to stop before surgery , don't presume which meds to stop.

Do: Do ask your dr if you need premication with antibiotics, don't just take left over antibiotics.

Meticulous: Meticulous oral hygiene is a must.

Following: Following post operative instructions closely will ensure smooth healing and likely fast recovery.

When: When the need for oral surgery occurs take action quickly before the problem gets worse.

No: No smoking or sucking through a straw which creates a negative pressure which may dislodge clot.

Follow: Follow and do not deviate from all of your doctor's (dentist's) instructions.

Ignore: Don't procrastinate when a recommendation has been made for an oral surgical procedure - problems.

Ignore: Smoking after extractions increase risk of dry sockets.

Ignore: If you have any serious medical history, be sure you consult your internist before out pt anesthesia.

Ignore: Avoid Aspirin and alcohol both before and after procedure.

Ignore: Make sure you brush your teeth before you come in for surgery. You'd be surprised...

Ignore: Avoid smoking ; drinking alcohol for at least 5 days after surgery to reduce your risk of dry socket.

Ignore: Take a friend to the consultation, as most people don't remember all of the information given.

Ignore: Use ice water to reduce inflammation and liberal use of advil (ibuprofen).

Ignore: If you have any heart condition check with your doctor if you need antibiotic prior to procedure.

Ignore: Debride and then lavage all sockets with sterile h2o ph7 instead of sterile saline ph 6.6.

Ignore: Flossing daily for 3 weeks prior to surgery will lower the mouth's bacteria count and speed healing.

Ignore: Do: find a reputable oral surgeon and focus on good communication. Don't miss pre-, post-op advice.

Ignore: Do research for the most experienced you can find, as always. Travel might be necessary.

Ignore: Do's -follow post op. Instr. -good oral hygiene -soft diet for24h don'ts -eat hot/spicy foods.

Ignore: Do share your entire medication list with your surgeon.

Ignore: List your concerns before your consultation. Feel good about the answers before setting your surgery.

Oral surgery: Make sure you follow the post-op instructions of your oral surgeon.

Ignore: If you are on pain killers for other reasons, coordinate between your pain doctor and dentist.

Ignore: Do listen to your drs advice for post op don't smoke, drink through a straw take meds as directed.

Ignore: Always get a 2nd opinion before having oral surgery.

Ignore: Do follow the post op instructions do not smoke if you are a smoker after the surgery.

Ignore: Preemptive analgesia the use of preoperative and postoperative opioids and nsaids.

Ignore: Here's the tip. Get written post surgical instructions from the doctor. Ask questions!

Ignore: If you have bleeding after an extraction, you can bite on a wet tea bag.

Ignore: See an oral surgeon.Follow the recommendations after surgery. Use the ice pack religiously. Rest.

Ignore: Call in sick after surgery and watch the soap operas at home. Follow you dr's advise, take your meds.

Ignore: See a board certified oral surgeon. Ask your general dentist who he recommends. Get a second opinion.

Ignore: Don't put ice on your face longer than 20 minutes. Don't use ice after 24 hours.

Ignore: As said before, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!".

Ignore: Always take prescribed antibiotics until they are finished to avoid creating a super infection.

Ignore: Don't rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. Allowing blood clot to form reduces pain ; infection.

Ignore: After oral surgery, do not spit or rinse or smoke or do excersize. 1st 24hours of care is important!

Ignore: If you recently had oral surgery do not smoke or drink through a straw!

Ignore: Follow your doctor's instruction carefully. Do not smoke. Do not eat hard food.

Ignore: Do not brush teeth in surgery area until your doctor advises you to do so.

Ignore: Your case is individual, no two mouths are alike. Follow your dentist's post op instructions.