Periodontal Post Operative Care

Brushing and flossing

• Rinse gently with Chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash for 30 seconds, three times per day and let it fall into the sink. Do not spit.
  
  
• Following surgery, begin brushing and flossing untreated areas.
  
  
• AVOID THE SURGICAL SITES until given specific brushing instructions at your post-operative visit.
  
  

• Following surgery, chew with the other side and AVOID CHEWING ON SURGICAL SITE.
  
  
• Please AVOID HARD/CRUSTY foods until instructed to do so at a post-operative visit.
  
  
• Softer diet such as yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes, dietary supplements (i.e. instant breakfast, Ensure), fish, pasta, mashed potatoes, and meatloaf are best during initial healing.
  
  
• AVOID peroxide, alcohol, spitting, and drinking through the straw until you are instructed to do so at a following post-operative visit.
  
  

• Slight bleeding or oozing is normal during the first two days following surgery. If excessive bleeding occurs, apply pressure with moist gauze or tea bag for 20-30 minutes. Repeat process if needed.
  
  

• Localized mild swelling is normal. It should start to get better gradually after third day. If swelling starts to get worse after third day, please call our office.
  
  

• Continue medication as instructed by your physician. Some post-operative discomfort is anticipated. Please ALTERNATE 600-800 mg Ibuprofen with acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500 mg every 3 hours for the next 5-7 days to minimize discomfort.
  
  

• It is normal for sutures to become slightly loose. They will be removed at a following post-operative visit, as needed.
  
  

• It is normal for it to become loose or fall out any time between the day of surgery and your next post-operative visit. Do NOT remove it on your own, when intact.