Post-Treatment Instructions

These instructions are only for patients of record that have been treated in our office, and should be used in conjunction with any verbal instructions you were given. We reprint our post-operative instructions here as a convenience and courtesy to our patients. These instructions are not to be construed as medical advice to anyone who is not our patient.

1. Rinse with warm salty water as soon as possible after porcedure. May need to repeat later for soreness.

2. Take Advil or an anti-inflammatory medication as needed for any discomfort.

3. Brush and floss before bedtime. Don't use Listerine the day of the root plane.

4. If you have any swelling, please give the office a call. Call also if you have any reaction to medications such as antibiotics.

As you have just had periodontal surgery, these are some suggestions to insure that you have minimal postoperative complications. We request the following:

2. Keep your head slightly elevated and avoid activities which cause you to stoop or bend over.

3. Do not smoke for at least 24 hours. Refraining from smoking will accelerate healing and decrease discomfort.

4. Avoid eating hard foods, such as fried goods, nuts, apples, hard crackers, celery, etc., and also foods with acid or spices.

5. Eat cold, soft foods for the first 24 hours, drink plenty of liquids and avoid drinking through a straw. Avoid alcoholic beverages and hot beverages for the first day. Do not rinse your mouth until the following morning. Starting the next morning, gently rinse your mouth with 8 ounces of warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt several times a day until your next appointment. From this day on, you may eat soft, warm foods.

6. Do not brush or floss the areas of the surgery. MAINTAIN YOUR ORAL HYGIENE IN ALL OTHER AREAS, ESPECIALLY IF NO DRESSING HAS BEEN PLACED.

7. Do not spit. To clean your mouth, gently swish cold water and let it fall out.

8. Patients who have had I.V. sedation are advised not to drive or operate any machinery for the reminder of the day of surgery.

Certain changes will occur and are to be expected in varying degrees. Each of the following is normal during healing.

1. You may experience some bleeding from the area of the surgery. This will usually cease within 2 or 3 days. If bleeding persists in one area, wet a regular tea bag and apply direct pressure to that area for 10 minutes. This should stop the bleeding; if it does not, please call our office.

2. You may experience some swelling. Drinking ice water or holding ice water in your mouth is helpful for the reminder of the day of surgery. Ice compresses applied to the face (20 minutes on and 20 minutes off) are helpful the day of the surgery.

3. Starting the day after surgery, use warm, moist compresses if swelling occurs. Continue for several days, if necessary, until the swelling dissipates.

5. You have been given a prescription for postoperative discomfort. Please follow the instructions on the label carefully.

We have tried to anticipate your post-surgical concerns and answer all questions. In the event that any condition arises which causes you concern, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE.

A good diet will favorably affect both your healing and overall recovery of surgery. We suggest you maintain a high protein diet, and that you drink at least 32 ounces of liquid per day for the first two weeks following surgery. For the first 24 hours after surgery, we suggest you eat and drink cool and cold foods and liquids. After 24 hours, warmer foods and liquids are appropriate.

Foods ordinarily eaten may be pureed in a blender or food grinder if needed. Baby foods are also a good source of vegetables, fruits and meats.

Powdered skim milk is an excellent source of protein, minerals and some vitamins. It can be added to soups, gravies, or whole milk. High protein powdered or liquid preparations such as Metrecal and Ensure can be used to supplement your diet.

During the period when chewing is impaired and the needs for certain nutrients increase, the daily use of concentrated vitamins and minerals is especially desirable. Vitamin and mineral supplements containing therapeutic amounts of nutrients should be taken daily with meals, unless a specific supplement has already been prescribed. (Theragram-M, Ensure Liquid, etc. are suggested.)

©Copyright 2002-2006 Dental WebSmith, Inc. and F. Neal Pylant, D.M.D. , P.C. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.