Our staff will make every effort to help you feel comfortable throughout your experience with us.
Please watch the video for answers to frequently asked questions, and see below for details about what to expect at Argyle Associates.
To begin, you will meet with one of our Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. During this visit, you can expect to:
- Learn more about your diagnosis
- Learn about your treatment options
- Have your questions answered
- Have x-rays taken if required (a fee will apply)
Medical History & Medications
Please inform your surgeon of any medical conditions you have. Be sure to include this information on your registration form. Examples of medical conditions that we should be aware of include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Artificial heart valves
- Artificial joints
- Rheumatic fever
Please inform your surgeon of any medication you are currently taking. Be sure to include information on your registration form. This includes:
- Heart medications
- Aspirin
- Anticoagulant therapy
- Birth control
Same-Day Consultation & Surgery
Some surgeries can be performed on the same day as the first visit.
Some patients have complex medical histories or complex treatment plans. For these patients, we will schedule a second appointment for surgery.
Any patient undergoing IV anaesthesia or general anaesthesia must have a pre-operative consultation and physical examination.
REMINDER: bring these to your fist visit:
- Your surgical referral slip (from your dentist or doctor)
- Any x-rays your doctor may have provided to you
- A list of medications you are presently taking
- Any necessary insurance forms, if you have medical or dental insurance
Minors
All patients under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Escorts
If you are receiving general anaesthesia, you must be accompanied by an escort. After your surgery, your escort must remain with you for a minimum of 6-8 hours until the sedation wears off. You must not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for 24 hours after general anaesthesia.
With several Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and four Ottawa locations, we are usually able to schedule procedures quickly and conveniently for patients.
Most surgeries will be scheduled between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Some of our surgeons also keep evening hours.
Delays
We will do everything possible to minimize your waiting time. Circumstances can sometimes cause unexpected delays. Our staff will do their best to communicate with you if this occurs. Longer-than-expected waiting times may be caused by:
- The surgeon may be called away for an emergency case
- The surgeon may be called away to a hospital emergency
- A complex procedure may require longer than anticipated
We value our patients and their time. We ask for your understanding about the nature of our surgeons’ obligations in the community.
You will need to make several preparations for your surgery. Please take care of these a few days prior to your scheduled surgery.
Getting Ready for Surgery
- If you are having general anaesthesia, arrange for someone to take you home by car
- Keep an ice pack in your freezer
- Stock up on soft foods (mashed potatoes, pasta, yogurt, ice cream, soft-cooked vegetables, soups, shakes, and smoothies)
- Arrange for some time off work to recover
- Obtain any pre- and post-operation medications that are prescribed to you
Getting Ready for IV Sedation or General Anaesthesia
If you will be asleep for surgery, please remember:
- Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before surgery
- Take any pre-medication that is prescribed
- If you need water to take the medication, use only a tablespoon of water
- If you normally take heart medications or blood pressure medications near the time your surgery is scheduled, take them at least two hours before surgery with as little water as possible
- If you were prescribed antibiotics and the recommendation is to “take with food”, take the antibiotic without food prior to surgery, for this one time only
- Wear loose, comfortable, two-piece clothing and short sleeves
- Remove any fingernail polish from your right index finger
- Remove contact lenses prior to surgery
- Remove heavy makeup and jewelry
- Follow all your doctor’s instructions
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery
Our Anaesthesia web page provides more details about your anaesthesia options at Argyle Associates.
When you arrive at our office on the date of your surgery, you will be asked to sign a consent form.
Make sure to express all your concerns and that that we have addressed them.Make sure to disclose your complete medical history.
If you are a minor (under 18 years old), your parent or guardian must sign the consent form and health history.
Excellent oral hygiene is always important. After surgery, you will be given instructions for how to take special care for your mouth and the surgical site. The details of post-operative care vary depending on the type of procedure you have.
Patients often do not realize that they need time to recover. You may need a little time off work after surgery. You may also need to come back for a post-operative visit with your surgeon.
Be sure to have a stock of soft foods that you enjoy. After oral surgery, you want to avoid chewing hard foods. Some soft foods we recommend are:
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Soft-cooked vegetables
- Soups
- Shakes and smoothies
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