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.
Pain Medications
It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. If necessary, you may take your pain medication more frequently than every 4-6 hours to stay ahead of the soreness. 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: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicoden or Tylenol with Codeine, 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
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 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Continue using ice for 2-3 days following the procedure as needed.
Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:
- Do not rinse your mouth.
- Elevate your head when lying down.
- Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes; repeat if necessary.
- Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
- Call the office if bleeding persists.
Diet
Avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 hour following the surgery. A soft diet is recommended for one week following the surgery. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes are more easily eaten. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.
Smoking
Do not smoke following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol until advised by the doctor.
Rinsing
Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. Starting the 2nd day, start using (1) antibacterial mouth rinse (Peridex, Chlorohexidine) twice a day for 30 secs each time, and (2) use salt water rinse every 3 hours. Continue using the two mouth rinses for a week following the surgery.
Brushing
Do not brush the surgical site until advised by the doctor.
Suture Removal
Sutures are dissolvable. Most of the sutures are will dissolve on their own before the scheduled first week appointment. Some of the dissolvable sutures are longer lasting and will be removed typically 3 weeks after the surgery.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Albany Periodontics Phone Number (518) 489-5458.