Post-Operative Instructions Following Periodontal Surgery
22nd June 2020 by Admin
- Do not eat or drink hot liquids or foods until the effects of anesthesia have worn off. This will prevent injury to your mouth.
- Some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding is normal following gum surgery. A cold compress should be placed on your face near the surgical site for 20 minutes at a time, with 10 minutes off, the day of your surgery. This will reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding.
- Take your prescribed medications as instructed.
- Do not do vigorous exercise today and while sleeping keep your head elevated.
- Eat on the opposite side for a few days. Consume soft nutritious diet and drink plenty of fluids. Do not consume hard or crunchy diet as it may damage the surgical area.
- Do not raise your lips and probe the area with your fingers.
- Do not brush your teeth near the sutures. However, you should brush and floss the rest of your teeth as you normally would.
- You may experience some sensitivity and looseness of teeth. Sensitivity will improve over time with excellent home care and use of tooth pastes like Sensodyne.
- Do not spit or use a straw for 24 hours.
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least 48 hours. This will delay healing and may cause pain.
- After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon in 8 oz of water) two to three times a day. Also use chlorhexidine mouth wash as twice a day.
- Slight bleeding from the treated area is expected for a few hours. In case the bleeding continues or increases, take a moist tea bag and place it on the affected area for 20 minutes.
- A periodontal dressing may be placed over the treated area. It should remain in place for one week. In case it comes off, it is not an emergency. However, call our office to let us know.
- Should the swelling, pain or fever gets worse, please call us immediately.
- You should keep your appointment for follow-up with your dentist. At this appointment, the periodontal dressing and any sutures will be removed and area examined. In case the sutures come loose within 3 days, please let us know.
- It is crucial to practice immaculate home care around the treated area and rest of your mouth to aid in proper healing. One week after the treatment, brush the treated area gently with a soft brush being careful along the gum line. Flossing and use of proximal brush can be initiated in two to three weeks.
