HEALING AFTER PERIODONTIAL SURGERY

ACTIVITY

After leaving the office, relax as much as possible for the remainder of the day. No extremely strenuous activity for several days. Take it. easy and let your body begin the healing process.

DISCOMFORT

Some discomfort may be present when the anesthesia wears off. You have been given a prescription for an anti-inflammatory medicine like MOTRIN, or NAPROSYN, or VIOXX. In rare cases, a stronger narcotic pain medicine has been prescribed that may cause sleepiness (if so, do not drive or drink alcoholic beverages while taking the pills). Please follow the directions printed on the bottle and call the doctor if you have any problems with medications. Usually the pain medications are only needed for a few days. After that, take them only if needed until the follow-up visit for removal of stitches.

SWELLING

To minimize swelling following surgery, apply an ice. bag wrapped in a towel to the outside of the face, 15 minutes on, then 15 minutes off, for a period of no more than two hours.

BLEEDING

It is common to have slight bleeding for a few hours following periodontal surgery. Bleeding is part of the normal healing process to seal the areas around the teeth or in tooth removal sites. It is sometimes helpful to use a LIPTON tea bag soaked in cold water and pressed in the surgical area like gauze for 15 minutes to stop minor bleeding. If bleeding persists beyond the first 24 hours or seems to be excessive, call the doctor.

ORAL HYGIENE

Brushing and regular oral hygiene procedures should be done in all areas (including the surgical site) except if the doctor has told you to avoid the surgical site. Remember that a clean mouth heals much faster! Sometimes a special mouth rinse called PERIOGARD is prescribed to kill bacteria in the mouth.

EATING AND DRINKING

High protein foods and liquids are desirable for a 3-5 day period after surgery. Avoid spicy, salty, and excessively hot or cold foods and liquids. Solid foods are OK but watch out for peanuts, popcorn, and potato chips. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages for the first 4-5 days, since excessive bleeding can result. Pain medications can be intensified or even made deadly when mixed with alcohol.

SMOKING

Please do not smoke during the post-surgical healing period. Wound healing will be delayed and smoking can also cause extreme pain in the gums and bone. It could even destroy your chances for a good result.

ANTIBIOTICS

If an antibiotic like Amoxicillin, KEFLEX, or VIBRAMYCIN (Doxycycline) has been prescribed, take them as directed until all tablets are gone, as long as no adverse reactions (itching, redness, diarrhea) are observed. Yogurt can help your stomach and intestines if diarrhea occurs.

We sincerely hope that your healing period will be short and uneventful. If you have any other concerns or questions, please call 703-894-4867 (Alexandria office) or 703-725-4342 (cell phone).