NORTHERN COLORADO PERIODONTICS
Pre & Post-Operative Instructions
PRE & POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
For a Healthy, Stress-Free Recovery
Post-Op Instructions
Dr. Shumaker
Just had a procedure at Northern Colorado Periodontics? Dr. Shumaker has you covered! In this video, he walks you through everything you need to know for a smooth, stress-free recovery — from managing swelling and brushing tips to what foods to avoid and when to call us. Grab your instruction sheet and follow along for expert guidance straight from your doctor!
Post-Op Instructions
Dr. Allen
You did it—your procedure is done! Now let Dr. Allen guide you through the do’s and don’ts of recovery so you can heal like a pro. From managing swelling and sensitivity to what you should (and definitely shouldn’t) eat, this is your go-to guide for a smooth, pain-free recovery. Hit play and feel confident every step of the way—your smile is in good hands!
Post-Op Instructions
Dr. Allen
You did it—your procedure is done! Now let Dr. Allen guide you through the do’s and don’ts of recovery so you can heal like a pro. From managing swelling and sensitivity to what you should (and definitely shouldn’t) eat, this is your go-to guide for a smooth, pain-free recovery. Hit play and feel confident every step of the way—your smile is in good hands!
Post-Op Instructions
Dr. Sands
Wondering what to expect after your procedure with Dr. Sands at Northern Colorado Periodontics? We’ve got you! In this video, Dr. Sands walks you through your post-op instructions step-by-step — from pain management and proper rinsing to brushing do’s and don’ts and tips for a quicker recovery. Follow along with your instruction sheet and feel confident in your healing process!
PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR
Moderate IV Sedation/MAC IV Deep Sedation/IV General Anesthesia
- Take nothing by my mouth 8 hours before your appointment unless otherwise instructed.
- If you use GLP-1/GIP medications (Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, Rybelsus, etc) you MUST HOLD for 1 full week prior to anesthesia. In certain situations, a longer hold before your procedure is needed, if that is the case make sure you have specific directions.
- Take all prescription medications you normally take the night prior to the procedure unless directed otherwise by Dr. Shumaker/Dr. Allen/Dr. Sands or the anesthesia provider.
- If you are DIABETIC please make sure you have specific directions from Dr. Shumaker/Dr. Allen/Dr. Sands or the anesthesia provider.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to the appointment and take you home after the appointment. This individual will need to stay with you for the remainder of the day after your procedure.
- Wear comfortable loose-fitting and sleeveless or short sleeved clothing.
- Leave contact lenses OUT if you wear them.
- Please NO MAKE-UP on the day of surgery.
- If you have artificial nails/gel nails REMOVE them from your index finger and middle finger on BOTH sides.
- Please bring dentures, partial dentures, flippers, retainers or bite guards with you to your appointment if you wear/use any of these appliances.
- Be aware for longer procedures under MAC/Deep sedation or General Anesthesia we may request that you put on Depends underwear, which will be provided for you upon check-in on the day of your procedure.
- Prepare several cold packs at home by putting damp wash cloths in small plastic bags and freezing them or have small bags of frozen peas available to use as cold packs.
- After your procedure you MAY NOT DRIVE any vehicle, operate any other machine, make important decisions, or sign legal documents for the remainder of the day until you are fully recovered from the effects of the anesthesia or drugs given to you.
- Inform Dr. Shumaker / Dr. Allen / Dr. Sands if you have not already, of ANY MEDICATIONS or DRUGS that have been taken including alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, recreational drugs, aspirin, herbal supplements, birth control pills or any other prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
- Do not take any sedatives of any kind for at least 24 hours before or after your appointment unless prescribed or cleared by Dr. Shumaker/Dr. Allen/Dr. Sands.
- Do not drink alcohol or smoke (of any kind) for at least 24 hours before and after your procedure.
- Be aware that 30 minutes after the first meal following treatment, you may again notice some sedative effects such as sleepiness, tiredness or dizziness. Understand that this is entirely normal.
- After surgery you will be on a soft diet, such as pudding, mashed potatoes, shakes popsicles, ground meats, cheese, and yogurt. Please shop accordingly before your procedure.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may call our office at Fort Collins (970-207-4061) or Greeley (970-351-6166) or Cheyenne (307-423-0325)
PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR
Oral (Pill) Sedation
- Take sedation pill medication as prescribed prior to your procedure.
- Take any prescription medications as you normally take them on the day of your procedure.
- Eat a light breakfast on the day of your procedure.
- NO CAFFIENE (or any other stimulant) on the day of your procedure, this will counteract the effect of the sedative pill.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to the appointment and take you home after the appointment. This individual will need to stay with you for the remainder of the day after your procedure.
- Wear comfortable loose-fitting and sleeveless or short sleeved clothing.
