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Post Treatment Instruction Form
DO NOT’S: For the next few days, do NOT spit, smoke, floss, rinse, chew hard food, sticky food, consume hot food or drink, drink through a straw, create a “sucking” action in your mouth, use a commercial mouthwash, drink carbonated soda, or use an oral irrigating device.
1. DISCOMFORT AND MEDICATIONS: Periodontal surgery, like other surgical procedures, may be associated with varying degrees of discomfort. This depends on the procedure involved and individual differences. All medications should be taken strictly as prescribed.
2. BLEEDING: You may notice slight bleeding from the surgical site. This type of minor bleeding for one or two days is normal and is not a major concern. If at any time you notice the formation of large blood clots or an obvious flow of blood which is more than slight ooze, notify our office.
3. SUTURES: Sutures (“stitches”) are placed to hold the gingival tissues in the proper position for ideal healing. Do not disturb the sutures with your tongue or toothbrush.
4. DRESSING: The dressing is placed around your teeth to protect the surgical area and should not be disturbed. If small pieces become lost there is no cause for concern.
5. DIET: For your comfort and to protect the surgical area, a soft diet is recommended. Avoid chewing in the area of surgery. Avoid hard, fibrous or “sharp” food such as corn chips. Drink plenty of liquids. It is important to maintain a diet with normal calorie level that is high in protein, minerals and vitamins to support post-operative healing.
6. ORAL HYGIENE: Do not brush on the day of surgery. However, you can brush and floss the teeth which were not involved in the surgery next day and after. The surgical area should not be disturbed for the first week post-operatively. However, you may rinse gently with salt water or with a mouthwash if prescribed by your doctor. After your sutures have been removed, generally after 1 week, you should lightly clean the teeth using a soft toothbrush or as instructed by your doctor. The gentle application of a fluoride gel with your toothbrush will also help to control plaque.
7. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 to 3 days.
8. SWELLING: Some slight swelling of the operated area is normal and may begin after the surgery. An ice pack may be used to minimize swelling. Ice should be placed in a plastic bag and then wrapped in a thin cloth towel and applied directly over the surgical area, fifteen minutes on, fifteen minutes off on a day of surgery. Applying moist heat to the swollen area on the second day of surgery will help the swelling.
9. SMOKING and ALCOHOL: All smoking and alcohol intake should be stopped for one week. The combination of certain pain medications with alcohol is not recommended.
10. PATIENT WITH SINUS GRAFT PROCEDURE: Avoid blowing your nose. If you need to sneeze, please sneeze with you mouth open. Please inform your doctor if you develop sinus congestion that is not minimized with your medications or if you notice any bleeding or discharge from your nose.
11. PRESCRIPTION: Please take antibiotics (Amoxicillin/Clindamycin) as prescribed for one full week and pain medications (Ibuprofen) as needed. If prescribed Medrol Dose Pack (Methylprednisolone): Take as directed on package, if possible begin taking a day before surgery. If you have any adverse reactions to prescribed medications (rashes, itching, swelling, severe diarrhea) stop taking them and go to the nearest hospital if reactions are severe followed by calling us immediately. FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE ON BLOOD THINNER MEDICATIONS: check with your physicians and follow their advice as when to stop and when to go back with blood thinner medications.
Please Note* you will be returning to our office within 7 to 10 days following today’s procedure for your first post-treatment visit.
If you have any questions or problems, please call (301)754-0707