Post Op Instructions

Care of the mouth: Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth the day of the extraction. The following few days, if there is no bleeding, a warm salt water solution should be used as a rinse (one quarter teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water). Rinse gently - do not swish rigorously, as it may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. You may brush your teeth the day following extraction, using caution not to disturb areas of extraction.

 Bleeding: A small amount of bleeding is natural and desirable. In case of excessive or continuous bleeding DO NOT RINSE. Roll a piece of sterile gauze to size of a walnut, or moisten a tea bag with warm water; place over socket and bite down with firmness and pressure for thirty minutes. Repeat if necessary. If this doesn't control the bleeding, phone or return to the office.

 Swelling: Apply an ice bag externally over affected area, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off alternately for several hours the day of extraction.

 Pain: Take two Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol every four hours for pain. If these do not suffice, please call the office.

 Diet: Force fluids - drink a lot of water, fruit juices, milk. Eat as normal a diet as possible without causing undue discomfort. If necessary to keep on soft diet, the following foods are suggested: cream soups, cereal, eggs, mashed potato, soft vegetables, meat loaf, any creamed food, jello, ice cream. Do not limit your diet as it is important to maintain adequate nourishment for normal healing.

 Smoking: Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages for at least three hours after extraction, as they may disturb the formation of the blood clot.

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Periodontal disease and instructions for patients after scaling and root planning

Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tar. Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that collects on teeth. Any plaque which is not removed by regular brushing and flossing, can harden into tartar (calculus). This crusty deposit bonds firmly to the tooth and can only be removed by the dentist. Tartar formation may also make it more difficult for you to remove new plaque and bacteria.

 Early and moderate periodontal disease may exhibit few, if any, symptoms. Warning signs of advanced periodontal disease may include red swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, teeth that are loose or separating, etc. If left untreated, the gum disease damages the bone and supporting tissues. The gums attachment breaks down creating pockets and the bone level deteriorates.

The first step in treating periodontal disease consist of removing the plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth. This procedure included the scaling (scraping) of the teeth to remove the plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth as well as the curetting (removal) of the diseased lining of the pockets of the gum tissue.

 It is possible that your gums will be sensitive for a few days, and that your teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold than usual for a few days or weeks.

Any of the over the counter medicaments, such as Advil or Aspirin, can be taken to help the gum tissue. Time will help the sensitivity of the teeth. There may also be some shrinkage of the gum tissue causing root exposure. This is a normal occurrence and is a positive step in reducing the pocket depth.

 The goal of this treatment is to promote healing of the gum disease and to allow you to maintain your teeth with proper home care techniques. The importance of maintaining good oral hygiene cannot be overstated. We will monitor the progress of the healing process in future visits.

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 Instructions to patients after Periodontal surgery

1. Do not drink or eat two hours after the surgery.

2. Avoid tart or spicy foods. 

3. Drink fruit juices with a straw.

4. In some cases, a dressing will be placed over the area. The dressing serves as a protection of the area of surgery and to keep you comfortable. If small pieces break off, do not be alarmed. If a large piece falls off, or if the dressing is uncomfortable, call the doctor.

5. Some swelling may occur. This is to be expected. Place cold ice pack over the area that has undergone surgery, and rinse frequently and gently with warm water(one glass) with one teaspoon of salt.

6. A slight amount of seepage may occur, giving your saliva a red color. Do not be alarmed. If the seepage persists - call the doctor.

7. For post operative comfort, take pills according to instructions in the prescription given to you. Take antibiotics - only if they are prescribed.

8. Brush those parts of your mouth on which surgery was not performed. Brush only the biting surfaces of the teeth where surgery was performed. Be sure to brush! When no dressing is placed, brush and use a floss, but do not carry the floss under the gum line.

9. Rinse mouth carefully after eating. Clean outside of dressing with moistened cotton swabs or Q-tips.

10. No smoking for the next 24 hours.