- Leave out contact lenses if you wear them.
- Please NO MAKE-UP on the day of surgery.
- REMOVE nail, gel nails, or fake nails from your index finger and middle finger on BOTH sides.
- Please bring dentures, partial dentures, flippers, retainers or bite guards with you to your appointment if you wear/use any of these appliances.
- Prepare several cold packs at home by putting damp wash cloths in small plastic bags and freezing them or have small bags of frozen peas available.
- After your procedure you MAY NOT DRIVE any vehicle, operate any other machine, make important decisions, or sign legal documents for the remainder of the day until you are fully recovered from the effects of the anesthesia or drugs given to you.
- Inform Dr. Shumaker / Dr. Allen/Dr. Sands, if you have not already, of ANY MEDICATIONS or DRUGS that have been taken including alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, recreational drugs, aspirin, herbal supplements, birth control pills or any other prescribed or over -the- counter drugs.
- Do not take any sedatives of any kind for at least 24 hours after your appointment unless prescribed or cleared by Dr. Shumaker / Dr. Allen / Dr. Sands.
- Do not drink alcohol or any drinks that contain alcohol for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
- Be aware that 30 minutes after the first meal following treatment, you may again notice some sedative effects such as sleepiness, tiredness or dizziness. Understand that this is entirely normal.
- After surgery you will be on a soft diet for at least a week, i.e., pudding, mashed potatoes, shakes popsicles, ground meats, cheese, and yogurt. Please shop accordingly before your procedure.
- If you have any concerns, you may call our office at Fort Collins (970-207-4061) or Greeley (970-351-6166) or Cheyenne (307-423-0325)
PRE-OPERATIVE SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS FOR
Procedures Without Sedation
- Eat breakfast or lunch on the day of surgery (unless directed otherwise due to sedation).
- Take all prescription medications you normally take the night prior to the procedure unless directed otherwise by Dr. Shumaker/Dr. Allen/Dr. Sands.
- Wear comfortable loose-fitting and sleeveless or short sleeved clothing.
- Leave out contact lenses if you wear them.
- Please NO MAKE-UP on the day of surgery.
- Please bring dentures, partial dentures, flippers, retainers or bite guards with you to your appointment if you wear/use any of these appliances.
- Prepare several cold packs at home by putting damp wash cloths in small plastic bags and freezing them or have small bags of frozen peas available.
- Inform Dr. Shumaker / Dr. Allen / Dr. Sands, if you have not already, of ANY MEDICATIONS or DRUGS that have been taken including alcohol, caffeine, cigarettes, recreational drugs, aspirin, herbal supplements, birth control pills or any other prescribed or over -the- counter drugs.
- Do not drink alcohol or any drinks that contain alcohol for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
- After surgery you will be on a soft diet for at least a week, i.e., pudding, mashed potatoes, shakes popsicles, ground meats, cheese, and yogurt. Please shop accordingly before your procedure.
If you have further questions regarding your surgery, please feel free to call our office:
Fort Collins 970- 207-4061 or Greeley 970-351-6166 or Cheyenne 307-423-0325.
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Recover Faster with Proper Aftercare
Day of Surgery
- Ice packs should be applied to your face over areas operated on, 10 on, 10 minutes off, to prevent pain and swelling. Good ice packs include small bags of frozen vegetables (such as frozen peas), or wet washcloths frozen in plastic bags.
- Melt ice chips in your mouth.
- Take your prescriptions.
Prescriptions
- Antibiotic, take the entire prescription as directed.
- Medication for the pain is to be taken when required for comfort. Do not drive, operate household or heavy machinery, or sign legal documents when taking a narcotic.
- A medicated mouth rinse is to be used as directed.
- If you react to any medications prescribed, discontinue use and contact, Dr. Shumaker, Dr. Allen, or Dr. Sands immediately.
After Packing Falls Off
- Saltwater rinse (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water), 2 x a day.
Brushing
- Brush and floss as you normally do, avoiding surgical sites and areas with packing material.
Packing
- Pink material protects wounds (may discolor).
- Packing needs to stay on for 2-3 days. It will fall off on its own. It is ok if it stays on longer.
- Never remove the packing yourself, (unless visibly loose).
- If packing falls off before 2-3 days, call us to have it replaced.
Bleeding
- The surgery site may ooze for several hours after the procedure.
- If bleeding is excessive soak a black tea bag (Lipton) with cold water and apply pressure to the area for 45-60 minutes.
- If bleeding persists, contact Dr. Shumaker, Dr. Sands, or Dr. Allen
Sinus Precautions (If you had sinus procedures)
- No nose blowing for two weeks
- DO NOT hold a sneeze in (open your mouth when you sneeze)
- Take all medications as prescribed by Dr. Shumaker, Dr. Allen, or Dr. Sands.