Post Operative Instructions

Patient instructions after periodontal surgical procedures

Please read the following instructions carefully. This will prevent complications and improve the results of your surgery.

Activity

Reduce your activity following surgery. No running, weight lifting or any strenuous aerobic activity for 48-72 hours.

Care of your mouth

Immediately after surgery keep cold water with ice chips in your mouth or other cold foods, such as ice cream or low-fat yogurt, for 6 hours. Allow these cold foods to stay in your mouth thereby cooling the surgical site. (Application of an external ice is not as valuable as internal). Do not brush your teeth in the areas that have dressing or sutures. The dressing may be swabbed with a q-tip dipped in antibacterial rinse. Do all normal cleaning procedures of teeth that did not have surgery. If you have a tissue graft, do not touch or pull your lip to look at the graft.

Discomfort

Following all types of surgery you can expect some discomfort. If pain and/or anti-inflammatory medication is prescribed, take as directed. If nausea develops, take the medication with milk or foods. Do not drink alcoholic beverages in combination with pain medication.

Swelling

In some cases swelling may be expected, but it will go away in 3-4 days. After 24 hours, stop using cold. Use warm, moist washcloths on the face after 24 hours.

Bleeding

There will be a small amount of bleeding in your mouth following surgery. Cold food or drink after surgery will minimize bleeding. Avoid spitting, rinsing or sucking actions since this will disturb the surgical site. (NO STRAWS) If bleeding persists, dip a tea bag in cold water and press firmly on the area for at least 10 minutes. If bleeding continues, call the office.

Eating

Eat only cold, soft foods on the day of surgery. After the first day, stay on a soft but balanced diet. Do not eat hard, chewy, crunchy, or spicy foods for at least a week.

Stent (retainer)

If you are given a stent, leave it in place for 24 hours. Remove and clean after 24 hours. Wear as directed for the remainder of the week and clean at least twice a day.

Dressing

Pieces of the surgical dressing (pack) may come off. This is not a problem and should be expected. If there is bleeding or pain following dislodgment, please call the office.

Antibiotics

If antibiotics are prescribed, take them as directed until they are all gone. If an allergic reaction and /or nausea develops, call the office.

Smoking

Please do not smoke following surgery. Tobacco smoke is an irritant and delays healing of the tissue. Refrain from smoking for as long as possible.

A more comprehensive instruction sheet for your recovery will be provided on the day of your surgery.

If you have any questions call the office at 604 431-9339

Video: Post op instruction