Post-Operative instructions for Periodontal treatment

• When the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort. In order to help you during this period, please take the prescribed medication if needed. Anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil or Motrin are very helpful when take regularly for 5 days.

• If an antibiotic was prescribed, please complete the prescription, unless instructed otherwise. If you experience a reaction such as a rash, stop taking the medication and please call.

• Swelling increases three days after a procedure and may last for two or three days. To help reduce this, immediately after surgery, an ice-pack may be applied to the cheek, alternating on and off for periods of 5-10 minutes. Often bruising is noted after the procedure and warm moist heat is helpful. This can be accomplished by the use of a moist wash-cloth or a gel-pak from a pharmacy.

• You may notice light bleeding for up to 3 days after the surgery. This is common. If there is more considerable bleeding, apply pressure by squeezing a moist gauze pad or moist tea-bag over the area for 10 minutes. Repeat this up to 45 minutes. Do not rinse vigorously as this will increase the bleeding.

• Please limit yourself to a soft diet for 3-5 days. Do not drink through a straw for 24 hours as this creates suction which may cause or increase bleeding. Try to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks. Avoid carbonated beverages, highly seasoned and sticky foods.

• Beginning tomorrow, you should rinse your mouth gently every 3-4 hours with a glass of warm water mixed with ½ teaspoon of salt. This is to promote healing and removes food which accumulates. This may be repeated for up to 1 week after the surgery.

• Do not brush the surgical area for at least one week. You should brush in your regular routine the other areas of your mouth. If a prescription mouthwash was given, ½ capful should be used after brushing as directed. It is very important that your mouth be kept as clean and plaque-free as possible.

• You may resume your regular activities but should avoid excessive exertion for one week. Exercise should be limited to light aerobic activity without elevating your blood pressure.