Periodontal Dressings (pack)
The material that you feel around your teeth is the periodontal surgical dressing. It will become firm in about an hour and should not be disturbed while it is setting. It should remain in place until your next appointment when it will either be removed or replaced. Small particles of the dressing may chip off but this is of no consequence unless it causes discomfort. Should a sizable portion of the dressing come loose, gently ease it away from the sutures, and do not tug on it. If a sizable portion of the dressing does come off within the first two days or at any further time (causing discomfort) please call the office.

Pain
The degree of discomfort, experienced post-op varies greatly on an individual basis. Most discomfort can be controlled by 400-600mg of Ibuprofen (2-3 tabs Advil) taken every 6-8 hours. If this proves to be inadequate, a prescription for a stronger analgesic may be issued and should be used as directed. Clenching and grinding is the most common cause of pain post-operatively.

Swelling / Bruising
In some cases swelling is to be expected. To help alleviate this, ice packs may be applied to the outside of the face over the area of the surgery for ten minutes on, and ten minutes off for the balance of the day and all of the second day. Ice cubes in a plastic bag can serve as an ice pack. If swelling and discomfort persist, warm wet compresses and warm salt water rinses may be used over the area on the third and subsequent days. Flying within a few days of surgery is associated with greater risks of swelling and post-operative complications. An increase in swelling and throbbing has also been noted with intense physical activity. You may note discoloration / bruising in the cheek areas. This is as a consequence of blood leaking into the soft tissues. The color may change from purple – yellow as the blood breaks down. It may take up to one week for your color to completely return to normal.

Bleeding
Do not be concerned if traces of blood are noted in the saliva for several hours after the operation. Do not rinse too vigorously for the first two days as disruption of the clot may occur. It is best to avoid hot foods or fluids until the second day following surgery. If continuous, excessive bleeding occurs, please contact the office.

Oral Hygiene
The success of the surgical procedure is greatly dependent on maintaining meticulous oral hygiene. In the first week following surgery, you will be required to gently rinse the surgical site with the prescribed mouthwash. Peridex/Periogard prevents plaque from forming and you should use this rinse as often as you eat thus preventing debris from lodging around the sutures. After a few weeks of use you may note slight staining of the teeth, like tea or coffee stain; this is a side effect from using the mouthwash and the stain can easily be removed. You may also note altered taste sensation that usually lasts 1 - 2 weeks. Elsewhere throughout the mouth you can use a toothbrush etc., taking great care not to overlap onto the surgical site. Once the dressing has been removed, meticulous plaque control will be necessary to insure uneventful wound healing and prevent the development of root sensitivity. Proxabrushes and soft toothbrushes should be used immediately after the dressings have been removed.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be prescribed depending on the surgical procedure. It is important that these antibiotics be taken completely as directed.

Nutrition
It is necessary to maintain an adequate diet after surgery but you are required to eat softer foods. You can chew on the opposite side of the mouth and should avoid extremely hard or spicy foods. Below you will find a list of foods that do provide nourishment with little if any chewing necessary for swallowing. Do not use a straw.

• Broths
• Custards or puddings
• Soups
• Malted Milk and Shakes
• Eggs
• Chopped or ground meat
• Food supplement such as Metrecal or
  Carnation Instant Breakfast
• Yogurt
• Ice Cream
• Fish
• JELLO
• Pasta / Rice

Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity following surgery is almost totally related to an inadequate level of plaque control. After the first week, you can reintroduce a soft toothbrush and use interdental cleaning aides with great care. Do not use an electric brush or other mechanical device.

You will assist the healing response by observing the following procedures:

1. Avoid clenching and grinding
2. Maintain meticulous oral hygiene
3. Refrain from smoking
4. Attempt to maintain a balanced diet
5. Avoid vigorous exercise, get as much rest as possible
6. Apply ice within the first 2 days

Questions or Concerns:
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us: