Welcome
On your first visit, we will review your medical and dental histories and evaluate your oral health. We will take digital x-rays of your teeth and explain to you whether or not you will require any dental treatment.
EXISTING PATIENTS
Post-op Instructions
Medications/Prescriptions for pain: All antibiotics that are prescribed need to be taken until finished. If you experience stomach problems or diarrhea from the antibiotics, eating active culture yogurt may help decrease the incidence. Pain medication is to be taken as instructed by the bottle. When taking a strong pain medication, working and driving should be avoided. The local anesthesia should wear off between 1 to 4 hours following surgery. It is important to take your pain medications before local anesthesia wears off. Pain medications should not be taken on an empty stomach as nausea and vomiting can occur. Sipping flat 7-UP, ginger ale, cola, or Sprite may help.
For the next few days, and especially the first 24 hours, it is very important to allow your body to form a good clot and start the natural healing process. Swishing, sucking through a straw, and smoking can all dislodge the clot. Keep anything sharp from entering the wound (crunchy food, toothpicks, eating utensils). Be sure to chew on the opposite side for 24 hours.
When you leave the office, you might be biting on a gauze pad to control bleeding. Keep slight pressure on this gauze for at least 30 minutes. Don't change it during this time; it needs to remain undisturbed while a clot forms in the extraction socket. After 30 minutes you may remove it. You may bite on another gauze or a tea bag for another 30 minutes if you feel it is still bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day after the procedure.
Smoking should be stopped following surgery. Healing and success of the surgery will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke chemicals in your body. Also the suction created when inhaling cigarettes can dislodge the clot. Smokers are at greater risk of developing a painful Dry Socket.
Some discomfort is normal after surgery. If prescription pain medication is prescribed, take it as instructed on the label. Don't exceed the dose on the label. Taking with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking pain prescriptions. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
Some discomfort is normal after surgery. If prescription pain medication is prescribed, take it as instructed on the label. Don't exceed the dose on the label. Taking with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking pain prescriptions. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
Applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the first day.
The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area. Sometimes the extraction causes residual numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.
Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After this, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery for 3 days.
Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after extraction. Rinsing can disturb the formation of a healing blood clot which is essential to proper healing. This could cause bleeding and risk of dry socket. After 24 hours you may begin gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon soda + 8 ounces warm water). Avoid commercial mouthrinses.
Eat soft foods for the first two days. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Return to normal regular meals as soon as you are able after the first two days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.
After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and aid healing.
If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them as directed until they are gone. Women: some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birth control methods for two months.
If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose or playing a wind musical instrument for one week. Use of decongestant medications might be recommended.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS
You may need to return to the office to have sutures removed, or just for a brief follow-up healing check.
Please call your dentist if you have:
- uncontrollable pain
- excessive or severe bleeding
- marked fever
- excessive warm swelling occurring a few days after the procedure
- reactions to medications, especially rash, itching, or breathing problems
Following these instructions very closely will greatly help your comfort, and promote uneventful healing of the area. If any of the instructions are not followed, you might have significantly more discomfort, and the success of the procedure may be affected.
Emergency Contact Phone Number: 703-719-9305
We are delighted to welcome you to our practice and are pleased that you chose us to serve your dental needs.
FAQ's
How can I make an appointment?
To make an appointment, simply call us at (703) 719-9305 or click here to Request an Appointment online.
Do you accept Insurance?
For your convenience we accept all PPO dental insurance plans and we are in network with most of them as well.
Do you accept new patients?
What if I have no insurance?
Our prices are affordable and we will work with your budget. Also, we have different payment options to help you achieve your needs.
Where is the clinic located?
Our office is located at 6420 Grovedale Drive, Suite 100-A, Alexandria, VA 22310 with ample parking available in our lot.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept all types of credit cards as well as cash and personal checks. We also offer low-interest financing through CareCredit.
