Post Operative Instructionsfor Periodontal Treatment
Important Information to Remember:
DO NOT pull your lip or cheek to look in the mirror, you could cause harm to the surgical site!
Tobacco products can increase the chances of complications following mouth surgery.
Avoid smoking and vaping for the next TWO WEEKS.
Squat, don’t bend your head down to pick something up.
Avoid using a straw for the first 5 days after surgery.
No exercising for the first 3-5 days after surgery.
Mild bleeding is to be expected for the first 3-4 days. If bleeding increases during that time, you can apply pressure to the area for 20 min using damp gauze or a moist black tea bag.
Avoid rinsing vigorously or spitting. Starting the next day after surgery, gently rinse with, either the Stellalife rinse given to you in the office or with warm salt water.
If advised to use warm salt water, start by mixing 1 tablespoon salt with 8 oz of warm water. Let the rinse fall out of your mouth into the sink. Do not spit; doing so can increase bleeding.
Remember, you’ve just had an operation; take ALL medications as prescribed. It’s important to finish all antibiotics and minimize physical activity for a few days.
For the next 48 hours, keep the surgical area as cold as possible.
A bandage may cover the surgical area. This paste-like covering will harden and will most likely stay in place until your next appointment (approximately 2 weeks). Pieces of this bandage may break off, but this is not a problem.
Eating After Periodontal Surgery
Can Be a Frustrating Process
Here’s a list of food suggestions to make sure you have a clear understanding of what you can and cannot eat after surgery.
Eat cooler foods for the first 48 hours after surgery and then soft foods (cool or warm) for the remaining two weeks.
Here are some ideas of foods you can eat:
Apple sauce, yogurt, pudding, soup, scrambled eggs
Jell-O, ice cream
Bananas, avocado
Well-cooked vegetables
Mashed potatoes, hummus
Fish, pasta
Smoothies (avoid seeds and don’t use a straw)
Milkshakes (no straw)
Beans, tofu, cottage cheese, soft cheese
Meatloaf, deli meats, tuna or chicken salad (no celery)
What to avoid:
Hard to chew foods can impact the surgery site, dislodge blood clots, and delay healing. Some examples are steak, beef jerky, and raw vegetables.
Crunchy foods like potato chips, granola, any type of nuts, popcorn, or hard breads.
Grains and seeds can get lodged in surgical sites and complicate healing. This includes rice, quinoa, and strawberries.
Pain after Periodontal Treatment
It is normal to have some discomfort. Start taking the pain medication as soon as possible. If you have been prescribed a narcotic, do not drive as this medication causes drowsiness.
Swelling after Periodontal Treatment
Swelling is to be expected. It is usually most pronounced on the second or third day. Keeping the surgical area cold for the first 48 hours helps to minimize the swelling. After the first 48 hours warm, moist compresses can be applied to reduce any additional swelling. Bruising may also appear with the swelling and will disappear within 7-10 days.
Bleeding after Periodontal Treatment
It is not unusual to have some minor bleeding during the first 24 hours. If bleeding increases, apply firm pressure to the site with a moist gauze pad or tea bag for 20 minutes. Also, when lying down, keep your head elevated.
Brushing after Periodontal Treatment
You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site. However, brush and floss the rest of your teeth normally.
Things to keep in mind: The affected teeth may appear to be loose until the area is fully healed. You may also notice some sensitivity to hot and cold, to tooth brushing, and to some foods. If sensitivity doesn’t decrease on it’s own, there are different things we can suggest that you try.
Soft Tissue Graft Healing
Do not brush or floss the grafted area. You may be prescribed an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help keep the area clean; start using it the day after surgery and rinse with it twice a day. The rinse can stain your teeth and tongue, but it can be easily removed with a dental cleaning.
A thin fabric-like bandage may be placed on the graft site. The bandage will most likely dissolve on its own.
Bone Grafts and Implant Healing
Do not brush or floss the surgical area for the first 2 weeks after surgery. You may be prescribed an antimicrobial mouth rinse to help keep the area clean. Start using it the day after surgery and rinse with it twice a day. The rinse can stain your teeth and tongue, but it can be easily removed with a dental cleaning.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re dedicated to providing expert periodontal care for the people in and around our communities.
Our experienced periodontists use state-of-the-art technologies throughout all of our services, because your comfort is most important to us. Find out why Periodontal Health Center is one of the top periodontists in Tampa and New Port Richey when you schedule an appointment with us.