Post-Procedure Care
If you are a patient that has recently undergone a periodontal procedure, be sure to follow our instructions for proper post-procedure care. If you'd like to access a quick reminder, please refer to our post-procedure care instructions provided below.
If you had periodontal surgery and/or tooth extractions:
ACTIVITY
After leaving the office, relax as much as possible, and avoid excessive exertion of ANY KIND for the next two days.
DISCOMFORT
Some discomfort may be present when the anesthesia wears off. You can minimize this by taking the pain relievers as prescribed before the anesthetic wears off.
SWELLING
Some swelling is to be expected. To minimize swelling following surgery, apply an ice bag wrapped in a towel to the outside of the face in the operated area 10 minutes on and then 10 minutes off for a minimum of 4 hours.
BLEEDING
Occasional blood stains in the saliva for the first few days after the operation are not unusual. If there is considerable bleeding beyond this, please apply pressure to the area by using gauze or wet tea bags with your thumb and index fingers for 15-20 minutes. If bleeding does not stop apply the pressure for a second time. If excessive bleeding continues please call the office. Remember most of the blood you may see in your mouth is actually a little bit of blood mixed with a lot of saliva. If rinsing your mouth use ice-cold water only, and swish very gently. DO NOT spit forcefully, or use a straw for the first 3 days following your surgery.
EATING AND DRINKING
Attempt to eat nutritious soft foods for 3-4 days following your surgery. Solid foods may be eaten as long as this may be done so comfortably. Avoid spicy, salty, and excessively hot foods and liquids. Please refrain from drinking hard alcoholic beverages during the first 4-5 days following surgery.
ORAL HYGIENE
Brushing and oral hygiene should be carried out regularly in the non-operated areas. For the operated area use the Chlorhexidine antiseptic if it is prescribed for you twice a day.
CARE OF THE DRESSING
If a dressing has been placed over the area after surgery, please do not disturb it. If small pieces of the dressing break off, do not be concerned. If large portions of the dressing fall off and you are COMFORTABLE replacement of the dressing is UNNECESSARY.
SMOKING
Smoking should be STOPPED following surgery since the chemicals in cigarette smoke delay wound healing.
ANTIBIOTICS
If antibiotics are prescribed, take them as directed until ALL ARE GONE. If you experience any reactions (such as a rash, itching, vomiting etc.) discontinue the medication and contact our office
If you had scaling or root planning (deep cleaning, gum treatments)
If you have recently undergone scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), following some of the following recommendations will help minimize any discomfort you may have over the next few days.
Rinse with warm salt water several times daily. (1 tsp. Salt in 8oz glass of warm water.) This will help soothe the tissues.
For post operative discomfort we recommend you take a medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, or Motrin) or if you are allergic to aspirin, medications such as acetometaphin (Tylenol).
Please stay away from hot, spicy, or crunchy foods as well as nuts, seeds and popcorn, for the next few days. Your teeth may be sensitive to hot or cold because of shrinkage of the tissues around the teeth.
Tips for oral hygiene after your procedure
For today you can just rinse or gently brush the area that was treated. Please continue to brush and floss the other areas of your mouth. Do not use any oral irrigators (like a water pick). Tomorrow you can resume normal oral hygiene in your whole mouth. Keep in mind the treated area will be a little sore for the next few days.
Are you experiencing abnormal pain?
If you are experiencing pain, please do not hesitate to contact our offices by calling 310-553-2940. The office is covered 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. If it is after hours, try following the post-procedure care instructions listed above before contacting the doctor on call.
For more information on available periodontal procedures, post-procedure care, or to set up an appointment, please contact us for a consultation.
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