Post-Op Instructions // Seacoast Periodontics & Dental Implants

Post-Op Instructions

1. You have undergone a surgical procedure. A mild degree of swelling, bruising, and discomfort is to be expected. To minimize these, APPLY ICE to the outside of your face adjacent to the surgical area for as much as possible today and tomorrow.

2. AVOID ALL HOT FOODS AND HOT LIQUIDS until tomorrow.

3. AVOID DRINKING THROUGH A STRAW OR SMOKING until tomorrow. If you are a smoker, please bear in mind that smoking causes increased pain and slower healing, and substantially reduces your long-term chances for successful treatment.

4. TAKE 2 Advil (400 mgs. ibuprofen) PLUS 1 Tylenol (325 mgs. acetaminophen) every 4 hours for the rest of today EVEN IF THERE IS NO PAIN. It is much easier to prevent pain than to wait until it starts and then try to control it. If you cannot take Ibuprofen, take 2-3 Tylenol (acetaminophen) tablets, although these are less effective.

5. AVOID CHEWING in the area where surgery was performed for one week for routine periodontal surgery. Eat soft foods high in protein and vitamin C. For example: fish, smoothies, ice cream, tuna salad, pasta, cottage cheese, fruit juice, yogurt. Taking a B complex vitamin for one month may improve healing.

6. If you had a dental implant placed today, AVOID CHEWING on the implant until the final crown is placed.

7. AVOID BRUSHING THE SURGICAL AREA until your sutures are gone. Light flossing once daily is okay.

8. The occurrence of blood stains in your saliva for the rest of today is normal. Please AVOID RINSING YOUR MOUTH TODAY, since this causes increased bleeding. If bleeding is persistent, press a moist tea bag firmly against the bleeding area for 20 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, please call us.

9. AVOID PULLING YOUR LIP TO EXAMINE THE SURGICAL AREA. Tension on your sutures can impair healing.

Post-Op Instructions

1. You have undergone a surgical procedure. A mild degree of swelling, bruising, and discomfort is to be expected. To minimize these, APPLY ICE to the outside of your face adjacent to the surgical area for as much as possible today and tomorrow.

2. AVOID ALL HOT FOODS AND HOT LIQUIDS until tomorrow.

3. AVOID DRINKING THROUGH A STRAW OR SMOKING until tomorrow. If you are a smoker, please bear in mind that smoking causes increased pain and slower healing, and substantially reduces your long-term chances for successful treatment.

4. TAKE 2 Advil (400 mgs. ibuprofen) PLUS 1 Tylenol (325 mgs. acetaminophen) every 4 hours for the rest of today EVEN IF THERE IS NO PAIN. It is much easier to prevent pain than to wait until it starts and then try to control it. If you cannot take Ibuprofen, take 2-3 Tylenol (acetaminophen) tablets, although these are less effective.

5. AVOID CHEWING in the area where surgery was performed for one week for routine periodontal surgery. Eat soft foods high in protein and vitamin C. For example: fish, smoothies, ice cream, tuna salad, pasta, cottage cheese, fruit juice, yogurt. Taking a B complex vitamin for one month may improve healing.

6. If you had a dental implant placed today, AVOID CHEWING on the implant until the final crown is placed.

7. AVOID BRUSHING THE SURGICAL AREA until your sutures are gone. Light flossing once daily is okay.

8. The occurrence of blood stains in your saliva for the rest of today is normal. Please AVOID RINSING YOUR MOUTH TODAY, since this causes increased bleeding. If bleeding is persistent, press a moist tea bag firmly against the bleeding area for 20 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, please call us.

9. AVOID PULLING YOUR LIP TO EXAMINE THE SURGICAL AREA. Tension on your sutures can impair healing.

Post LANAP/LAPIP® Treatment

1. Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of gum tissue following laser therapy. Gum tissue can turn gray, yellow, red, blue, purple and “stringy” and reflects a normal response to laser treatments.

2. You may experience light bleeding, swelling and tenderness for several days. Apply an ice pack on the outside of your face for 20 minutes several times during the first day.

3. Please take the antibiotics you have been prescribed as directed.

4. Do not brush or floss the treated area for 7 days. Rinse gently two times per day with chlorhexidine starting on the day following treatment.

5. Please remain on a diet of soft foods and avoid chewing in the area that was treated for 7 days.

6. The teeth may become sore and tender as the bone and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and become more firm. This is a sign of healing, but also indicates the presence of a bite imbalance that may need to be adjusted.

7. “Spaces” between your teeth can result from reduction of inflammation, swelling, and the removal of diseased tissue after the LANAP® treatment. These spaces usually fill in over time, and again, bite adjustment is critical to making sure the teeth and the gums are not traumatized and can regrow.

8. Tobacco use is associated with gum disease and impaired outcomes post-treatment. Smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco will adversely affect the progress of your healing and may result in recurrence of gum disease in the future. Please let us know if you would like to discuss smoking cessation aids.