To help insure your comfort following periodontal surgery, please follow these instructions
1. Minor soreness or tenderness may be expected for at least the first week following your procedure. Mild discomfort can be readily managed by taking your prescribed medication as directed. To minimize the risk of nausea, it is not advisable to take pain medication on an empty stomach. Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicodin or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen.
2. On occasion, mild swelling or puffiness may occur. This can be kept to a minimum by applying an ice pack to the outside of your face adjacent to the treated area. Alternate 15-20 minutes on, 15-20 minutes off as much as possible for 24-36 hours.
3. Occasional bloodstains in your saliva may be expected 12-24 hours following surgery. If there is considerable bleeding, you may apply moist gauze or a cold wet tea bag wrapped in gauze to the area with light finger or biting pressure for 20-30 minutes. Keep your head elevated when lying down.
4. 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.
5. Periodontal dressing (packing) may have been placed over the surgical area for you comfort and has nothing to do with healing. If portions of the dressing become dislodged or lost, you need only to call if you would like it reapplied.
6. An adequate diet is important. For the first 24-36 hours, eat soft foods. Let comfort be your guide for the days that follow. Avoid crunchy, sticky, salty, spicy foods that might irritate the wound. Do not chew on the side of your mouth where the surgery was performed. Avoid alcohol, particularly while taking pain medications.
7. Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.
8. Do not drink from a straw and avoid excessive rinsing for the next 24 hours as this may cause bleeding. Gentle rinsing with warm water is permissible.
9. Avoid brushing the surgical area until the dressing and/or sutures are removed. However, you may gently clean the area with a cotton swab moistened with warm water.
10. Avoid strenuous activity and exercise and minimize talking (if possible) for 24-36 hours after surgery.
The doctor is only a phone call away and is happy to answer any of your questions or concerns. Contact the office at 610-933-1236.
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Louis F. Rubino, Jr., DMD practices Periodontics and Implant Dentistry in Phoenixville PA
650 Valley Forge • Phoenixville, PA 19460 • Telephone: 610-933-1236 • Fax: 610-933-4675
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