Post-Operative Instructions
Bleeding
Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery. Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area. Minor bleeding is normal for the first post-operative days. If excessive bleeding is noted, apply moderate pressure with moistened gauze of the bleeding site for 20 minutes. If the bleeding cannot be controlled during that time, please contact us.
Swelling
Some swelling is normal following surgery, with it typically peaking on the second or third day following surgery. Swelling can be minimized by applying ice packs on the surgical area (side of face) for the first 48 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
Medications & Pain killers
If antibiotics were prescribed, take them as directed and finish the prescription. If not allergic to ibuprofen, take it every 8 hours for the first 3-4 days. Never drink alcohol or drive with this medication.
Smoking
We suggest you quit smoking for at least 5 days after surgery, in order to avoid possible complications, such as improper healing and graft necrosis.
Diet
A well-balanced soft diet should be followed for the first 3 weeks following surgery. Avoid chewing on the surgical sites. Avoid foods that are hot, spicy, have small seeds (such as berries), or have thin hard husks (such as popcorn), and acidic drinks such as soda and orange juice for the first week. Any cooked meals should be allowed to cool to at least room temperature before eating. Patients are also encouraged to eat colder, soft foods (ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, and milkshakes and drink ice water for the first 3 days following surgery.
Oral hygiene
Never brush or floss any teeth in the surgical areas until sutures are removed and under the guidelines of your periodontist. Starting the day after surgery, use the prescribed chlorhexidine gluconate (0.12%) rinse at least twice a day (after breakfast and before bed), rinsing for 30 seconds. When rinsing, do not swish vigorously to avoid stretching the cheeks. Spit passively, allowing gravity to dump the rinse in the sink. Do not rinse with water, eat, or drink for at least an hour following the rinse. Normal oral hygiene must be used in all non-surgical areas.
Tooth sensitivity
It is normal to have increased sensitivity to hot and cold on your teeth following surgery. This usually goes away after a few weeks; prescription fluoride therapy can accelerate recovery. Your dentist may prescribe toothpastes and/or rinses. Judicious use of fluoride therapy twice a day is necessary for optimal results.
Physical activity
Limit your physical activities the first week following the procedure. Increasing your blood pressure / heart rate with strenuous exercise may cause increased bleeding at the surgical sites.
