Discomfort and
Swelling:
Most people are surprised how comfortable they feel
after their surgical visit. For this reason, it is important for you
to remain as quiet as possible for the first four to six hours after
in order to avoid complication. Minor discomfort is expected when the
local anesthetic wears off. The same medication prescribed or
recommended for your comfort will also prevent swelling. It is
therefore, important to take TWO tablets of Aleve every 8 - 12 hours
for the first three days whether or not you experience any discomfort.
Tanya will give you the first dose of Aleve while the local anesthetic
is still working so that you will be comfortable when the anesthetic
wears off. Swelling must also be minimized by the use of an ice bag
applied to the outside of your face in the area of the surgery. Use
the ice for 30 minutes per hour for four hours. A frozen bag of peas
works very well. If adequate pain relief is not achieved with this
medication, please call us.
Bleeding:
Did you know that blood clots are like glue? There may
be streaks of blood in the saliva for the first day or two. This is
completely normal and will correct itself. If there is considerable
bleeding, (i.e. dark red "globs"), apply firm, direct
pressure to the area for 20 minutes using a piece of gauze or a damp
tea bag. Remember, don't peek for twenty minutes! If the bleeding has
not stopped after 20 minutes, please call. Also, avoid rinsing or
spitting for the first 24 hours. We don't want to rinse away the glue.
Please don't use your favorite pillow case the first night after
surgery.
Infection:
If an antibiotic has been prescribed for you, it is
critically important to finish the medication completely. Infections
following periodontal surgery do occur, but are uncommon. For that
reason, antibiotics are not routinely prescribed. If you notice that
the treated area is less comfortable or more swollen on the second day
than on the first, and an antibiotic has NOT been prescribed, you may
have an infection. Please call the office immediately. Do not rinse
your mouth with, or consume alcohol if the antibiotic metronidazole
has been prescribed.
Oral hygiene:
Do not attempt to begin brushing until 24 hours after
the surgery. If you have been prescribed a mouth rinse to use in place
of normal brushing and flossing in the area of the surgery, begin
rinsing 24 hours after the surgery. Use this medication twice per day
after meals unless instructed otherwise. It is important to continue
your normal brushing and flossing in the untreated areas. If the
metronidazole has been prescribed, you will not be able to consume or
rinse your mouth with alcohol containing products. Please read labels
carefully. Diet: It is desirable to maintain an adequate diet, rich in
protein after surgery. Taking a multiple vitamin will insure that many
other factors necessary for healing will be present. If the food goes
"crunch", it's too hard. As a guideline, a taco is too hard,
but a burrito is fine. Remember, a liquid or "mush" diet is
not necessary. There are absolutely no limitations on what you can
drink, but please do not use a straw (suction may remove glue) and
make sure its not too hot; luke warm is best. Live it up! But, please,
be cautious.
Treatments
Periodontal
Surgery || Pocket depth Reduction || Soft
tissue grafts
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