After Your Procedure

This instruction sheet 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 don't hesitate to call the office.

Care of the Mouth

Bandages are often used for protection. If 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. Apply the ice pack to the area off-and-on for at least the first 4 to 6 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 soft non-spicy foods, neither too hot or too cold, is encouraged. 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. The remainder of your mouth should be cleaned using your careful oral hygiene techniques.

Bleeding

A slight amount of bleeding is not unusual. Avoid rinsing, spitting or sucking actions the day of surgery as these motions will cause additional bleeding by disturbing the blood clot which has formed. In case of excessive or conitnuous bleeding, take a tea bag, moisten it, and bite on it in the area of bleeding for 15 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 tea bag the bleeding continues, please call the office.

Discomfort

Some discomfort is to be expected. The amount will vary depending on the extent of surgery. Slight discomfort: use Ibuprofen (e.g. Advil®), Naproxen (e.g. Aleve®), or Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) tablets regularly. Moderate to severe discomfort: use prescription medications as directed. If the prescription medication contains a narcotic (e.g. Codeine), you should not drive an automobile or work near dangerous machinery. If the pain medication you are using does not seem adequate, please call the office.