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<h1>Patient Information</h1>
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<h2>Northwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery</h2>
<h2>Dr. PETER D. CHEMELLO, D.D.S.<br>
Dr. S. TODD JENSEN<br>
Dr. MICHAEL GEORGE STEICHEN<br>
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<p>WELCOME TO OUR PRACTICE<br>
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Thank you for visiting the Northwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery web site. It is our sincere hope that you will find it very informative for any visit you may be scheduling. We want to make you feel relaxed and comfortable as we give you the best surgical care possible.<br>
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This web site was designed to answer questions you may have about office policies or procedures performed by our doctors. They study the latest techniques in oral and maxillofacial surgery to provide you with the most advanced surgical care possible. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our staff at either our Arlington Heights (847/392-6220), Elgin (847/931-1248) or Lake Zurich (847/438-2220) office.<br>
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<p>Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialty of Dentistry that requires up to 6 additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training. Doctors Steichen, Chemello, and Jensen manage a wide variety of problems relating to the Mouth, Teeth, and Facial Regions. Our doctors practice a full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with expertise ranging from Corrective Orthognathic Jaw Surgery to Wisdom Tooth Removal. They also diagnose and treat Oral Pathology, Facial Trauma, TMJ Disorders, and perform a full range of Dental Implant procedures. The vast majority of surgical procedures are performed in our state of the art office, but more complicated treatment is scheduled at the hospital (Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights and Lake Zurich, Sherman Hospital in Elgin).<br>
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As a result of the extensive anesthesia training of our doctors, we are able to offer our patients several anesthesia options in our office. They have considerable experience for the pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient. The staff at Northwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is trained is assisting with anesthesia in our office setting. Patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery using the same monitoring used in hospital operating rooms.</p>
<p>Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a specialty of Dentistry that requires up to 6 additional years of hospital based surgical and anesthesia training. Doctors Steichen, Chemello, and Jensen manage a wide variety of problems relating to the Mouth, Teeth, and Facial Regions. Our doctors practice a full scope of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with expertise ranging from Corrective Orthognathic Jaw Surgery to Wisdom Tooth Removal. They also diagnose and treat Oral Pathology, Facial Trauma, TMJ Disorders, and perform a full range of Dental Implant procedures. The vast majority of surgical procedures are performed in our state of the art office, but more complicated treatment is scheduled at the hospital (Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights and Lake Zurich, Sherman Hospital in Elgin).<br>
Patient Information<br>
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Presurgical Instructions<br>
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For all surgery please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Tops/shirts should have sleeves that are easily drawn above the elbow. A parent or legal guardian must accompany minors. Please take any premedication required before surgery at the time directed by your doctor.<br>
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We offer several different types of anesthesia which require different preparation on your part. Please follow these instructions prior to your appointment. If you have any questions, please contact the office.<br>
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Local Anesthesia<br>
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1. You may have a lighter meal than usual, but fasting is not necessary. If there is a chance you will want an IV general anesthesia, you will need to eat or drink nothing for 8 hours prior to the appointment. By doing so, if local anesthesia is not adequate for pain control, an IV general anesthesia can be performed that same day. <br>
2. For more extensive procedures, you may want to have someone drive you home. <br>
3. Plan to rest after surgery. It is usually recommended not to return to work that day. <br>
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IV Anesthesia or General Anesthesia<br>
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1. Nothing to eat or drink (including water) for 8 hours prior to surgery. The exception is to take any regular medication or premedication prescribed by the doctor using only a small sip of water. <br>
2. You must have a responsible adult drive you home after surgery. <br>
3. Plan to rest the remainder of the day. Do not operate any machinery, autos, power tools, etc., for 24 hours after surgery. <br>
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Special Instructions<br>
