Before:
Please have a normal meal (breakfast, lunch) prior to your appointment. In addition, continue all prescriptions as directed by your physician or dentist unless otherwise advised
Appointment:
Surgical treatments are scheduled early in the day because your body always heals better and faster in the morning. This also ensures that we are available in the office until 5pm in case you have any immediate questions or need to be seen again that same day.
Bleeding:
There may be some slight bleeding for the first five hours after you surgery. This is not unusual and it will stop by itself. To prevent prolonged bleeding: d not rinse your mouth for 24 hours, do not use a straw, and do not forcefully spit blood or saliva after your surgery. Also, pressure may be applied with gauze or a moist tea bag if bleeding starts for 30-minute intervals. If bleeding persists and does not appear to be slowing, please call the office. Because of the bleeding, some bruising may also occur.
Discomfort:
Some discomfort or pain is to be expected when the anesthesia wears off. It is important to take any prescribed medication on a regular schedule and as directed by the label on the prescription. You should follow special precautions advised by the Periodontist when taking prescribed medications. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN. If pain persists, please call our office. Do not consume alcohol and pain medication at the same time.
Sensitivity:
Expect some tooth sensitivity to cold and hot after the procedure. This may take several months to resolve. Special procedures may be offered to alleviate sensitivity.
Recession:
The goal of periodontal surgery is to remove the gum that creates the pocket which allows for bacteria to accumulate beneath the gumline and cause bone loss. For this reason, you may experience some recession of the gums in order to control the periodontal disease. If this occurs, the root may be visible and therefore your home care must be optimal to prevent cavities and minimize sensitivity.
Mobility:
After your periodontal procedure you may experience some increased tooth mobility. This is because the tissues have been elevated to gain access for root and bone treatment. This mobility most often decreases to pretreatment levels within 6 to 12 months.
Dressing:
An intra-oral "band-aid" may have been placed in your mouth at the treated site. This surgical dressing is to protect the area for the first few hours after surgery. Do not disturb the dressing for these few hours. After this period, part or all of the dressing may chip off. If there is a problem, it does not need to be replaced.
Diet:
It is advisable to limit yourself to a soft diet immediately after surgery. Attempt to return to your normal diet as soon as possible. It is important to eat a balanced diet and take in adequate amounts of fluids following surgery. You may consider a nutrient drink as a supplement. Avoid chewing in the area of the surgery. Do not drink anything warm for the first day. Omit foods that are highly seasoned, spicy, or citrus, and small seeds. Also you may need to limit hot and cold foods due to sensitivity.
Home Care:
Brush and floss all non-surgical areas as directed. You may gently brush all exposed portions of the teeth n the surgical area, but DO NOT DISTURB THE DRESSING. Rinsing with water, warm salt water, or mouth rinse should be avoided for 24 hours after surgery.
Rinsing:
A prescriptive rinse may be provided. This should be initiated the day of the surgery. PERIDEX/PERIOGUARD rinse is used 2 times a day, morning and bedtime. Use 1 cap full and hold in mouth for 30 seconds. Do not drink, eat or brush teeth for thirty minutes after.
Smoking:
DO NOT SMOKE. Smoking will slow down the healing in the surgical area.
Gum Grafts:
If a soft tissue graft is performed please avoid excessive movement at the site. Also, caution when washing, shaving, or make-up placement to the face is necessary. Please do not extend lip to view healing site. Please do not bite into foods for at least 2-3 weeks after the graft. Bleeding from the roof of the mouth may start up to two weeks after surgery. Please wear the stent per our discretion, but do not wear it at night when sleeping.
Swelling:
Some swelling is normal after periodontal surgery. In addition, you may notice some bruising as well. You should use ice packs on the outside of your face: on for ten minutes and off for ten minutes for 3 hours. You can use a warm towel 24 hours after the surgery. Do not use ice if a regenerative material was placed.
Gingival Ulcers:
Any treatment in the mouth may result in the formation of ulcers that typically develop shortly after treatment. If you experience this, the gums may feel suddenly sore and tender in the affected area. This will heal uneventfully in 10-14 days.
Prescriptions:
Prescriptions may be written to insure comfortable healing and will be reviewed on the day of surgery.
Post Surgical Diet Suggestions
Breakfast:
- Oatmeal
- Cream of Wheat
- Eggs - scrambled, soft/hard boiled, poached etc.
- Pancakes/Waffles
- Porridge
Lunch:
- Sandwiches on soft bread - egg salad, tuna, turkey, ham etc.
- Soup (let cool before eating)
- Salads - avoid croutons, small seeds and nuts
- Egg/Spring Rolls
Dinner:
- Pastas - Cook soft and top with your favorite sauce
- Baked Fish
- Chicken or Turkey
- Casseroles
- Vegetables - Any that are steamed and tender
- Potatoes - mashed or baked
Snacks:
- Fruit - ripe bananas, canned peaches and pears, apple sauce
- Cottage Cheese
- Jello
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Jamba Juices are wonderful!
Dessert:
- Ice Cream
- Frozen Yogurt
- Shakes
- Cake/Pie
