Preparing for your Oral Surgery Procedures

At Provincial Oral Surgery, our goal is to make your surgical experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Good preparation helps you feel more comfortable and supports a safe recovery. Below is a helpful guide to help you get ready for your appointment — including what to have at home before surgery.

Before Your Surgery

  • Follow all pre-operative instructions provided by our team, including fasting guidelines, medication adjustments, and any pre-surgical rinses or antibiotics if required.
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after sedation or general anesthesia and remain with you for the first several hours.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and avoid makeup, heavy lotions, jewelry, perfume/cologne, or nail polish.
  • Have your updated medical history and insurance information ready upon arrival. If you were sent a digital medical history form upon booking, please have it completed before your appointment.
  • Get a good night’s rest before your procedure and avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

What to Have at Home Before Surgery

Many patients find it helpful to prepare a small “recovery kit” ahead of time so everything is ready when they return home. Consider gathering the following:

1. Soft Foods & Clear Liquids

Clear liquids are recommended for the first 24 hours, followed by soft foods for at least several days to one week. Helpful items to have on hand include:

  • Clear liquids: water, broth, apple juice, Jell-O, electrolyte drinks
  • Soft foods: soups, yogurt, pudding, smoothies (no straws), mashed potatoes, pasta, scrambled eggs, well-cooked vegetables, cottage cheese, oatmeal, ice cream or sorbet

Avoid hard, crunchy, small or chewy foods (e.g., pizza, nuts, burgers, raw vegetables, seeds, rice, grains, popcorn, steak, granola bars) for at least 10 days unless otherwise instructed.

2. Comfort & Care Supplies

  • Salt for warm salt-water rinses (starting 24 hours after your surgery, unless otherwise directed)
  • Extra gauze (we provide some at your visit, but extras can be helpful)
  • Lip balm
  • Soft or ultra-soft toothbrush (especially important for implant/bone graft patients)
  • Small towel or cloth for resting and icing
  • Cold packs or ice packs — all patients leave with cold packs from our office, but having extras at home is beneficial
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers, if recommended by your surgeon (Ibuprofen + Acetaminophen combinations)
  • Anti-nausea medication (e.g., Gravol) if you are prone to nausea

3. Medication Preparation (Only if instructed by your surgeon)

Have the following ready at home:

  • Ibuprofen 400–600 mg
  • Acetaminophen 325–500 mg
  • Any prescribed antibiotics: follow instructions given
  • Prescription pain medication (if provided, you will be informed prior to your appointment, or will be faxed to your pharmacy when you are at our office)
  • Anti-nausea medication such as Gravol or Benadryl

4. Home Setup

  • Prepare a comfortable resting space with extra pillows to keep your head elevated.
  • Ensure you have easy access to water, tissues, medications, and your phone.
  • We provide a reusable ice pack; however, you may prepare to keep additional in your home freezer or purchase ice pack head wraps.
  • Plan for a calm, low-activity day at home following your procedure.
  • If undergoing IV sedation, ensure your escort can stay in the clinic and accompany you home for 24 hours after.

After Your Procedure

All patients leave with:

  • Detailed written post-operative instructions
  • Cold packs for the treated areas
  • Extra gauze for bleeding control
  • Any necessary prescriptions (can be faxed to your pharmacy)
  • Clear instructions for bleeding and pain control, swelling management, diet, and activity
  • Direct contact information for our team if questions or concerns arise