Post-Op Instructions at Peachtree Periodontics and Dental Implants
Medications
If you have been sedated with narcotic medications, you may feel weak and dizzy for a day. Realizing this, be careful when doing anything that calls for your attention or control (like driving). When standing up or going to the restroom, you may feel faint. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while under the influence of the narcotic medication. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them as directed until the entire prescription is taken.
Peridex
If you have been given a prescription for Peridex oral rinse, today or any other time during treatment, please continue using it as directed until we direct you to discontinue this rinse. If you have concerns regarding any side effects, such as surface staining of teeth or changes in taste, please inform us.
Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding, for several hours after surgery, is normal. To reduce the chance of excessive bleeding, avoid hot liquids and frequent rinsing. Don’t exercise for at least 72 hours. Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated. If the bleeding continues, apply a wet tea bag with pressure to the area involved for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, call the doctor.
Gingival Graft Site
If a gingival gum graft was performed and the donor site (usually the roof of the mouth) begins to bleed, take dampened gauze and wipe the site clean. Then try to pinpoint the bleeding area and take a piece of dampened gauze (single layer) and applu pressure for ten minutes. Leave the gauze in place for another twenty minutes. After removing, if the site is still bleeding, use dampened gauze to clean the site and apply a dampened tea bag with pressure for ten minutes. Following this procedure, if bleeding continues, please page the doctor. Do not use a straw for 48 hours. It will create a vacuum in your mouth and cause additional bleeding.
Swelling
Place an ice pack on your face over the operated area to minimize swelling. Keep it on for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes, alternating until bedtime. After the first day, apply heat, not cold, to the area. Swelling often peaks on the 3rd or 4th day, following surgery.
Pain
As with any other surgery, discomfort follows periodontal surgery. Take the prescribed pain medication, as soon as possible after surgery, and continue this on a regular basis throughout the first day, usually every four hours. Beginning the day after surgery, use the pain pills as needed. If the medication makes you nauseous, take it with food such as milk. Please call if problems persist.
Dressing
If you find pink dressing material around the teeth, this is an intra-oral bandage to protect the operated areas. It should stay in place until your next appointment, which will be in 5-10 days, at which time it will be removed. Small pieces may chip off. Do not let this concern you. If a large section becomes dislodged and the area becomes painful, it may be necessary to replace it. If the surgical area is not uncomfortable without the dressing, do not be concerned. Saline rinse will keep the area clean. (Do not make a solution stronger than 1 Tsp. Salt to 1 cup warm water.)
Eating
It is important to eat well and be well nourished to insure proper healing. Patients who maintain a balanced diet of soft foods, generally feel better, have less discomfort and heal faster. Your teeth will probably be sore when chewing, which might necessitate a soft diet, but EAT WELL! Do not use a straw for 48 hours.
Tooth Sensitivity
For several weeks following surgery, teeth will be frequently sensitive, especially to cold. This sensitivity will usually diminish with time. Desensitizing treatment may be required for some patients following surgery. Please let us know how you are doing with sensitivity.
Oral Hygiene
Beginning the day of surgery, brush and floss in all areas except where the dressing is placed. Diluted salt water rinses and a mild mouthwash may be used 24 hours after surgery. It is essential to keep your teeth and tongue as clean as possible.
Diabetic Patient
Diabetes and poor circulation can slow the healing process and may increase the risk for infection. It is our goal to create an environment that maximizes healing in the shortest amount of time, thus, it is essential that you take all medications as directed, follow all care instructions and keep your glucose at the proper levels following your surgery.
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