Surgical Instructions

It is important to us that our patients are informed during every step of their treatment so that they are well prepared and have the chance to ask questions. The following information is a starting point for researching your procedure and should assist in developing a list of questions to ask during your consultation.

Before Anesthesia

There are a few steps that patients need to take prior to anesthesia. First, you should not eat or drink anything at least 8 hours prior to surgery and refrain from smoking 12 hours prior to surgery. You will need someone to accompany you to the surgery and drive you home after. On the day of surgery, do not wear any jewelry, contact lenses, or dentures. If you regularly take medications, discuss those with the doctor to ensure that they are approved prior to surgery. Other than these simple considerations, there is nothing else you need to do to prepare for surgery.

After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires some post-operative care to reduce the chance of infection or other complications. Immediately after surgery, a gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site, which should not be removed for at least 45 minutes, and then discarded after that. Refrain from drinking from a straw or rinsing the mouth to ensure that you do not dislodge the blood clot that has formed. Limit your activities that day. You can resume your regular activities the following day. Take the pain medication as prescribed to reduce the amount of discomfort you feel after the local anesthetic wears off. As with any oral surgery, refrain from drinking through a straw as doing so creates suction and may disrupt the sutures.

After Impacted Tooth

A tooth becomes impacted when there is not enough room to accommodate the space in the dental arch and growth becomes impossible. After surgery to remove an impacted tooth, mild discomfort and some swelling is expected. This is part of the process and should not alarm you. You may use cold compresses to alleviate the swelling. In addition, your doctor will prescribe pain medication, which should be taken as directed. Patients are also advised to favor the extraction area and modify their diet for a few days to allow for healing.

Multiple Tooth Extractions

The removal of one or two teeth is a simple procedure. Extracting multiple teeth requires that the jawbone be shaped and removed to prepare for a denture. You may experience the following after a multiple tooth extraction procedure. Within two days, you will experience the maximum swelling both inside the mouth and possibly around the eye as well. The area around your eye may also become discolored, which may be alleviated by a warm compress. The muscles near the extraction site may become sore after surgery, causing a sore throat. This is normal as well as the corners of your mouth becoming dry and cracked from being stretched open during surgery. In most cases, you will have a follow up appointment with your dentist within 48 hours after surgery to discuss any post surgery symptoms that you are experiencing.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Primary Location

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

    Elk Dental Center provides a great experience in dental care. Extremely caring staff and doctors. Most refreshingly, they don’t over-diagnose treatments like other dentists - several times they’ve told me “You have a very early stage cavity that could need a filling in the future, but for now let’s watch it until your next exam.” Well worth the drive to get there from Plymouth!

    - David K.

    Always friendly! They make sure you are comfortable too - if you’re afraid of going to the dentist, go to Elk Dental Center, they’re a great team. Receptionists are always helpful and courteous. The dentist does a thorough job and which ever one you see, all are very knowledgeable and have time for any questions. I’ve been a patient there for quite a few years - it can’t be too bad...I go every 6 months!

    - Amanda O.

    I've been going to Elk Dental Center for 35 years. I had to go somewhere else for awhile because of insurance and couldn't wait to get back. All staff is professional, friendly, and truly caring. The dental work itself is high quality. They never "over prescribe" any work, and the cash discount is greatly appreciated. They also made extra effort to get me in on short notice when I've had problems.

    - JoAnn G.

    Always so polite and pleasant to there customers. Very satisfied, I have been going to dentist off and on for thirty-five years. Moved out of state, then when moved back went back to Elk Dental Center. We drive two hours both way to get dental services at Elk Dental Center.

    - Rita S.