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Post Op Care

PERIODONTAL OR DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY

Surgical Dressing

A surgical dressing protects the area of surgery and reduces discomfort. It is important that the dressing remain in place as long as possible, even if it until your next appointment. In order to avoid dislodging the dressing:

  1. Do not chew in the area of the dressing.

  2. Brush only the biting surfaces of the teeth and not the sides of your teeth.

  3. Rinse three times a day with Crest Pro-Health or Listerine Zero.

  4. Do not at any time, vigorously rinse your mouth.

Occasionally the dressing is lost prior to your next appointment. If this occurs rinse the area gently but DO NOT brush any teeth in the area of the surgery.

No Surgical Dressing

In some cases, there is better healing and patient comfort without the placement of a dressing.  In this case, DO NOT BRUSH in the surgical area until directed to do so by Dr. Mason. As a substitute for brushing at the surgical site, gently rinse at least three times/day with the recommended mouth rinse. You may notice an increased sensitivity to heat/cold, so be cautious when eating hot/cold foods/liquids. If implant(s) have been placed, do not brush the gum and stitches over the implant(s). 

Bleeding

You may expect a slight amount of bleeding during the remainder of the day and sometimes the next day. Bleeding can generally be controlled through pressure.  Apply a moist tea bag, tightly rolled gauze, or clean cloth to the bleeding area.  Apply with pressure for 15 minutes without interruption.  This will control most bleeding situations. 

Swelling

Swelling is often a normal result after surgical procedures. It may persist for several days and can peak up to 3 days after surgery. Swelling should not cause alarm but if you notice an abnormal taste in your mouth please contact our office. Swelling may be reduced by applying cold packs to the surgical areas for a period of a few hours.  These ice packs should be applied for 10 minutes and then removed for 10 minutes.  Do not use heat.  If swelling is severe or persistent, please call my office. 

Physical Activity

Restrict your activities and rest for the remainder of the day. Do not engage in strenuous activity.  No bending over or physical work, including heavy lifting for 3-4 days after surgery.

Diet

DO NOT chew in the area of the surgery. Maintain a well-balanced soft diet (broth, soup, ice cream, oatmeal, bread, eggs, cooked vegetables, ground meat, cheese etc.). You may find it easier to cut your food into smaller pieces and chew more slowly. Avoid hard/crunchy foods. Highly seasoned foods, fruit juice and concentrated alcohol beverages may cause some discomfort

Smoking

Smoking will interfere with healing. It is recommended to quit or to reduce smoking for 6 – 8 weeks after surgery.

Medication & Rinses

You may experience minor bleeding, swelling or soreness. If needed, you may take 2 non-aspirin pain tablets to relieve discomfort every 4-6 hours. If you have been given a prescription for an antibiotic, take the total dosage as prescribed.  If you should have a reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or stomach upset, discontinue the medication and please call the office immediately.  Gently rinse your mouth at least 3 times daily with the prescribed mouth rinse to keep the surgical site clean.

Postoperative Appointments

The first weeks after the periodontal surgery are very significant with regard to healing and regeneration of gingival tissues, so I will require that you come in at least twice after surgery or until the tissues are healed sufficiently for you to carry out adequate daily removal of bacterial plaque. 

GUM GRAFT SURGERY

Follow all post-operative instructions as listed above following periodontal or dental implant surgery. Additionally, be sure to wear the retainer fitted for you to cover the roof of your mouth each night.  This will keep the tongue away from stitches and improve healing of the roof of the mouth donor site.  The retainer can be worn during the day and with meals.  Most importantly, do NOT pull your lip down to look at the surgical area!

TOOTH REMOVAL

Follow all post-operative instructions as listed above following periodontal or dental implant surgery. Additionally, avoid sucking on straws or forceful spitting as it can dislodge the blood clot that forms in your tooth socket. Also, it is imperative that you AVOID smoking after tooth extraction as smoking can cause a dry socket to develop.

SINUS LIFT

Follow all post-operative instructions as listed above following periodontal or dental implant surgery. Additionally, do NOT blow your nose for 3 weeks after the surgery. Restrict major physical activity and exercise for 10 days after the surgery. Also, avoid bending over and doing any heavy lifting for 3 weeks. Some bleeding from your nose can be expected.

Please contact our office if you have any questions, (231) 932-4223.

I am very happy with my new implant. The doctor and staff are very professional and skilled. Very gentle and kind as well.
—Jana H.