Post Surgical Instructions

1. Discomfort, Swelling, Bleeding, Heat and Cold

You may expect some minor bleeding, some swelling, and some soreness. Over the counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, etc.) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.) is recommended to relieve the discomfort. If there is definite bleeding in an area, take a piece of gauze, moisten it with cold water, squeeze it out, and hold it firmly against the bleeding area for one-half hour. Cold packs or ice may be held on the facial area nearest the surgery site during the first six to twelve hours after your surgery to inhibit swelling. Apply for twenty minutes to the area and then ten minutes off for at least one hour.

2. Diet

Highly seasoned foods, tart fruit juice, or concentrated alcoholic beverages may cause some discomfort temporarily. Do not use a straw for drinking. Maintain a well balanced soft diet. Avoid hard foods and those which are very hot or very cold.

3. Physical Activity

Strenuous physical activity such as swimming, aerobics, or running should be curtailed for at least twenty-four to forty-eight hours. It is normal to feel tired following surgery. Follow a relaxed regime until your suture removal appointment.

4. Medication and Rinses

In addition to non-aspirin pain medication, antibiotics and/or mouth rinses may be prescribed for you. Please follow the directions to completion. With the use of PerioGard RX mouth rinse, the following may be anticipated: staining of teeth and tongue, increased tartar on teeth and altered taste perception. The related adverse event(s) resolve with discontinued use and does not have a clinically adverse effect. The stain and tartar can be removed at the post-surgical evaluation. Your doctor should be advised of any unusual reactions such as undue swelling, heat, or a pounding sensation in the area of your surgery after the first twenty-four hours.

5. Oral Hygiene

The biting surfaces of those teeth covered by a dressing may be brushed with a soft brush. It is very important that the oral hygiene regime as prescribed by your doctor be followed after surgery.

6. Dressings and Sutures

Dressings will be used on occasion to protect the surgery areas. The surgical dressing you have in your mouth will harden in approximately one-half hour. Do not rinse, drink or eat during this time.

If no dressing is used, you will see the small black sutures between your teeth. They must remain intact until your next appointment. Please notify us if you notice that a suture is missing or loose. Normally, sutures are removed five to eleven days following your surgery.

Post Surgical Dietary Suggestions

PLEASE DO NOT USE A STRAW WHEN CONSUMING ANY BEVERAGES

Listed below are some suggestions of Soft Food Choices following Dental Surgery.

• Broths/Bouillon, Soups & Chili
• Jello/Pudding, Yogurt
• Carnation Instant Breakfast, Smoothies, Ensure, Shakes/Malts
• Scrambled eggs, Oatmeal, Bananas, Pancakes
• Macaroni & cheese, Pastas
• Mashed potatoes, Rice, Baked fish, Meatloaf