FAQ

Q: Will it hurt?
A: We assure you that we will do everything possible to make you completely comfortable during your treatment. Our office is skilled at delivering non-invasive ‘numbing gels’ as well as giving painless injections. Additionally, you may receive proper pain relieving prescriptions after undergoing teeth surgery procedures.

Q: Can I go to sleep or be put into a twilight state?
A: Yes. Gordon Barnes, M.D., D.D.S. is our in-house anesthesiologist. Dr. Barnes can scheduled to be present for any procedure. Let me know if you would like to speak directly to Dr. Barnes.

Q: Will the procedure be covered by my insurance?
A: Our highly trained team will research your insurance coverage and will often be able to give you an answer while you are still in the office. We submit claims to your dental insurance provider electronically.

Q: How long will the visit be?
A: The first visit usually lasts for an hour. All of your subsequent visits will be mapped out for you at the time of treatment plan presentation.

Q: Can I have dental implants even if I’ve been told “I am not a good candidate” or “I ‘don’t have enough bone”?
A: Yes, often you can. We can painlessly manipulate your existing bone or even add a bit of ‘artificial’ bone to help secure your dental implants. Today’s implants have fantastic new surfaces that allow me to place shorter or narrower implants than ever before. Implants are a highly successful and painless form of tooth replacement.

Q: What do I do if the pink bandage material (periodontal dressing) falls off?
A: Don’t worry. Call the office and let us know.

Q: How long can I leave my sutures in place?
A: I usually recommend suture removal at ten days, but other arrangements can be made. Some non-resorbable sutures are kept in place for up to two months.

Q: Why do my teeth appear stained a few days after the surgery?
A: The rinse that I have you using (Chlorhexidine gluconate) will stain all bacteria that you do not brush away. You are not going to brush the surgical site, but all other areas are to be brushed. If you brush and floss well, the rinse will not stain your teeth. Do not worry. We can easily and quickly polish your teeth and remove that temporary stain.

Q: Will I be able to go back to work after a surgical procedure?
A: Yes, but often I will want you to ice the cheek overlying the surgical site (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) for three hours or more.  If your job allows for that, by all means return to work.  If not, take it easy for the rest of the day.

Q: Will it swell?
A: Icing the area helps minimize swelling, but I have found that “the worst day” is often the third day after the surgery. Bruising is also very common on the third day after surgery.

Q: Can I brush my teeth after surgery?
A: Brush and floss everywhere except the surgical site. You will not brush the surgical site for at least five days after the sutures are removed.

Q: What should I do if the sutures (stitches) come loose and are hanging down?
A: Call the office and schedule an early removal of the offending suture.

Q: What can I eat after a surgical procedure?
A: I recommend a soft diet. Hard, spicy, sharp and hot foods can impact on the surgical site. Shearing force is to be avoided. Some examples of recommended foods are: eggs, ice cream, tuna salad, lobster salad, pasta, soft fish, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetable. Maintaining your nutrition is important to help insure proper healing.

Q: Can I exercise right after surgery?
A: No. Exercise will cause your blood pressure to rise and will cause the recently repaired and sutured surgical site to bleed. Wait 36 hours before resuming your exercise regimen. And if you feel that the surgical site is ‘pounding’ or if it starts to bleed, please STOP EXERCISING.

Q: What should I do if the surgical site starts to bleed?
A: Wet a regular (non-decaffeinated) tea bag. Squeeze out the excess water. Apply pressure to the bleeding site with the tea bag. The pressure and the tannic acid will help stop