Periodontics Davis CA David L. Jolkovsky, DMD, MS

PATIENT INFORMATION

POST SURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS

1) ACTIVITY

After leaving the office, relax for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous activity for several days.

2) SWELLING
Some swelling may be present the day after the surgery and may peak at 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Rinsing with cold liquids for the first 3 days after surgery is very important for minimizing swelling, discomfort, and bleeding. You may sip ice water, ice tea, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, Jamba Juice or similar cold fluids to keep the surgical area cold. Do not use a straw, as suction can start bleeding. Additionally swelling for surgeries in the lower molar areas can be minimized by placing an ice pack on the face over the operated area for the remainder of the day after surgery, alternating on and off at 10 minute intervals.

3) BLEEDING
There should be minimal bleeding after the surgery is completed. There may be a pink discoloration of your saliva for several hours; heavy bleeding (bright red) is not to be expected. Should bleeding occur, place a moistened tea bag (not herbal tea) over the area and hold it against the bleeding site. It may take several minutes before the bleeding stops. If there is no change in the amount of bleeding, call the office immediately.

4) EATING
It is necessary to maintain a relatively normal diet throughout the course of healing. For the first few days, soft foods can be eaten. Chew on the side opposite the surgical site. It may be necessary to stick to liquids (preferably cold) for the first day, if chewing is uncomfortable.

5) CARE OF THE DRESSING
If a dressing has been placed over the surgical site, try to stay away from it the first few days. The dressing is primarily for comfort. If the dressing should become loose or fall off, and there is no increase in the level of discomfort, it is O.K. to leave it off.

6) ORAL HYGIENE
It is important to maintain a normal level of oral hygiene in the non-operated areas by brushing and flossing.

7) MEDICATIONS

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Choose one NSAID (non-narcotic anti-inflammatory over–the-counter medication) to take for 3 days to minimize swelling and discomfort.

     Advil (200mg Ibuprofen) 4 tablets every 6 hours

                                    or

     Aleve (220mg Naproxene) 2 tablets every 8 hours

NARCOTIC ANALGESIC

Taken as needed in addition to the NSAID. Be sure to have some food in your stomach when taking these medications – they can upset stomachs. Vicodin (similar to tylenol with codeine) 1-2 tablets every 6 hours for pain.

ANTIBACTERIAL MOUTHRINSE

Start the evening of surgery to keep surgical area clean

0.12% Chlorexidine rinse 2 times daily for 30 seconds. Do Not Swallow.
                                                       or

50% Hydrogen Peroxide / 50% Listerine (can be generic) solution

Rinse 3 times daily for 30 seconds then wash mouth out with water

ANTIBIOTICS

Used for implant and sinus augmentation surgery. They are also prescribed for some root planing and periodontal surgeries. Follow directions on the bottle and do not stop taking until gone unless you have an adverse reaction.

VITAMINS

Multivitamins along with Vitamin C (1 to 2 grams per day) and Vitamin E (1 capsule per day) seem to speed healing.