 | As soon as you arrive home, hold ice water in your mouth until it
warms up, and then GENTLY let it run out and take a new mouthful of ice
water. Do this repeatedly for at least one hour. DO NOT rinse or spit
vigorously as this may cause excessive bleeding or dislodging of any
sutures (stitches) or dressing that may have been placed. |
| Some oozing following periodontal surgery is normal, however if
bleeding persists hold gauze tightly over area with fingers or by
biting down with firm pressure for 30 minutes. Repeat with fresh gauze
as needed. |
| DO NOT smoke for the first 24 hours. |
| Limit your activities for 24 hours. |
| If prescriptions were given, follow directions carefully. DO NOT drive
or drink alcoholic beverages when taking pain pills. Alcohol will also
decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics. |
| Limit your activities for the first 24 hours after your extraction. |
| If sutures (stitches) were placed, return at your appointment time for
removal. Do not be concerned if the sutures loosen before your suture
removal appointment. |
| DO NOT eat until the numbness wears off to avoid biting your tongue,
cheeks, or lips. A soft diet is strongly recommended during the first
week, and especially during the first 24 hours. |
| Often, removing the diseased gum tissue during periodontal surgery
results in a portion of the root surfaces of the teeth becoming exposed to
the mouth, making the teeth look "longer". This may result in
increased sensitivity of the teeth to hot and cold. If this is the case,
this sensitivity will be reduced or eliminated through treatments after
initial healing has taken place. To avoid discomfort, do not eat or drink
foods or liquids that are very hot or cold during this period of initial
healing. If you have been given medications to treat this sensitivity at
this time, please use as directed. |
| 24 hours AFTER your surgery, begin using salt water rinses. Dissolve one
teaspoon of table salt in an 8oz. glass of LUKEWARM water, GENTLY rinse
for 10 minutes. Do this 3 times per day for one week. As a substitute for
the salt water, GLY-OXIDE mouth rinse may be used. This is available at
most pharmacies or from this office, just use as directed. |
