Home-Care after Periodontal Treatment

1. Discomfort
   It is normal to feel some discomfort and light bleeding after periodontal surgery. Tissues may feel bruised for approximately twenty-four hours. Pain may be mild to moderate. Take 1 tablet (6OOmg) Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours as needed for pain and inflammation. Do not take aspirin or any other drug, unless Doctor prescribed. Please contact our office if pain or bleeding persists.


2. Rinsing
   Warm salt-water rinses are recommended for pain and swelling, while acting as a disinfectant. Begin rinsing on the same evening of the procedure and continue for 5-7 days.


3. Oral Hygiene
   On the first day warm salt-water rinses are recommended, (no brushing). On the second day light brushing and salt-water rinses, and by the third day you will be ready to resume your normal oral hygiene habits (brush, floss, and perio-aid), according to what your hygienist has recommended. The cleaner your mouth is kept, the quicker and more comfortable the healing process will be.


4. Diet
   Eat whatever you feel like eating. However you may want to consider avoiding acidic, spicy and sharp foods, such as; chips, pizza, orange juice, and catsup. This is for your comfort. A good nutritious diet will help you heal faster and feel better. Be sure to drink two quarts of fluid per day.


5. Periodontal Maintenance
   This is how we will classify your cleanings from now on. A prophy will no longer be sufficient. At this appointment we will: Measure your pockets, clean below the gums deeper than at a regular cleaning appointment, irrigate under the gums with an antibacterial rinse.


6. Possible Complications Occasionally minor complications occur. A call to the office can usually prevent minor problems from becoming a major one. Any questions or concerns please contact our office at (510) 569-0218.

Post Op after Periodontal Therapy

*You may experience sensitivity to cold or occasionally hot. This should subside however if this does not, please call our office so that we can provide a simple coating to your teeth that will make a difference.

*You may feel like you have "bigger spaces" in between your teeth. This is a great sign that your mouth is healing, the swelling and inflammation is getting under control, and the tissue is tight around the teeth and next to the bone. Keeping these spaces clean is vital to the long term success of the therapy.

*Your teeth may actually feel tighter, this is also a good sign the healing and the benefits of the procedure is working well.

*Occasionally you will have areas in your mouth that bleed for several hours after treatment. Apply pressure with a wet gauze or dampen a tea bag and hold this on the site for 20 minutes. If bleeding continues call the office.

Office Number: 510-569-0218.