Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology

William M. Grover, DDS

Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology

Metro (817) 481-1622

Care Following Periodontal Surgery

SWELLING:

Some facial swelling may occur up to 72 hours after surgery. To prevent or minimize such swelling, ice chips dissolved slowly in the mouth and cold packs applied on the outside of the face for several hours after surgery will be beneficial. After the first day, any swelling is best treated by the application of hot compresses on the outside of the face.

BLEEDING:

A small amount of bleeding will occur for up to 24 hours after surgery. If heavy or persistent bleeding occurs, call for instructions.

DISCOMFORT:

Discomfort will vary in intensity according to the extent of the surgery. For many people, use of the newer anti-inflammatory medications available without a prescription will provide very effective relief. Initially, use ibuprofen (common brand names are Advil, Nuprin, or Motrin), taking 2 or 3 of the 200 mg. tablets every 4 hours, or naproxen sodium (brand name is Alleve), taking 2 of the 220 mg. tablets every 6 to 8 hours. Use of any prescribed pain medication can then be reserved as back-up to the anti-inflammatory type of medication to address any remaining discomfort. Please use the prescribed tablets or capsules as directed. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL OR DRIVE AFTER TAKING THE PRESCRIBED MEDICATION. It is best to take pain medication with milk, juice, or warm water, NOT on an empty stomach. If you experience nausea while taking the pain medication, discontinue use.

PLEASE TAKE YOUR NEXT DOSE OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AT______

CARE OF THE MOUTH:

The mouth can be gently rinsed with warm salt water the day of surgery. THE NEXT DAY, begin brushing all exposed portions of the teeth gently to remove any food debris. Also, brush the surfaces of the tongue. Only clean in between teeth NOT involved in the surgery the first week. If a chlorhexidine mouth rinse is prescribed, begin using it immediately. Continue with the rinse twice daily after brushing until the bottle is used completely (approximately two to three weeks). If you have been given a special toothbrush to use after treatment has been done, discontinue use of this brush after one week. Please avoid drinking through a straw for the first week. Any exercise routines can be resumed 24 to 48 hours following your procedure. Your sutures are resorbable, but may last up to 6 weeks.

DIET:

For your own comfort, take cool liquids and/or very soft foods, including “Instant Breakfast” and soup (as long as it is not piping hot). Scrambled eggs, milkshakes, pudding, custards, and ice cream can also be eaten the day of surgery. Thereafter, solid foods can be reintroduced to your diet as you find it comfortable to do so.

SMOKING:

Smoking has been proven to delay healing and, in some cases, to cause undue post-operative pain. Smokers have six times more healing problems than non-smokers.

QUESTIONS?

If you have ANY questions, please call our office. It is better to discuss any problems with Dr. Grover or his staff than to listen to the advice of a well-meaning relative or friend.