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.

MEDICATIONS

Periodontal (gum) surgery has just been performed. This surgery may be associated with varying degrees of discomfort. This depends on an individual. If analgesic have been described, it is usually best to take the first dose while the surgical site is still numbed. All the medication should be strictly taken as described. Variation from the prescribed regimen can affect healing and the success of your procedure.

  • Take 3 Advil (2 Tylenol) every 6 hours as needed for pain.
  • Take the prescribed medication as instructed.
  • If you discontinued taking any medications (such as Coumadin, Aspirin, etc.) prior to your procedure, you may resume taking them the day after your treatment.

 SURGICAL DRESSING

To keep the treated areas comfortable and help to protect the area, surgical dressing may have been used. If the dressing was used, it should remain in place, until your post-operative appointment the following week. It is normal for small pieces of the dressing to chip-off. If the entire dressing should become dislodged in the first three days, you should contact the dental office to determine whether or not it should be replaced.

 APPLICATION OF COLD

For the first 24 hours, application of cold to the area is helpful to decrease swelling. For the first 2-3 hours, an ice pack should be applied externally at the intervals of 10 minutes, followed by no ice for 10 minutes. For the first day liquids are beneficial and hot liquids should be avoided completely.

 NUTRITION

A good diet (rich in protein) is essential for proper healing. A semi-soft high protein diet is recommended for your comfort after surgery (please refer to pre-operative instructions for types of food). High protein supplements are available at your pharmacy (i.e. Ensure, Boost, etc.). Foods that are spicy, fibrous or crunchy in texture should be avoided as they may injure the healing tissues or dislodge the dressing. NO SMOKING or ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES for 7 days. No hot coffee or tea for at least 48 hours. Food and drinks must be at room temperature or colder. Do not spit or use a straw until after your follow up appointment.

 RINSING

To keep the surgery area clean and comfortable, we recommend a warm water & salt rinse (one half teaspoon of salt in 8oz of warm water) to be started 48 hours following the surgery and be continued until your post-op appointment. This should be done several times a day or as often as necessary for your comfort. Of course, the routine cleaning of your other teeth is important and should be continued by brushing and flossing. NO brushing or flossing in the area of surgery until after your post-op appointment or instructed otherwise. NO rinsing with any over the counter mouthwashes (i.e. Scope, Listerine, etc.)

 ACTIVITY

You may resume normal activity following periodontal surgery. We recommend complete rest the day of surgery, and excessive exertion should be avoided for 4-5 days.

 POST-SURGICAL PROBLEMS

For the first few hours following surgery, it is normal for a small amount of blood to appear in the saliva. If there is considerable bleeding, for gingival graft procedures, you should take a tea bag (Lipton tea, black tea, etc.), moisten in with water, fold it in half, and apply pressure on the bleeding area continuously for 5-10 minutes. If bleeding persists, call the dental office right away.

If you experience swelling that increases after 48 hours, discomfort that is not controlled by the prescribed medications, have a fever, or are uncertain about your progress in healing, please contact the office Pinole office (510)724-5633 or Walnut Creek office (925)938-5633. After office hours only, you can reach Dr. Harandi’s cell phone at (510) 910-4492, leave a message, and he will return your call as soon as possible.