Taking care of yourself AFTER Periodontal Treatment:

Rest: Lying quietly with your head elevated is recommended for the day. Please limit your physical activity. Always get up slowly from a reclining position. Treat yourself as if you have a cold or flu.

Medication: As soon as you arrive home, take one of the capsules prescribed for discomfort. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN for pain control. Aspirin can cause bleeding after surgery. As a substitute use Tylenol or any medication we recommend. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, be sure to take all the medication as directed. If any drug causes nausea, itching or a rash discontinue the drug and call our office immediately.

Periodontal Pack: When necessary, surgical dressing is applied over the sutures to protect the area. It should remain in place until your next appointment when it will either be removed or replaced. Small particles of dressing may chip off, but this is of no consequence unless it causes discomfort. If it comes loose please call our office.

Swelling: Swelling often occurs and is normal. You can mimize the swelling by lacing an ice pack on the side of the surgucal procedure for 30 minutes, then rest for 30 minutes. Repeat as needed.

Bleeding: Some slight seepage of blood is expected after the surgery. Excessive bleeding should not occur. In an emergency apply a moistened tea bag for 20 minutes and call our office.

Rinse: Do not rinse your mouth vigorously for the first day after surgery. Fluids should be swallowed as directly as possible.

Smoking: Reducing your smoking is suggested after the surgery as the heat and smoke can delay the healing process and cause bleeding.

Alcohol: Avoid alcoholic beverages as a severe over-reaction can occur when mixed with the medication.

Oral Hygiene: Oral hygiene is encourage for areas around the surgery. Gentle rinsing after a meal is suffucuent and a Q-tip can be used to clean the periodontal dressing.

Nutrition: It is very important to maintain a balanced diet. Drink at least 2 quarts of fluid a day. Eat foods that are easy to process soups, eggs, custarts, puddings etc.

Occasionally minor complications can occur. Please do not hesitate to call our office if an emergency arises. There are after hours numbers available on our machine if needed.