Post Operative Information
Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 minutes; do not chew on the gauze. After 30
minutes replace the gauze if necessary. Slight oozing is to be expected over the
next few hours.
Do not smoke, spit or suck through a straw for the next 48 hours. Any suction
on the clot may dislodge it and cause continued bleeding or a dry socket. Dry
socket is a painful condition that will require further treatment. Avoid
strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 24-48 hours.
Do not use mouthwash! You may rinse with warm salt water after the first 24
hours. (One teaspoon of salt per 8 ounces water). Do not spit, lean over the sink
and let the water drain out of your mouth.
Brush your teeth as usual. A clean mouth promotes healing. Avoid brushing the
healing area. Be careful not to pick at the site or place anything into the
area. Try not to pack food in that area.
Do not eat until the numbness has worn off. You may injure your cheek or
tongue. Try eating soft foods. Adequate fluid intake is important for healing.
Avoid carbonated drinks or alcoholic beverages. Drink water, juices, or
Gatorade.
It is normal to experience some discomfort following dental surgery. Take
medications such as prescribed, or take over the counter medication. If you have
an allergic reaction (rash, itching, wheezing or coughing) stop taking the
medication. Return to the dental office. If the reaction is severe (difficulty
swallowing or breathing) report to the nearest emergency room immediately. Some
pain medications can cause drowsiness; do not drive while taking them.
Swelling is a normal phase of healing. If you experience swelling apply an
ice pack to the outside of your face. Leave the ice pack in place for 15
minutes, and then remove for 15 minutes. This may be repeated for 24 hours.
After 24 hours you may apply warm moist heat following the same guidelines.
Bleeding following surgery is normal. If profuse bleeding is still occurring
3 to 4 hours after surgery try biting a moist tea bag for 40 minutes. If
bleeding persists call the dental office. Stitches placed during your surgery
are resorbable. If non-resorbable or silk stitches are placed you will have a
follow up appointment for suture removal. Please keep this appointment. Small
bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. If they are painful
call the dental office.
If you have any questions or concerns following your dental surgery please
call the dental office. A phone call may prevent a more serious complication.
Please try to call during normal business hours: call 904-642-2010 daily 8:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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SRP: Post-Op Instructions for
Scaling and Root Planing
Periodontal scaling and root planing or "deep cleaning":
In your periodontal evaluation, we measured the "pockets" around the affected
teeth with a probe to determine how far along bacterial infection has
progressed. We found you're pretty much on the safe side - meaning we can
stabilize the disease with treatment.
Now we're going after that bacteria. Here's how:
Scaling and root planing are something like a routine cleaning. But we reach
further beneath the gum line to clear away the toxins causing inflammation.
Under local anesthetic, we remove plaque and calculus (tartar) deposits, then
smooth the root surface of each tooth to encourage re-attachment of the gum
tissue. These simple procedures go a long way to eliminate the source of gum
problems. Deeper pockets may require additional surgical care to thoroughly
clean away infected tissue and repair the damaged jawbone.
After that, it's your turn. We'll take time with you to explain how to
maintain tissue health at home. Home care - more than anything else- is the key
to successful periodontal therapy.
For the next couple of days, rinse with warm salt water. Continue to brush
with a soft toothbrush. Remember, you need to brush for 2 minutes up top and 2
minutes on the bottom. Now that you had instruction on flossing the proper way,
make sure that you do it!! Floss.
You may have some sensitivities for the next couple of days.
Your next visit should take about an hour. Give yourself a pat on the back.
You're heading off periodontal disease - and saving your teeth.
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