Valley Oral Surgery Surgical Instructions for Livermore and Dublin, CA Patients

Before Surgery: General Instructions

Proper preparation helps reduce complications and improve recovery. For patients undergoing IV sedation or general anesthesia, please follow these essential guidelines:

• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before surgery (including water, coffee, gum, and mints).
• An adult must accompany you to your appointment and remain with you after surgery. You will not be permitted to drive.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves if possible. Avoid wearing contact lenses, lipstick, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
• Continue to take any prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise.
• Inform the office in advance if you have medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial joints, or if you take blood thinners or other medications.

After Surgery: What to Expect & How to Heal

Post-operative instructions will vary slightly based on your procedure. In all cases, plan to rest, avoid strenuous activity, and follow the detailed care steps provided by your surgeon. You may also receive written instructions at the time of your appointment.

Dental Implant Surgery

After implant placement:

• Slight bleeding, swelling, and bruising are normal for the first 24–48 hours.
• Use gauze to control bleeding and apply ice packs on the outside of your face for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.
• Avoid disturbing the implant area. Do not chew on that side or touch the site with your tongue or fingers.
• Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods.
• Maintain oral hygiene with gentle rinsing and brushing (avoid the surgical site).
• Your stitches may dissolve on their own or be removed during a follow-up.
• For more details, see our Dental Implants page.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Following third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction:

• Bleeding may persist slightly — bite firmly on gauze for 30–60 minutes after surgery.
• Apply ice to the outside of the cheeks in 20-minute intervals for the first day.
• Elevate your head when resting to reduce swelling.
• Avoid vigorous rinsing, straws, or smoking — these can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.
• Pain and stiffness may peak at 2–3 days post-op, then begin to subside.
• For detailed recovery tips, visit our Wisdom Teeth Removal page.

Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

If you’ve undergone a procedure to expose and bond an orthodontic bracket to an impacted canine:

• Mild bleeding is normal; use gauze as directed to control it.
• Avoid chewing in the area of the surgical site.
• Rinse gently with warm saltwater starting the day after surgery.
• Soft foods are recommended for 3–5 days.
• Follow up with your orthodontist for care of the attached chain or bracket.
• Learn more about impacted canines and why exposure may be necessary.

Extractions (Single Tooth)

For simple extractions:

• Bite down gently but firmly on the provided gauze to stop bleeding.
• Avoid disturbing the clot — no rinsing, spitting, or straw use for the first 24 hours.
• Apply ice to reduce swelling as needed.
• Eat soft, cool foods for the first day or two.
• Gently brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical site.
• Call us if bleeding persists beyond several hours or if pain worsens after day three.

Multiple Extractions

For multiple teeth removed at once:

• Bleeding and swelling may be more pronounced — follow instructions carefully.
• Sleep with your head elevated and continue icing as needed.
• Dietary restrictions are more important; begin with liquid or soft foods and reintroduce solids gradually.
• You may feel more fatigue than after a single extraction — plan adequate rest.
• Rinsing with saltwater can begin the day after surgery and should be done gently.
• We’ll schedule a follow-up if stitches need to be removed or healing needs to be checked.

Questions or Concerns?

If you experience:

• Persistent bleeding that doesn’t respond to pressure
• Signs of infection (fever, foul taste, pus)
• Severe or worsening pain after 3–4 days
• Swelling that increases after the third day
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Please call our office right away:

• Livermore Office: (925) 447-4447
• Dublin Office: (925) 833-7877