Post Operative Instructions

ON THE DAY OF YOUR SURGERY

  1. Rinsing vigorously or swishing on the first day is not recommended.

  2. Drinking from a straw or a sports bottle during the two week healing time is discouraged as it may create suction that can cause bleeding in the mouth.

  3. Physical activity should be kept to a minimum 2-3 days after your surgery. Strenuous activity may increase swelling. You may resume normal activities the day after your procedure.

  4. Slight discomfort is to be expected following any surgical procedure but should improve after the first 3 days. We recommend taking 600mg – 800mg of Ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours for the first twenty-four hours to minimize discomfort and/or swelling. If another medication has been prescribed, take as directed. Antibiotics should be taken until gone. Do not take any medications on an empty stomach.

  5. Slight bleeding or oozing usually occurs for a few hours following surgery. It is normal that you may notice slight blood in your saliva and it may seem like more bleeding than is actually taking place. In case of excessive or persistent bleeding, press a moistened gauze or black tea bag firmly over the surgical site in the bleeding area for ten to fifteen minutes. If the bleeding persists, apply pressure again. Do not rinse, as this will only increase the bleeding. If the bleeding persists heavily after twenty minutes, please call the office.

  6. Slight swelling is normal after most surgical procedures the first 48 hours. To minimize the swelling, we recommend the immediate application of cold (an ice pack wrapped in a towel) gently pressed to the outside of the face over the operated area, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, for a period up to 6 hours. The day after the procedure, if some swelling occurs, the application of heat with a warm cloth or heating pad is recommended. This is to be applied 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off throughout the day.

  7. Eat what feels comfortable but be cautious to avoid hot foods and liquids while you are still numb. It is advisable to try to eat cold foods for the first day to aid with reducing swelling and discomfort. To help the healing process, you should try not to miss a meal. Avoid hot liquids for the first 2 days. During the healing period you should increase your fluid intake. After the first day, solid foods should be added as soon as they can be chewed comfortably but avoid heavy pressure chewing on the surgical area. Avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages, and sharp and crunchy foods (nuts/seeds) for the first two weeks or until sutures are gone.

STARTING THE DAY AFTER YOUR SURGERY

  1. Oral hygiene procedures should be continued in all areas not involved in the surgery. Do not brush or floss in the surgical area for two weeks. Avoid usage of the electric brush or water pik in the area around the surgery.

  2. Rinse with Chlorhexidine (mouthwash) twice a day for 2 weeks. After the first week can swab lightly with a Q-Tip saturated with chlorhexidine at the surgical area around the gum twice a day

  3. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon in a glass of water) can be used if there is soreness. Rinsing with salt water can make the area feel better

  4. A post-operative visit will be scheduled in 7-14 days after the surgery. At that time, the sutures will be removed, if necessary. Most often there is no discomfort associated with this visit. Usually dissolvable sutures are used and will be gone by the post-op visit.

  5. Please call the office if you experience prolonged or severe pain, severe swelling or bleeding, fever, any adverse reactions to the medications, such as a rash, shortness of breath, nausea, or if anything else causes excessive discomfort or worry.

Regular periodontal maintenance appointments should be scheduled in addition to your follow up visits.