Periodontal/ implant surgery: Post-surgical instructions
Medications: Pain medication should be taken as prescribed when needed. The time interval between taking the medications and the total length of time you are to remain on your medication has been carefully determined to give your maximum benefit with the minimum use of drugs. You may wish to take the tablets after eating to reduce stomach upset. If you are given antibiotics please take them exactly as prescribed and continue taking them until you finish them or are instructed to stop them. If you develop itching, rash, vomiting or other unusual reactions, stop the medications and contact me immediately.
Bleeding: A slight amount of bleeding is normal. In the case of excessive or prolonged bleeding, apply direct pressure with a gauze or tea bag continuously for 20 minutes. If bleeding persists, contact me.
Oral Hygiene: It is essential that you keep your mouth and teeth as clean as possible. The teeth not involved in the surgery may be brushed and cleaned as usual. The teeth in the surgical area may have the biting surfaces lightly brushed unless we direct you otherwise. You may rinse gently with warm salt water during the first day. If we prescribe a mouthwash (Peridex) to you, please rinse gently twice a day starting the day after surgery.
Diet: Adequate nutrition is important during healing. For your comfort and to protect the surgical area, a soft diet is recommended. You should avoid hard, fibrous, “sharp”, crunchy foods and avoid chewing in surgery areas. Within the first 72 hours avoid hot foods and foods that require a lot of chewing. You should try to get plenty of protein, minerals, and vitamins and drink plenty of liquids (juice and water). Diet supplements such as protein shakes, Carnation Instant Breakfast. Other suggested foods include soups, eggs, Jell-O, fruits, and vegetables pureed in a blender and soft meats such as fresh fish. DO NOT USE STRAWS.
Swelling: Swelling in the first 24 to 48 hours is not unusual. This can be minimized by applying ice, wrapped in a cloth, to the face over the surgical area. Apply for 20 minutes, and remove for 20 minutes, alternating. You should also keep your head elevated above the level of your heart during the first 48 hours after surgery. This may necessitate the use of several pillows to support your head and upper body while sleeping. If swelling occurs after the second day, especially if it is sudden or accompanied by pain or pressure, contact me.
Rest: Minimize activity for the first 3 days – NO vigorous exercise for one week - you will heal more quickly and have less discomfort if you avoid running, heavy lifting or other activities that increase your heart rate or blood pressure – heavy activity can cause the surgical area to bleed. Using an extra pillow when you recline can help minimize swelling and bleeding as well.
Smoking: Smoking can delay healing and result in the surgical site opening. Healing results are usually significantly worse in smokers than in non-smokers. Avoid smoking if you can.
Sutures: Sutures (“stitches”) are placed to hold the gums in the proper position for the ideal healing. Do not disturb the sutures with your tongue, toothbrush, or any manner since displacement will impair healing. Sutures will be removed 1-2 weeks after surgery unless otherwise instructed by me.
DO NOTS: For the next several days, do NOT spit, rinse hard, drink through a straw, create a “sucking” action with your mouth, chew or use an oral irrigating device over surgical area.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS AT ANY TIME FOLLOWING YOUR SURGERY
PLEASE CALL SOUND TOOTH DENTAL.
IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE HAVING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLEASE SEEK EMERGENCY CARE OR CALL 911.