Post Operative Instructions

This post-operative instruction page has been developed for those patients who have undergone periodontal surgical procedures. Please read these instructions carefully. If you have any further questions or if you are not sure what you are experiencing is normal, please do not hesitate to call our office.

Care of the Mouth

Do not smoke

Bandages are sometimes used for protection. If the loss of the bandage causes bleeding, discomfort, or concern, please call the office. The bandage is temperature sensitive, so avoid very hot beverages as they may soften and loosen the bandage.

Ice packs should be applied to the face over the surgical area to reduce swelling and bleeding. Swelling may continue for three days after the procedure. Apply the ice pack to the area 10 minutes on then 10 minutes off for at least the first 2 to 4 hours after surgery. Additional applications of ice, the next day, should be avoided. If swelling is such that it interferes with your swallowing or it closes your eye, please call the office.

Eating of room temperature, soft non-spicy foods is encouraged. Supplemental drinks (eg. Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast) are very helpful to maintain an adequate caloric intake. You are encouraged to return to a normal balanced diet as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.

Cleaning of the area should be avoided, so as not to disturb the healing. To keep the surgical area clean, a prescription rinse may be prescribed. The rinse should be started the morning following surgery and used for 30 seconds twice a day. The remainder of your mouth should be cleaned using your careful oral hygiene techniques.

Bleeding

A slight amount of bleeding is normal. Avoid rinsing, spitting or sucking actions the day of surgery as these motions will cause additional bleeding by disturbing the blood clot. In case of excessive or conituous bleeding, take a gauze pad, moisten it, and apply pressure in the area of bleeding for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. In addition, apply ice to the outside of your face and keep your head elevated. If, after the second application of ice and gauze, the bleeding continues, please call our office.

Discomfort

Some discomfort is to be expected. The amount will vary depending upon the extent of surgery. For slight discomfort use Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil), or Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) tablets as necessary. For moderate to severe discomfort, use the prescription pain medications as directed. If the prescription medication contains a narcotic (e.g. Codeine or Hydrocodone), you should not drive an automobile or perform activities that require a moderate to high level of attention. If the pain medication you are using does not seem adequate, please call our office.

Medications

Take all of your medications as prescribed. Antibiotics are not prescribed routinely, only when the nature of the procedure or medical condition requires it. If an antibiotic was not prescribed and swelling and a fever begin 3 days after the procedure, please call our office.