The following advice is offered to minimize the discomfort and optimize healing following periodontal surgery.
Bleeding
If you are on any anticoagulants notify us prior to surgery so we can discuss this with your primary physician. Let us know what you are taking for vitamins and herbal supplements. To avoid inducing bleeding, avoid sucking on a straw, spitting, and drinking carbonated beverages the day of surgery. No strenuous exercise the day of surgery. If bleeding does occur, apply non-stop pressure to the area for 20 minutes, and then call the office.
Pain
Celebrex, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol are very effective for pain relief. You will be given a prescription to be taken following surgery. It is important that you take this for at least four days for relief of discomfort and swelling. You will be given a stronger medication if it is necessary. Do not hesitate to call if you are uncomfortable. Do not take extra medicines such as tranquilizers, pain pills, or sleeping pills without consultation. *NOTE* you must read pharmacy literature for all prescriptions provided.
Swelling
Swelling is a natural reaction to any injury and part of the normal course of healing. Surgical procedures are a form of injury. Some swelling is necessary and good, as it brings the cells and fluids that are necessary to heal and repair injured tissues. Please know that swelling peaks on the third to fourth day following surgery, therefore, your prescription taken as directed will greatly diminish any swelling. Ibuprofen should be taken for four full days needed or not! You may find you have more comfort if you wake yourself to take the ibuprofen during the first night or two following surgery.
Smoking
Please refrain from smoking for at least twenty-four hours following a surgical procedure to avoid disruption of the normal clotting process. Smoking contributes to post-operative infections and delays healing.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages tend to cause dehydration, which may slow healing. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN TAKING PAIN PILLS, TRANQUILIZERS, OR SLEEPING PILLS!
Home Care
It is extremely important to avoid brushing and flossing the surgical area until instructed to do so. You will be given specific instructions on how to take care of the area at your follow up appointment. However, you should continue to brush and floss the remaining teeth. Use the prescribed mouth rinse (Chlorhexidine) ONLY twice a day until further instructed. Warm water rinses can be done between meals. You WILL NOT be able to use your electric toothbrush at the surgical site for an extended period of time. Approximately 1-2 months.
Surgical Stent
Your surgical stent is made of acrylic and is designed for your comfort after your grafting procedure. Use of the stent will help to eliminate the risk of post-surgical bleeding and minimize discomfort associated with the donor site on the palate. Stents should be worn non-stop for the first 48 hours after the procedure. Removal of the stent to complete oral hygiene is important. The stent should be rinsed and brushed before placement back into the mouth. After the first 48 hours, stents may be worn as needed to provide comfort. Many patients find they prefer to wear their stent while eating during the healing phase. Please consider bringing the stent to the office after it is no longer needed. We will store it for you. This will ensure that it is available, if needed, for future grafting procedures. It is possible that night guards may not be able to be worn along with the stent. This will only be necessary for the first two nights following surgery.
Avoid
Do not pull on your lip or cheek to look at the area. This will cause a disturbance to the blood vessels that are required to nourish the graft and help the area heal. Also avoid salt water rinses as this can cause dehydration of the grafted tissues. Use only the Peridex (Chlorhexidine) rinse. Avoid the use of ice on the surgical areas. It is not necessary as you are taking the ibuprofen to diminish swelling. Also, ice can cause frost bite on the surgical sites while still numb.
Sedation
If (conscious) sedation was used for the procedure, you will not be able to drive or operate machinery or make any financial or legal decisions for 24 hours.
*Note* You must read pharmacy literature for all prescriptions provided.
Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns. Please listen to the answering machine completely for information if Dr. Herrin is away. If the office is closed, please contact:
Dr. Herrin: Cell Phone (603) 759-2684
