Periodontal Surgery Post Op Instructions

PERIODONTAL SURGERY - HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS

You’ve just had surgery on your gums - Now what?

CONTROLLING BLEEDING

• Avoid all strenuous activities for the first 24 hours.
• Slight bleeding is normal for a day or so.
• If bleeding persists, apply pressure to the area with a gauze pad or a clean moist tea bag for 20 minutes.

MEDICATION & DISCOMFORT

• If antibiotics were prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time.
• To control discomfort, take pain medication before the anesthetic is worn off.
• For the first six hours after surgery apply an ice pack, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. This will help decrease pain and swelling.
• After the first 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water three times a day. Use one teaspoon of salt to one glass of warm water.

CHEWING & EATING

• Avoid chewing until the anesthetic has worn off.
• Don’t eat anything for at least two hours following surgery.
• For the first week after surgery, select soft foods you can chew comfortably. Chew on the side of your mouth opposite of the surgery site.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks and hot, spicy foods until your gums are healed.

TOBACCO

• Tobacco usage impairs the healing process. Avoid all tobacco products for at least 72 hours.

BRUSHING & FLOSSING

• Clean the treated areas by gently rinsing with warm water or mouthwash. Avoid vigorous swishing until the area is healed.
• Brush and floss the non-treated areas normally.

WHEN TO CALL US?

Discomfort should diminish day-by-day. If bleeding, swelling, or discomfort increases or continues beyond three days, call us at 440.461.9600.