Post Surgical Instructions

Post Surgical Instructions:

1. Pain

Some discomfort should be expected following periodontal surgery. Taking your medication is especially important in the first 24-48 hours after the surgery to manage discomfort.

Over the counter protocol: Take 3 -200mg ibuprofen (aka Advil or Motrin) and 1 -500mg acetaminophen (Tylenol). Take this regimen every 6 hours in lieu of narcotics.

Narcotic prescription protocol: Take 3 over the counter 200mg Ibuprofen (aka Advil or Motrin) and 1 of the prescribed narcotics (Vicodin, Tylenol 3 or Percocet) every 6 hours.                             

If the prescription medicine is used, it may make you light headed and slow your reactions, so driving and activities requiring balance and coordination should be avoided.  Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking medications. Usually the mouth is feeling much better the next day and you should be able to go to work as usual.                                        

2.   Bleeding 

Any bleeding will have stopped prior to your dismissal from the office.  You may, however, note some red saliva for a time. If bleeding does begin, try firm thumb or finger pressure with moistened gauze for ten minutes. If it still continues, place plain black tea bag over the area and press it firmly over the bleeding area and hold it again for ten minutes.  If it still continues to bleed, please call.

3.  Swelling                                                                            

Place an ice pack over the surgical site, ten minutes on, ten minutes off, as much as possible.  This should help hold down the swelling. There is no such thing as too much ice in the first 24 hours.                       

 4.  Sutures                                                                                               

When dissolving sutures are used, they start coming out in 3-10 days.  Non-dissolving suture will be removed at approximately two weeks.

 5.  Diet

Following a soft diet the day of and the day after surgery.  Carnation Breakfast or protein shakes may be useful.  Return to a regular diet the following day, but cut food into small pieces and chew on the side opposite the area of surgery until the dressing and sutures have been removed.  Proper healing requires adequate nutrition and fluids.  Adequate rest is also important.    Please DO NOT eat popcorn until you are given clearance to do so by our staff.  After tooth extraction (no bone graft) do not drink with a straw. Sucking on a straw may dislodge the blood clot.  Avoid hot liquids and limit your alcohol intake. Both can increase swelling and delay healing. 

6.  Oral Hygiene     

Following the surgery normal brushing and flossing should resume on non-surgical areas. The area of the surgery is to be left alone for the first day and then from day two on, please use one of the two prescribed rinses. Red rinse (Hibiclens-surgical soap)-use as directed on bag or Peridex (Chlorhexidine) - rinse with small amount or apply with a cotton swab to surgical area 1 to 2 times daily for 2 weeks.  

*Wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.*

NOTE:  If you experience uncontrollable discomfort, excessive bleeding, marked temperature rise, excessive swelling starting a few days after the surgery, or if problems or questions arise, please call the office for further advice.