Instructions for your comfort following Periodontal Surgery

The following information has been prepared to help answer the questions you may have regarding the surgical procedure which has just been performed. Please read the instructions carefully. Our experience has shown them to be very helpful.

  1. Comfort: When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some discomfort from the operation. If penicillin or other antibiotics are necessary, we will give you a prescription. (Please continue taking the antibiotics until finished). If you should have any type of reaction to the prescribed medication (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash-hives) please call us.

  2. Dressing: A dressing may be placed over the treated area. It should remain in place until your next visit. If a large section of the dressing should come off, break, or become loose, please call the office to have it replaced. If you have a removable bridge and it have been seated over the dressing, DO NOT remove it. Avoid hot foods and beverages for approximately 1-2 hours (until the dressing hardens).

  3. Swelling: Ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to the outside of your face alternating on/off at approximately 15 minute intervals for the first 24-48 hours, then replace with warm, moist compresses after at least 48 hours (e.g. hot, moist washcloth or a hot wet towel over a hot water bottle). SWELLING IS NOT UNUSUAL EVEN UP TO 72 HOURS AFTER SURGERY.

  4. Bleeding: Some minor oozing is normal for several hours following surgery. If some bleeding continues, place gauze pads (do not use cotton balls) or a moistened, fresh tea bag against the surgical site with gentle pressure for 20 minutes - without removing for inspection. If the bleeding does not stop or the bleeding should become heavy, please call the office.

  5. Oral Hygiene: Do not rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (8 oz. water + teaspoon salt) twice a day. If you were prescribed a mouth rinse, use it instead of salt water. Brushing should be continued in the non-treated areas of your mouth. Avoid brushing the surgical site.

  6. Brushing: You may experience bruising on your face around the area of surgery. This is not unusual and may take up to 2 days to appear. It should fade after several days.

  7. Pain: If you are experiencing pain which will not subside with pain medication, or have any questions concerning your surgery, please do not hesitate to call the office.

  8. Diet: Do not chew on the side with the dressing if possible. Until the dressing hardens, avoid hot beverages and foods. Eat an adequate balanced diet during this healing period. Soft foods and liquids are encouraged (soft chicken, fish, hamburger). If surgery has been completed on all four (4) sides of the mouth, consume nutritious foods with as soft a consistency as possible.

  9. Next Visit: We will remove your dressing and sutures within 1 to 2 weeks. Then you will be shown and instructed on how to keep the area clean.

  10. Important Advice: Alcohol and smoking should be avoided to aid in the healing process. We suggest you return home and relax. You may return to work, but please wait several days before undertaking any strenuous activities.

The proper care following the surgical procedure will hasten recovery and prevent complications. If any unusual symptoms occur, call the office at once. We care about you and want you to know we are always available.