12104 Sheraton Hills Dr Fredericksburg VA 22407
Monday - Wednesday 9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday 8 AM to 5 PM
Friday 8 AM to 2 PM
Saturday - Sunday Off
+1(540)548-2605
Our mission is to help patients live healthier lives. We provide a caring, nurturing environment where your comfort and health is of primary importance.
These instructions apply to the postoperative phase of your procedure, if applicable. They are designed to help you speed the healing response, minimize post-surgical complications,s and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.
Fredericksburg Dentist & Implant Center provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. We understand that even the slightest enhancement to your smile can boost your self-confidence and elevate your personal presence. When you feel good about your smile, it radiates in every aspect of your appearance.
It is common to experience some degree of discomfort following your surgical procedure. You may have received a prescription to help manage this discomfort. We encourage you to take your medication as directed in order to "stay ahead" of any arising discomfort. As a general rule, please avoid taking pain medication on an empty stomach to minimize the risk of nausea.
Alternatively, many patients have found that combining over-the-counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol is effective. If you have not already done so, please discuss this option with Dr. Hagar.
Important: If you are prescribed an opioid medication that contains Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – such as Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicodin, or Tylenol with Codeine – do not take additional Tylenol to avoid exceeding the safe limit. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office or consult your pharmacist.
Please inform our office of any allergies or sensitivities you may have to antibiotics. Following your surgical procedure, an antibiotic might be prescribed; please take it exactly as directed until the prescription is finished. To help prevent nausea, it is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach. Additionally, women using birth control pills should be aware that antibiotics can potentially reduce their effectiveness.
Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically last 2-4 days after the procedure. To minimize the incidence or degree of swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue using ice for 2-3 days following the procedure as often as possible.
A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:
• Do not rinse your mouth.
• Elevate your head when lying down.
• Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes; repeat if necessary.
• Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
• Call the office if bleeding persists.
The dressing (which acts as a bandage) may be used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction.
To promote effective healing, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids until Dr. Hagar sees you for the initial post-operative check-up.
A soft diet is recommended – nothing that cannot be squeezed between your fingers. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fruits are more easily eaten. Remember, adequate nutrition and hydration is essential for feeling better, as well as for healing.
Successful pre-operative smoking cessation is ideal, but at a minimum, do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. Smoking significantly slows healing and can compromise results.
Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription opioid pain medications.
Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, you may use a warm NaCl rinse or 50:50 H2O/H2O2 rinse. Dr Hagar may also prescribe an oral rinse with appropriate directions.
Do not brush the surgical site(s). You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day.
If you are a patient for whom Antibiotic Pre-Medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.
Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at 540-548-2605.
Monday – Wednesday: From 9 AM to 5 PM
Thursday: From 8 AM to 5 PM
Friday: From 8 AM to 2 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed