Pre-Treatment Instructions

Medication Instructions

The information provided on this page is to serve as a reminder to patients who are undergoing treatment at our office and who have received instructions and/or prescriptions from us. Others should seek guidance from their appropriate health professional.

  • The night before surgery start your antibiotic (see below) by taking one tablet or capsule at bedtime.*
  • The morning of surgery continue your antibiotic by taking one tablet or capsule every six hours until finished.*
  • One hour before surgery take Ibuprofen as prescribed. Note: You may use 800 mg of over-the-counter ibuprofen if you prefer (i.e. Advil® 200 mg tabs).
  • Immediately following surgery take one Vicodin® tablet.
  • Four hours after the first postoperative dose take one Vicodin® tablet.
  • Every four hours thereafter you may continue to take one Vicodin® tablet as needed or you may switch to an over-the-counter analgesic such as Extra Strength Tylenol® until the discomfort is gone.

Types of Medicine you may be given

Antibiotics (i.e. Pen-VK®, Erythromycin®, Keflex®, etc. When prescribed, always finish the entire prescription as directed.

Analgesics (i.e. Vicodin®, Tylenol®) Take as directed as needed for pain. This medication is optional, but we recommend you take the first two doses (as indicated above) in order to prevent the onset of anything greater than mild to moderate discomfort. If you find that the medication is too strong, you may cut the tablet in half, or use an aspirin-free, over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol® instead. Do not use aspirin-containing pain relievers for the first twenty-four hours after surgery, as they may delay clotting time and therefore, contribute to prolonged bleeding.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of your pain medication. If you are having excessive pain, ® this office. If you feel you may be having an adverse reaction to any medication given or prescribed, discontinue it at once and ® this office immediately. Never consume alcohol with prescription or non-prescription medication. Please inform us of any other medication you are currently taking or health conditions for which you are currently being treated.

* Patients who are routinely premedicated for dental procedures due to heart murmurs (MVP), artificial joints or valves, etc. should follow their standard premedication regimen, as discussed.

If You Are Having Intravenous Sedation

  • Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure.
  • You must have a driver who will check in with you at the time of your arrival and remain in the building until you are discharged.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing with loose fitting sleeves. Do not wear pantyhose.
  • You must not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours following your procedure.

Meperidine (i.e. Demerol®) and Diazepam (i.e. Valium®) and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (i.e. Benadryl®) are often used for sedation.

You must notify us of any drug allergies or adverse reactions you have had in the past. Please advise us of any medications you are taking as well as all medical conditions.