Medications- Please carefully
follow directions for medications. Take all medications with
a full glass of water. If at any time you should become nauseous
or experience itching or a rash while on medication, discontinue
the use of all medications and contact our office. Women using
birth control medication should be cautioned that antibiotics
may reduce the effectiveness of birth control medications.
Alternative methods of birth control should be employed while
taking antibiotic medications.
Dressing- The periodontal dressing
is placed for your comfort. To facilitate the retention of
this dressing, avoid chewing or cleaning in this area. Should
the dressing become loose, gently remove it with a toothpick.
If the dressing comes off and you are comfortable, rinse gently
with a mild salt water solution or diluted mouth rinse, but
avoid mechanical brushing and flossing. If the dressing comes
off and you are uncomfortable, please call our office.
Bleeding- There will be a minimal
amount of oozing for the next 24 hours. If you experience continuous
or sudden bleeding, you should rinse with ice cold water several
times and then apply a wet tea bag with firm pressure directly
on the area. If bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, call
our office. To minimize the chance of a bleeding problem we
suggest that you not smoke, spit or use a drinking straw for
the first 24 hours. Keeping your head elevated for the first
6 hours after surgery will also minimize bleeding.
Diet- You should eat a well balanced
diet, consisting primarily of soft foods which are easier to
chew. Eggs, soft meats, fish, mashed potatoes, jello and puddings
for the first few days will be easily managed and will not
dislodge the dressing. Food supplements (Metrical, Nutrament,
etc.) are also excellent. Please avoid nuts, popcorn and other
crunchy food following surgery. We suggest that you not bite
directly into hard foods such as apples, carrots or hard breads
following surgery.
Swelling- A slight amount of swelling
is normal and may last for the first 2 or 3 days after surgery.
Swelling can be minimized by the application of an ice pack
over the operated area as soon after surgery as possible. Alternate
the ice for 15 minute intervals (15 minutes on/15 minutes off)
for the first 3 to 4 hours after surgery.
Oral Hygiene- It is important
that you maintain your mouth in a clean state. Although you
should avoid the surgery area, treat the remainder of your
mouth with the same high level of care which you have shown
in the past. If a medicated mouthwash was prescribed, please
use as directed. If no mouthwash was prescribed, gentle rinsing
with warm salt water can be initiated on the second day following
surgery.
General- The post operative periodontal
procedure should be uneventful and comfortable. Do not exert
yourself for the first few days and follow the instructions
above and you should find that no post operative problems will
develop. Please call us if you have any questions.
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