Instructions Following Periodontal Surgery

Your at-home care after surgery can be as important as your surgeon's skill

Start with ice therapy as soon as possible as explained below. It is also prudent not to eat anything until after the anesthesia has worn off. Keep well hydrated, drink as much fluid as possible. Many, if not all, of your questions will be answered below. The specific instructions given by your doctor will always take precedence over these general recommendations.

Ice Therapy

Swelling is the cause of most post-operative discomfort. Reducing the potential for swelling is the single most important thing you can do to provide comfort and promote healing. Apply ice immediately after the surgery to the outside of the face in the region of the surgical area. This should be done for a few minutes on and a few minutes off repeatedly for the first 24 hours. Holding cold liquids, ice chips or cold foods (ice cream, yogurts, etc.) inside your mouth is also helpful. You should do this as much as possible during the day. Be careful if you are still numb so that you don't burn yourself with the ice.

Bleeding

When you leave the office, you will be given verbal instructions regarding the possibility of post-operative bleeding and what you should do to stop it. Don't be alarmed, bleeding from the mouth tends to look worse than it is, because of dilution from saliva. Locate the bleeding area, clean it and put mild constant pressure against it with a sterile moist gauze for 10-15 minutes. If you can't get it to stop bleeding call your doctor.

Your Post Operative Diet

First 24 Hours — It's COLD

You should maintain a diet of soft, cold foods such as Jell-O, pudding, yogurt, applesauce, milkshakes and ice cream. Foods that crumble such as potato chips, popcorn, crackers, cookies, etc. should be avoided as well as sticky foods like taffy. Eating immediately following the procedure is not recommended until the numbness has worn off. You should eat on the opposite side of your mouth in order to keep food away from the surgical area. It's important to drink lots of fluids during this time especially when taking medications.

After 24 Hours — It's HOT

Hot, soft foods such as cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, clear soups, hot liquids, buttered pastas, etc, should be used to help relieve swelling and promote healing. Again, foods that crumble or that can cause damage to the surgical site should be avoided such as potato chips, popcorn, crackers, cookies, etc. You should eat on the opposite side of your mouth in order to keep food away from the surgical area. It's important to continue drinking lots of fluids during this time.

Medications

Generally, you can expect mild to moderate discomfort for two to three days that can be managed with non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications of the aspirin/ibuprofen family or similar prescription strength medication. Your dentist or periodontist may also prescribe antibiotics and antibacterial rinses to reduce bacteria. This will be recommended at the discretion of your surgeon.

Cleaning

It is important to keep the area as clean as possible to prevent infection and promote healing. Do not brush, floss or rinse your mouth for 24 hours as it may cause the surgical area to bleed. You should recommence your daily oral hygiene regimen for the untreated areas after 24 hours. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-microbial mouthwash. Ask your surgeon when you should restart normal oral hygiene care for the surgically treated site.

Activity

Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for the first 5-7 days following surgery. Any increase in heart rate or blood pressure can cause bleeding. Do not suck through a straw, spit, play any wind instruments or blow up a balloon during this period.

After 24 Hours

Heat should be applied to the area in the form of warm salt water mouth rinses. Other sources of heat are soups, warm milk, and beverages. As long as there is little swelling and you are very comfortable, these may be optional. Please talk to your surgeon.

What to Expect After Surgery

It is important to have a discussion with your periodontal surgeon or general dentist as to what to expect following periodontal surgery. It is common or likely that your teeth will be somewhat more sensitive to temperature change, particularly cold for a short period of time. However, this will diminish or disappear over time especially with the application of fluoride varnishes if there is residual root exposure.

Discontinue Use of Tobacco And Alcohol Products

Do not drink alcohol for at least 72 hours after surgery — it can cause bleeding. Do not smoke, or use tobacco products for at least a week or more — it will delay healing.

Report Any Unusual Occurrences Immediately!

If you have any questions regarding these directions or if you experience excessive bleeding or swelling, persistent or severe pain, fever, or any reaction to medications, you should call your dentist or surgeon.