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* Insulin dependent diabetics should receive special instructions from the doctor. Please bring your accu-check machine and insulin kit with you on the day of surgery. <br>
* Patients with asthma should bring their inhalers with them on the day of surgery. <br>
* Cardiac patients requiring nitroglycerin should bring it with them on the day of surgery. <br>
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Post-Operative Instructions<br>
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARE OF THE MOUTH<br>
FOLLOWING EXTRACTIONS AND OTHER ORAL SURGERY<br>
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This information will reinforce the verbal instructions which you have been given following your surgery. If questions arise after reading this information, please do not hesitate to call our office at any time. Our answering service will reach us after office hours.<br>
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1. POST OPERATIVE PAIN <br>
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Pain following surgery is normal after the local anesthetic has worn off. If you have been given a prescription, use it as directed and as necessary. Pain medications can cause stomach upset, so make sure that you do not take them on an empty stomach. If your prescribed medication is not adequate, or you are experiencing side effects, please call our office immediately.<br>
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If you have not been given a prescription, for mild pain, take an analgesic such as aspirin, Tylenol, or Advil if no prior sensitivity to these drugs exists. Follow the dosages as recommended on the package.<br>
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FOLLOWING EXTRACTION, INCREASING PAIN THAT DEVELOPS AND RADIATES FROM THE EXTRACTION SITE ON THE THIRD OR FOURTH DAY FOLLOWING SURGERY MAY INDICATE SLOW HEALING, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE IF THIS DEVELOPS.<br>
2. BLEEDING <br>
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A certain amount of bleeding and oozing is normal. Due to the increase in salivary output because of oral surgery, this can seem worse than it really is. Gauze has been provided to you for the control of bleeding. Place it over the surgery wound and apply pressure, either by holding the gauze in place by closing your mouth on the gauze, or by applying tongue or digital pressure. Following extractions make sure that the gauze is directly over the extraction site and not wedged between the adjacent teeth. Initially, hold the gauze over the wound firmly for twenty minutes or until the gauze soaks. When replacing the gauze, moisten the new piece with a small amount of water before applying to the wound area. Repeat the process as necessary.<br>
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If persistent heavy bleeding develops, biting on a moistened tea bag is a method which often accelerates clotting. If bleeding persists, elevate your head, and avoid unnecessary movement, talking, chewing and spitting. If you are unsuccessful in controlling your bleeding, please call us.<br>
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SWELLING<br>
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Swelling is a normal side effect after oral surgery. To control this, THINK COLD FOR 48 HOURS. Apply an ice pack to the face over the operated area, leaving it on for 20 minutes and off for 10 minutes. Continue this during the waking hours for the first 48 hours. Sleeping with the head elevated with several pillows also helps lessen swelling. After 48 hours, if swelling persists, apply warm moist dressing to the swollen area.<br>
3. MOUTH RINSE <br>
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Vigorous mouth washing may stimulate bleeding if clots are not formed. You may rinse your mouth with a salt water solution (one teaspoon salt per 8 oz. glass of water) starting the day after extraction. Use cool water only for the first 48 hours, then switch to warm water. If bleeding occurs, stop all mouth rinsing and follow the bleeding instructions in paragraph 2.<br>
4. DIET <br>
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Following oral surgery, cold liquids and soft foods will discourage post-operative bleeding and swelling. Avoid hot liquids and foods during the first 48 hours. Following 48 hours, a warm soft diet is advisable in conjunction with the warm oral rinses. Avoid foods that are difficult to chew. Drink plenty of liquids following your surgery. Even if you do not feel hungry, make sure that you have food in your stomach prior to taking any pain medication. You may resume your normal diet after your oral discomfort has passed, unless otherwise instructed.<br>
5. SUTURES <br>
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Your surgical sutures are often "dissolving" and will loosen on their own. These sutures do not actually dissolve but loosen and fall from the wound usually within 3 to 7 days. You will be told if your sutures require removal and an appointment will be made for you.<br>
6. ANESTHESIA <br>
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If a general anesthetic has been administered for your surgical procedure, do not drive or operate machinery that could cause injury or 24 hours. Dizziness, headache, and nausea may occur, but should pass within the first 12 hours. Please contact us immediately if you encounter any unexpected difficulties.<br>
