Pre-operative Instructions
At Morgan & Lemke Periodontics & Dental Implants, we want you to feel comfortable and confident as you begin your journey toward a healthier smile. The following instructions will help you prepare for your upcoming surgical procedure. Please read them carefully and don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.
Medications and Medical History
You may need to stop taking certain medications prior to your surgery. These include:
- Aspirin and non-steroidal medications such as over-the-counter ibuprofen (Motrin®).
- Blood thinners including warfarin (Coumadin®), clopidogrel (Plavix®). Consult with your prescribing physician at least seven to 10 days prior to your appointment. Discontinue using these medications as directed.
If you are already taking an antibiotic prior to your surgery, continue to take it as directed
Please be sure to notify our staff of any of the following:
- If you have taken any medications on the day of your procedure.
- If you are on steroid therapy
- If you take bisphosphonates (Risedronate [Actonel®], Alendronate [Fosamax®], Ibandronate [Boniva®] for osteoporosis
- If you are diabetic
- If you have an artificial knee or hip replacement
- If you have heart disease, an artificial heart valve or a history of endocarditis
Dress
We encourage you to wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Our office may be cool, so dress warmly or bring an extra sweater. You should also remove your contact lenses on the day of your surgery and plan on wearing glasses, if possible.
Personal devices
Feel free to bring your iPod, MP3 player or other personal music device and headphones if you’d like.
Anesthesia
To help make your procedure as pain-free as possible and minimize any discomfort, we will administer a local anesthetic such as a numbing agent, or you may elect to receive an oral sedative or intravenous (IV) sedation. Please note the following:
- If you elect to receive an oral sedative, you must plan to have a ride to and from your appointment. We encourage you to eat a light meal prior to your surgery.
- If you will be receiving IV sedation, plan on having a ride to and from your appointment and someone to remain at home with you following your surgery. Refrain from eating or drinking for eight hours prior to your surgery. Take any prescribed medications with very little water and as early in the day as possible, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
- If your procedure will be performed under local anesthesia only without sedation, you will be able to drive yourself to and from the office. You do not have any food restrictions and we encourage you to eat a light meal prior to your visit.
Alcohol
Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before your procedure.
Post-operative Preparation
You can prepare for much of your post-op recovery in advance, such as filling any prescriptions you may need, preparing ice packs and having soft, nutritious food available at home. Please review our complete list of post-operative instructions.
Rescheduling
If you find you need to reschedule your appointment, please contact our office two days in advance of your procedure.
Contact Us
If you have any last-minute questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office!