For Patients

Whether you are coming in for an oral biopsy, dental implants, teeth extraction or reconstructive surgery, we recognize that these medical needs can be frightening. It is our goal to equip you with the information, instruction, care and follow-up that makes your treatment a lifelong success for your smile, health and well-being.

You can expect superior medical attention and surgical skill from the Faces of the Mission Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Our patients are closely monitored before and after surgery, and have 24/7 access to an oral surgeon in case of emergency.

Registry

Please fill out the form before your visit.

Care Credit

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ONLINE PAYMENT

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Your Visit

Be ready for your first visit.

PRE-SURGICAL INST

Before intravenous anesthesia sedation.

Post-operaty INST

Care instructions after your surgery.

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Registry

You may preregister with our office by filling out our secure online Patient Registration Form. After you have completed the form, press the Submit button at the bottom of the page to automatically send us your information.

On your first visit to our office, we will have your completed form available for your signature. You may also fill out the patient registration form at your initial visit. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment if you choose to fill out the form once you arrive.

Care Credit

The care you need, when you need it. Use the CareCredit credit card to pay for your health, wellness and personal care needs.

Your Visit

At your first visit Please bring your insurance card, a list of any medications you are taking, and any x-rays or information that your referring dentist or physician may have provided to you.

You may preregister with our office by filling out our secure online Patient Registration Form. On your first visit to our office, we will have your completed form available for your signature. You may also fill out the patient registration form at your initial visit. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment if you choose to fill out the form once you arrive.

While most procedures are handled at the Center, Dr. Luque also has staff privileges at California Pacific Medical Center. This allows Dr. Luque to perform many types of surgical procedures in a hospital setting as an added benefit to our patients. By partnering with hundreds of Bay area dentists and multiple health plans, Faces of the Mission Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery makes it easy for you to get the care you need.

Pre-surgical instructions

BEFORE INTRAVENOUS ANESTHESIA SEDATION

  1. You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) six (6) hours prior to the appointment.
  2. A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office and drive the patient home.
  3. If prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse, please begin use 3 days before procedure, swishing for one minute both morning and night.
  4. No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery.
  5. No operating of machinery or vehicle for 24 hours following the anesthesia.
  6. Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low heeled shoes.
  7. Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
  8. Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
  9. If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.

10. If you are currently taking ANY medication, please inform the doctor of the medication you are taking BEFORE your scheduled surgery date.

*Patients taking bisphosphonates will only be treated for urgent or emergency problems and may be referred to an outside facility.

*I.E. Fosamax, Boniva, Didronel, Aredia, Actonel, Zometa, Skelid,Bonefos.

  1. If you are unable to make your appointment, please call the office 72 business hours in advance. There will be a $100.00 fee for any cancelled appointment without 3 business days notice.

Post-operative Instructions

IF YOU HAD SURGERY TODAY PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION

The gauze on the surgical area should be kept in place for 30 minutes after the procedure. After this time, the gauze pad can be discarded. Licking or touching of the wound area following surgery should be avoided. This may initiate bleeding by causing the blood clot that has formed to become dislodged.

Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This will coincide with the local anesthetic wearing off. Restrict your activities for the rest of the day after surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable. Place ice packs to the sides of your face where the surgery was performed. Refer to the section on swelling for an explanation.

1.Bleeding A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by first rinsing or wiping away old clots from your mouth, then placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps form a blood clot by contracting bleeding vessels. To minimize further bleeding do not become exhausted, sit upright, and avoid exercise. If bleeding does not subside, call for further assistance.

2.Swelling The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until two or three days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Ice packs should be applied to side of the face where surgery was performed. The packs should be left on continuously while you are awake. After 24 hours, ice has no substantial beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is not cause for alarm. This is the normal reaction to surgery. Twenty four hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the side of the face is beneficial in reducing the size of swelling.

3. Pain For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every three to four hours. Alternatively, Ibuprofen (Motrin, or Advil) two to three 200 mg tablets may be taken every six to eight hours. For severe pain, take the tablets prescribed as directed. The prescribed pain medication will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain and discomfort from surgery should subside more each day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office. WARNING: Several medications regularly prescribed by our office such as Norco , and Tylenol #3 contain Tylenol or Acetaminophen. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by Dr. Luque. In addition, do not mix these prescription medications with any other over the counter medication that contains Tylenol or Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen in excessive amounts can have serious effects on your health.

4. Diet Drink liquids after general anesthesia or IV sedation. Do not use straws when drinking from a glass. You may eat anything soft by chewing away from the surgical site. High calorie, high protein intake is very important. Try to maintain a normal diet. You should prevent dehydration by drinking fluids regularly. Your food intake will be limited for the first few days. You should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. At least five to six glasses of liquid should be taken daily. Try not to miss a single meal. You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort, and heal faster if you continue to eat.

BREAKFAST IDEAS Milk , Fruit Juices, Cream of Wheat, Grits, Ensure/Boost Drinks Carnation, Instant Breakfast Drink Oatmeal, Scrambled Eggs/Omelet.

PASTA Any Type

CHEESE Pimento Cheese, Soft Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Cheese Spread

MEAL IDEAS Any Vegetables (except corn), well cooked, baked, scalloped, pureed, scuffled, casseroles

SOUPS Any type

SNACK IDEAS Macaroni and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Applesauce Canned Fruits Jell-O, Soft Fruit, Yogurt, Pudding, Ice Cream/Milk Shakes

MEATS AND FISH Deviled Ham Tuna, Salads (Ham, Egg, Tuna, Chicken), Any Flaky Fish

CAUTION: If you suddenly sit up from a lying position, you may become dizzy. If you are lying down following surgery, make sure you sit for one minute before standing.

5. Keep the mouth clean   No rinsing of any kind should be done until the day following surgery, unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Luque. You can gently brush your teeth the night of surgery.

6. Discoloration In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may happen two or three days following surgery. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.

7. Antibiotics If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Antibiotics will be given to help prevent infection. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions.

8. Nausea and vomiting Post-operative nausea and vomiting are related to a combination of factors including having an empty stomach, swallowing blood during the procedure, and medication side effects. Right after surgery try to take milk derived liquids (yogurt, milk shake, etc) to counteract the acidity in your stomach. Once you can tolerate the liquid by mouth proceed taking the prescribed medications. Do not take pain medications on an empty stomach as this will increase the risk of developing nausea and vomiting.

9. Syringe Use: 3 days after surgery use Peridex rinse to clean up bottom sockets with syringe after every meal make sure tip of syringe is inside the socket. (For wisdom teeth extractions only)

10. Dental guard: If you were advice to use a dental guard please use it as instructed. It is important to protect the implant from the force of your bite during the day and night. Use it all the time for the next 8 weeks. Just remove it for eating and to wash it. Clean it using cold water and your toothbrush.

Other Complications:  

-If numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs there is no cause for alarm. As stated before surgery, this is usually temporary in nature. Be aware that if you are experiencing this numbness you are at greater risk for biting down and not feeling the sensation.

-A slight elevation of temperature immediately following the surgery is not uncommon. If the temperature persists, notify the office. Tylenol or Ibuprofen can reduce fever.

-Occasionally patients feel hard projections in the mouth with their tongue. They are not roots; they are bony walls which supported the tooth. These projections usually smooth out over time. If not, they can be removed by Dr. Luque.

-If the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may become dry or crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as Vaseline.

-Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. This should subside in 2-3 days.

-Stiffness (trismus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days following surgery. This is a normal post-operative event that resolves with time.

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