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Patient Information
What to bring, what the day looks like, and what to do afterwards.
Your first visit
The consultation comes first
Your first appointment is an examination and a conversation, not surgery. We look at the area, take any imaging that is needed, and explain what we have found and what the options are.
Bring these with you and the visit will move faster:
- Your referral slip and any x-rays your dentist sent
- Your dental and medical insurance cards
- A list of every medication you take, including supplements and blood thinners
- Photo ID
- For a patient under 18, a parent or legal guardian
Recovery
The first 48 hours
General guidance only — the written instructions we hand you after your procedure are the ones to follow.
Bleeding
Bite firmly on the gauze pad for a solid half hour without checking it. Some oozing through the first day is normal.
Swelling
Cold packs on and off for the first 24 hours, and sleep with your head elevated. Swelling usually peaks on the second or third day.
Eating
Soft, cool foods to begin with. Drink plenty of fluids — but no straws, because the suction can dislodge the clot.
Cleaning
No vigorous rinsing or spitting on day one. After that, gentle warm salt-water rinses, and keep brushing the rest of your teeth.
Smoking
Avoid it entirely while the site heals. It is the single most common cause of a painful dry socket.
Call us if…
Pain, swelling or bleeding is getting worse rather than better, or you develop a fever. Call 760-952-1900.
Common questions
Frequently Asked
Most of our patients are referred by their general dentist, but you are welcome to call and book a consultation yourself. If you do have a referral and x-rays, bring them — it saves repeating imaging.
A consultation with imaging is usually under an hour. Surgical appointments vary with the procedure; we will tell you what to plan for when we schedule it, including whether you should arrange a ride home.
For implants, bone grafts and impacted teeth, almost always. The scanner is here in the office, so it happens during your visit rather than as a separate trip. See our CT scans page.
Bring a complete list to your consultation, including blood thinners, supplements and anything taken for diabetes or bone density. We will tell you specifically what to continue and what to pause — do not stop any prescription on your own.
Yes. For surgical appointments we encourage it, and for some procedures a driver is required. A patient under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Call the office at 760-952-1900 during business hours (Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm). Your discharge instructions list what counts as normal healing and what warrants a call.
Still have a question?
We would rather answer it on the phone now than have you wondering about it.
760-952-1900Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm