Periodontal Surgery Post Operative Instructions
What to Expect: During the first day after periodontal surgery, is very important to place ice on your face, 10 minutes on and 20 minutes off, to minimize the potential for swelling and bruising. If any bleeding should occur, pressure applied with gauze to the area for 20 minutes usually stops any bleeding. Please keep your activity to a minimum and avoid rigorous exercise during the first day after surgery. It is important to stay well nourished during your first week of healing.
Surgical Dressing:
At the time of surgery, a periodontal dressing (“pack”) was placed over the surgical site to protect the area. If it comes off prior to the third day, please press it back into place (if you are able) and call the office. We may have to repack the area. Please try to keep the dressing in place until your suture removal appointment.
Diet:
Please maintain a soft diet for the first few days after the surgery has been performed. Avoid products which contain alcohol (such as mouthwash) and alcoholic beverages. Very hot foods may delay healing and should be avoided. Smoking is especially harmful.
Hygiene: Do Not Brush the area where the new graft was placed until after your follow up appointment. If the dressing comes off after the third day and the surgical site is not sensitive, please keep the teeth clean with gentle brushing and keep the graft area clean by rinsing with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in six ounces of warm water). A clean sugical site will facilitate the healing process.
Please call our office with any concerns.