Archives: FAQs

Before and After Day Surgery

As a day surgery patient you will:

  • Come to the hosp ital on the day of your surgery
  • Arrive 3 hours before your scheduled surgery time or as directed by your surgeon’s office
  • Have your surgery done in the Operating Room (OR)
  • Return home after your surgery

Your surgery may be cancelled if you are late.

Delays in the OR may cause a change in your surgery. There is a chance that your surgery could be cancel led if there is an emergency. If this should happen, your surgeon’s office will call you to arrange a new date.

You may need some tests before your surgery. This will depend on your general health or the type of surgery you are having. Same Day Surgery staff will contact you to arrange your Pre Operative testing if needed.

For Your Discharge Home – Patient’s Checklist

  • You must have a responsible adult accompany you home by car and you should make arrangements for someone to be with you at home to care for you for the first 24 hours. If you have small children, make arrangements for someone to help you
  • Prescriptions (have these filled on your way home)
  • Follow up appointments with your surgeon or family doctor will be discussed with you
  • Discharge teaching will be completed by your nurse

Morning of Surgery – Patient’s Checklist

  • Take your medications as instructed by your doctor with a sip of water only
  • Bring ALL your medications in their original containers to the hospital
  • Arrive at the hospital 3 hours before surgery or the time you were asked to arrive
  • Provincial Health Card
  • Private Insurance Card
  • CPAP machine (if you have one)
  • Insurance papers that you may need completed for work
  • All other documents as instructed

Food After Minor Oral Surgery

Only drink cold fluids on the day of surgery, for example: ice cream, Jell-O®, eggnog, milkshakes. Then eat warm soups and very soft foods for the next couple of days.

To Control Swelling After Minor Oral Surgery

Swelling is normal. It may go up until the 3rd day after surgery and then it will start to go down. ‘

  • For the first 24 hours, use ice packs, alternating 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off. Do not use ice packs after the day of surgery
  • The day after surgery, use warm, moist heat on the area. A hot water bottle or warm, moist towel can be used until the swelling and stiffness go away

To Control Bleeding After Minor Oral Surgery

Some oozing and discoloration of saliva is normal. If bleeding continues, hold gauze in place for 30 minutes to 1 hour with constant firm pressure. If the bleeding does not stop, call your doctor.

  • Do not suck or spit
  • Do not use a straw when drinking
  • Do not smoke
  • Do not disturb the wound. This may start an infection, irritation and/or bleeding

Mouth Care After Minor Oral Surgery

Start rinsing your mouth the morning after your surgery. Use a small pinch of salt in a glass of warm water. Rinse several times a day. Be sure to rinse after meals and at bedtime.