Post Surgical Instructions

THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE DESIGNED TO HELP MINIMIZE POST–SURGICAL DISCOMFORT, AND INFORM YOU OF SITUATIONS THAT MAY REQUIRE SPECIAL ATTENTION.

1. DISCOMFORT:

Mild to moderate discomfort may be experienced for a day or two following most periodontal and implant surgical procedures.

Motrin 800mg (ibuprofen) has been prescribed and should be taken for two to three days. Take this medication as prescribed on the bottle. If needed after the first 2 days, the prescription may be refilled or over the counter ibuprofen 200mg tablets may be used. It works as an anti-inflammatory, pain preventative and pain reliever. If discomfort is experienced in between the doses of Motrin, a stronger pain medication such as Vicodin or Darvocet may be taken. It is advisable to take the medication with food to avoid stomach distress.

2. SWELLING:

You may experience swelling and bruising which may increase during the first 2–3 days. In order to prevent or minimize swelling, it is necessary to hold an ice pack on your face over the area of the surgery. The ice pack should be held in place for twenty minutes, and removed for ten minutes. This procedure should be repeated for the first 24 to 48 hours. If there is more than one surgical procedure, multiple ice packs can be used or a single ice pack can be shifted from one area to the next every fifteen minutes. If swelling occurs persists after the first 24–48 hours, apply moist heat to the involved area as often as is convenient. Contact the office if swelling increases after the first 3 days.

A Medrol Dose pack is prescribed after certain procedures to minimize swelling. Follow the instructions on the package.

3. BLEEDING:

Some bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Since it only takes a small amount of blood to discolor the saliva, do not become alarmed, as this is normal. In order to prevent bleeding problems, it is advisable to avoid rinsing vigorously, or to use a straw, for the first twenty–four hours following surgery.

If excessive bleeding, continuous bleeding, or large clots occur, do the following:

1. Stop taking Motrin as this can sometimes prevent normal clotting.
2. Wipe the clot away using sterile gauze pads.
3. To help visualize the bleeding area, rinse gently.
4. Look in the mirror with a small flashlight and try to see exactly where the bleeding is coming from.
5. Apply a moistened tea bag to the immediate area with moderate pressure for twenty minutes. Repeat if necessary.
6. If bleeding continues, please call the office or, after hours, call the home or pager number on the back the brochure given to you at the surgical appointment.

4. DRESSING: (bandage or packing)

In order to protect the surgical area, it is sometimes necessary to place a dressing. This is a pink, putty-like material that is placed around the teeth in the area of the surgery. It may stay in place until your first postoperative visit. However, at times, the entire dressing or small pieces of it may break off. This is of no concern unless the area becomes uncomfortable.

With certain soft tissue grafts, a tissue glue & mesh dressing may be used. It is normal for this to deteriorate and come off prior to your first post–operative visit. Make every effort not to disturb the dressing or the graft during the healing phase.

5. ORAL HYGIENE:

In order to help the surgical area heal as rapidly as possible, it is necessary to minimize bacterial growth. You have been given a prescription for chlorhexidine, an antiseptic mouth rinse. This mouth rinse will adequately control the bacteria in the surgical area.

Do not brush, floss or use a Waterpik in the surgical area. This will allow the surgery to heal undisturbed.

It is extremely important to continue routine oral hygiene procedures on those teeth that have not been treated surgically.

Gently hold approximately 1/2 ounce of chlorhexidine in the surgical area morning and evening, starting the day after surgery. It is important not to rinse or swish, but to just hold the chlorhexidine gently in the surgical area without puffing out or stretching the cheeks. This will allow the surgery to heal undisturbed.

6. DIET:

In order to achieve the maximum healing response, we recommend the following dietary guidelines:

1. Eat a soft nutritional diet rich in protein and vitamin C. Follow the recommendation for a soft diet that we have provided on a separate sheet.
2. Try to avoid chewing in the area of surgery. If surgery has been done on both sides of your mouth, chew gently and carefully.
3. Avoid foods with seeds, nuts and shells.
4. Following surgery, your teeth may be sensitive to hot, cold, spicy and acidic foods. Avoid them only if they are causing you a problem.
5. If a dressing has been placed, avoid hot foods for two hours. This will allow the dressing to set properly.

7. SPECIAL MEDICATIONS:

Antibiotics may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. In order to prevent an infection, it is necessary to take all the prescribed antibiotics as close to the advised time schedule as possible. In order for Doxycycline to be effective, it should not be taken with any dairy products. However, do not take Doxycycline on an empty stomach. To ensure that the antibiotic will provide the most benefit, finish the prescription.

8. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:

It is advisable to limit vigorous physical activity for 72 hours. This will help prevent any bleeding problems.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

GUM GRAFTS, BONE GRAFTS AND BONE REGENERATION PROCEDURES:

1. In order to allow for maximum bone generation, it is important not to disturb the area mechanically for four to six weeks. In order to accomplish this, avoid flossing and brushing in the area of bone regeneration and bone grafting for four to six weeks after surgery. The doctor or nurse will tell you when it is safe to brush and floss these areas.
2. In order to prevent fluid accumulation around the graft, it is recommended that you sleep elevated on two pillows during the first night following surgery. In addition, do not lie on the side of the surgery.

If any questions or problems occur, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling the office.