Patient Resources

We are pleased to file your primary dental insurance as a courtesy. Copays, deductibles, and co-insurance amounts are due at the time of service. We strive to verify your insurance benefits before your procedure, providing an accurate estimate for your surgery. If you terminate your insurance before treatment, full fees will be charged directly to you, and immediate payment will be due.

For your first visit to our office, please complete the necessary new patient forms beforehand to expedite the consultation process. You can find these forms on our website under the New Patients section. Bringing the completed forms with you will save time and allow us to assist you more effectively in processing any claims.

Download & Print Forms

Your initial appointment at Stephen B. Bookmyer, DDS, MD, will consist of a consultation to discuss and explain your diagnosis and treatment options. In some cases, surgery can be performed on the same day as the consultation. If your case requires a complex medical history evaluation or a detailed treatment plan, a second appointment will be scheduled for treatment on another day.

To ensure a smooth consultation process, please bring with you your:

• Surgical referral slip and any applicable x-rays
• List of medications you are currently taking
• Completed insurance forms for claims processing (if applicable)
• Please note that all patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the consultation visit.

A preoperative consultation and physical examination are mandatory for patients undergoing IV anesthesia for surgery. Ensure that you have not consumed any food or drink eight hours before your surgery, and arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure. If you have any medical conditions of concern prior to surgery, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or artificial heart valves and joints, or if you are taking any medications, please notify our office.

• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for 8 hours before surgery.
• Notify the office if you have cold or flu symptoms.
• You must have a responsible adult with you at the appointment who can drive you home.
• Patients under 18 years old need a parent, guardian, or spouse to accompany them.
• Do not wear earrings, hairpieces, tight sleeves, contact lenses, or tight clothing.
• Plan to minimize activity for 24 hours.
• Check with the office regarding medication instructions.

• Avoid spitting, touching, or rinsing the wound on the day of surgery.
• Normal bleeding is expected for 24 hours.
• Excessive bleeding can be controlled by biting on gauze for 30 minutes.
• Swelling can be minimized with ice for the first 24 hours.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid hot liquids or food.
• Take pain medication as directed by your doctor.
• Take antibiotics as directed to avoid infection.
• Use the prescribed oral rinse before bed and twice a day the day after surgery.
• Also, use warm salt water rinses.
• Physical activity should be limited initially.
• Partial or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery.

• Keep gauze pad over surgical area for 30 minutes, then remove
• Avoid vigorous mouth rinsing or touching wound area
• Take prescribed pain medication when discomfort begins
• Restrict activities on day of surgery, resume normal activity when comfortable
• Apply ice packs to sides of face where surgery was performed
• Some bleeding and oozing is normal, rinse or wipe old clots, use gauze if bleeding persists
• Minimize swelling with ice packs (up to 36 hours) and moist heat afterwards
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers for moderate pain or prescribed medication for severe pain
• Follow soft diet, drink from glass, avoid straws
• Keep mouth clean, rinse with warm salt water after first day
• Discoloration of skin may occur due to blood spread beneath tissues
• Take prescribed antibiotics as directed, discontinue if rash or unfavorable reaction occurs
• If nauseous or vomiting, wait for an hour before taking anything by mouth, sip on coke, tea, or ginger ale
• Numbness of lip, chin, or tongue is temporary and normal
• Slight temperature elevation is normal, take Tylenol or ibuprofen for fever reduction
• Be cautious when standing up due to effects of surgery and pain medication
• Hard projections in mouth are bony walls, they will smooth out
• Keep lips moist with ointment if corners of mouth are stretched and drying out
• Sore throat and difficulty swallowing may occur, but will subside
• Stiffness of jaw muscles may cause difficulty opening mouth, will resolve
• Sutures may be placed to minimize bleeding and aid healing, removed after one week
• Cavity will fill in with new tissue, keep clean with salt water rinses or toothbrush
• Consult with dentist for individualized advice
• Brush teeth gently, avoid surgical sites
• Watch for signs of dry socket, notify office if it occurs
• Reduce exercise, be aware of reduced nourishment intake, stop if light-headed.

• Do not disturb the wound or surgical packing
• Leave any dislodged surgical packing alone
• Some bleeding and redness in saliva is normal for 24 hours
• Excessive bleeding can be controlled with gauze pad biting
• Swelling is normal, apply ice for 36 hours
• Drink plenty of fluids, avoid hot liquids and eat soft food
• Take pain medication as directed
• Clean mouth after each meal, brush teeth, rinse with warm salt water
• Limit physical activity, may cause bleeding or throbbing

• Bite on gauze pad for 30-45 minutes
• Avoid rinsing vigorously, using straws, smoking, alcohol, or brushing near the extraction site for 72 hours
• Apply ice pack to minimize swelling, take pain medication as prescribed
• Resume normal dental routine after 24 hours
• Contact office if heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling, or reaction to medication

• Expect a small amount of bleeding, use gauze pad or moist tea bag for 30 minutes
• Use ice packs on operated area for 36 hours
• Take over-the-counter pain medication for mild discomfort
• Finish antibiotics if prescribed, drink plenty of fluids
• Follow salt water rinse and denture care instructions
• Restrict diet to liquids and soft foods initially
• Swelling, discoloration, sore throat, dry lips, slight elevation of temperature are normal
• See dentist for denture adjustments to prevent severe sores.