Post-operative Instructions

These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs please call office at Roseville Perio Phone Number 916-788-1114 and FOLLOW THE PROMPTS. If it is non-urgent and you prefer to e-mail the doctors you can reach them at [email protected] or [email protected]

• Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 30 minutes; repeat if necessary.
• If gauze is not available, place a moistened tea bag in the area and apply pressure for 30 minutes.
• Call the office if bleeding persists.
• Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours after surgery.
• Do not spit forcefully for 24 hours after the surgery as it may dislodge a blood clot that was formed and trigger bleeding.
• Elevate your head when lying down.  Use a towel over the pillow as a tinge of blood with saliva may drool during sleep.   

Pain Medications

It is common to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for anti-inflammatory medication (Iburpofen 800mg) to help you tolerate the pain / discomfort during the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. In order to avoid pain immediately after surgery, please take the prescribed anti-inflmammatory / pain medication (Norco) rightaway and take one every 4 hours on the clock to avoid pain on the day of surgery. This is only for the day of surgery and you MAY take anti-inflammatory / pain medication the next as you feel the need.  Do not take it if you do not feel the need for it and the discomfort is bearable.  It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.

As an alternative to prescription medications, some patients have found taking a combination of over-the-counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol to be effective. You may take the combination in either of the following dosages: 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 2 Regular Strength Tylenol or 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol, every 4-6 hours as needed.

Note: If you are taking the Ibuprofen 800mg every 4 hours on the day of surgery, you can take 1 Tylenol 500mg (over the counter) in between doses to prolong the action of the ibuprofen and to give a more profound relief from pain.  When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Hydrocodone, or Tylenol 3, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office with any questions you may have. Antibiotics may be prescribed along with your pain medication, it is very important to complete the entire bottle of medication.

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

Swelling

Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically increase 2-3 days after the procedure. To minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off on the day of the procedure.

Diet

Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids for 24 hours. A soft diet is recommended. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, fish, casseroles, and fruits are more easily eaten. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.

Smoking

Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

Rinsing

Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, you may use the prescribed mouthwash as instructed. Repeat as necessary to help keep the dressing clean.

Brushing

Do not brush the surgical site until the stitches come off. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day. You can resume brushing the surgical area typically after 2 week taking care not to be aggressive.

Suture Removal

Depending on the nature of the procedure you may have a self dissolving suture which may typically dissolve in 4-5 days and some instances 2-3 weeks.  You may have a suture removal appointment in 1 or 2 weeks.  If you are a patient for whom Antibiotic Pre-Medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Roseville Perio Phone Number 916-788-1114 by phone or TEXT.