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Children should be observed until the local anesthetic "numbness" has worn off to prevent accidental lip and tongue biting.<br>
7. MEDICATIONS <br>
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If you have been prescribed medications, please follow the directions that accompany them. If negative reactions develop, such as itching, rashes, nausea, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, discontinue the medications and call our office immediately for instructions. If you suspect an allergic reaction may be developing rapidly, call for emergency transportation to the nearest emergency room and notify our doctors.<br>
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**TO PATIENTS TAKING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES** Antibiotics and pain medication have been shown to decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. It is advisable to use additional means of birth control to avoid pregnancy during the oral contraceptive cycle in which the prescriptions are taken.<br>
8. POST-OPERATIVE APPOINTMENTS <br>
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Please adhere to your post-operative appointments and notify us if rescheduling is necessary.<br>
9. OTHER POST-OPERATIVE CONDITIONS <br>
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Numbness<br>
If your surgery has occurred near the sensory nerves of the jaws, numbness of the cheeks, lips, gums, chin, and tongue may occur. This is usually a temporary condition that will correct itself as the healing of the surgical wound occurs.<br>
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Jaw and temporomandibular Joint Stiffness and Discomfort<br>
Stiffness and discomfort involving the muscles and joints of the lower jaw is normal following some types of oral surgery, especially the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. This is a temporary condition that normally corrects itself within a few days, although it may last one to two weeks. After the surgical pain has resolved, moist warm packs over the muscles and maintenance of a soft diet will help relax the tension and relieve the stiffness and pain.<br>
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Bone Fragments<br>
Following extractions and other surgical procedures on the bone of the jaws, it is common for small fragments of bone to loosen and work through the gum. These fragments which are not dental roots, usually work out of their own accord. If a fragment is causing pain or swelling, please notify the office and return for its removal.<br>
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Sinus Complications<br>
The sinus cavities lie above the upper jaw and teeth. Following the removal of upper teeth or surgery in that area, openings into the sinus may persist and can cause sinus drainage, nasal bleeding, congestion, and pain. If any of these symptoms occur following your surgery, please notify us immediately.<br>
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Phlebitis (Inflammation of the veins)<br>
If an IV has been used to administer general anesthesia, or sedation, temporary inflammation of the vein may develop post-operatively. If this becomes apparent, elevate the involved hand or arm above the level of your heart and place cold packs over the affected area for the first 48 hours. Following 48 hours, warm packs and elevation will aid in the relief of the problem. If the inflammation persists, or the swelling is excessive or painful, please notify our office immediately.<br>
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Infection<br>
Infection of oral surgical wounds can occur due to the normal bacteria which reside in the oral cavity. Maintain good post-operative oral hygiene by using the recommended rinsing. Resume normal brushing and flossing after the majority of the gum tenderness has resolved. This will prevent food debris from entering extraction sockets and other wounds. If antibiotics have been prescribed, please take these exactly as you have been directed and until they are finished. If a foul taste or odor, and or unusual drainage or swelling develops, call the office immediately.<br>
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Elevated Temperature<br>
A body temperature up to 100 degrees is normal during the first 48 hours following oral surgery. If your temperature exceeds 101.5 degrees or persists, please notify the office.<br>
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<h2>Our Offices are located at:</h2>
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<h2>Elgin Office:</h2>
<p>901 Center Street, Suite 207<br>
Elgin, Illinois 60120</p>
<p>Phone: (847) 931-1248<br>
fax: (847) 391-9164</p>
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<h2>Arlington Heights Office:</h2>
<p>1600 W. Central Road<br>Arlington Heights, Illinois 60005</p>
<p>Phone: (847) 392-6220<br>
fax: (847) 392-6236</p>
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<h2>Lake Zurich Office:</h2>
<p>950 West Main Street, Suite 165<br>
Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047</p>
<p>Phone: (847) 438-2220<br>
fax: (847) 438-4475</p>
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<p>Thank you for visiting Northwest Oral and Maxillofacial Surger online at http://www.nwoms.com<br>
Doctors Chemello, Jensen, and Steichen maintain offices in Elgin, Arlington Heights and Lake Zurich, Illinois.</p>
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