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Instructions Following Periodontal Surgery

Pre and Post-Op Instructions

1. As you leave the office and when you arrive home, use a cold ice pack on your face next to the operated area. This will keep the swelling down. (use washcloths frozen in zip-lock bags). Keep the cold pack on for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes. Repeat this sequence for 2 to 4 hours. You may have swelling in the area tomorrow and the next day, if the swelling is severe and/or you feel feverish as well, please call.

2. Drink plenty of cool fluids, such as water or tea. It is suggested to have a bowl of ice cream without any nuts of chunks, a smoothie, or malt, using a spoon once you get home to help control inflammation on the inside of the mouth as well. Avoid hot foods (warm is ok) and drinks for at least one full day.

3. Avoid smoking for as long as possible, but for at least 12 hours and alcoholic beverages for at least 2 full days. Both of these items are best avoided altogether as they interfere with blood clotting and healing.

4. Please limit your physical activities following surgery. Do not over exert yourself day of surgery (heavy yard work, jogging, aerobics, etc.). Try to get plenty of rest after surgery. Keep your head elevated by using an extra pillow on your bed or couch. You should be able to return to your normal routine the day after surgery. However, remember that your body should be spend most of its energy on healing.

5. Most people do not have pain after surgery. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve or Motrin are very effective for pain management. You can take up to 4 200mg capsules every 6-8 hours to alleviate pain and inflammation. You can begin this regimen as soon as you get home or at bedtime the evening of surgery. When necessary you can also take the prescription pain pills according to the directions. If the pain persists or becomes severe, please call.

6. You may have slight bleeding or a pink color to your saliva the rest of the day. In order to allow for necessary clotting to begin at the surgical site, it is essential that you avoid spitting. Holding small amounts of ice water in your mouth will usually stop any slight oozing. However, if there is excessive bleeding the day of or continual bleeding the day after surgery, call for instructions.

7. Take all of the medications given or prescribed for you as directed. They have been given to you for very important reasons. The only two medications that you do not have to take completely are the sedative and the pain medications. Take all medications with food unless otherwise stated.

8. You may eat most foods, but common sense suggests that you should eat softer foods, take smaller bites, and chew only in the areas where surgery was not performed. Avoid hard foods that require heavy pressure for chewing. Avoid highly seasoned foods. Also, avoid sharp foods such as nuts, popcorn, chips, etc. Food supplements such as Boost, Ensure, or Carnation Instant Breakfast may be helpful; but a strictly liquid diet is not required.

9. Starting AFTER surgery, brush and floss your other teeth as usual, avoiding the operated area. Rinsing with warm salt water will help to clean the treated area and aid in healing. Do this after meals and at bedtime. To make the warm salt water rinse, mix one teaspoon of salt with an 8 once glass of very warm tap water. Do not use water hot enough to burn your mouth. Discontinue the use of other mouth rinse, unless you have been advised that they do not contain alcohol, which slows down the healing process.

10. If you have periodontal dressing (pink gum-like material) over the surgical site, it was placed for protection of the surgical area. In most cases it remains securely in place for 7 to 10 days. If it is lost or becomes loose please don’t attempt to replace and call for instructions.

11. If you were given special instructions regarding a particular procedure, please refer to it for care of that area.