Surgical Insructions | 6th Avenue Periodontics

Surgical
Instructions

Thank you for choosing 6th Ave. Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. We look forward to serving you.

What To Do After Surgery

It’s not unusual to feel discomfort for at least a week after your surgical procedure. We will give you a prescription for pain medication to help you during the post-surgical recovery period. If necessary, you can take your pain medication more frequently than every 4-6 hours to stay ahead of any soreness. We recommend not taking any pain medication on an empty stomach, as it could result in nausea.

As an alternative to prescription medications, some patients have found taking a combination of the over-the-counter drugs Ibuprofen and Tylenol to be effective in decreasing pain and soreness. You can take either of the following combinations every four to six hours as needed:

– 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 2 Regular Strength Tylenol
– 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol

Note: When taking any medication containing acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), you should avoid taking additional Tylenol so as to not to exceed recommended limits of acetaminophen, which can damage the liver. Common medications containing acetaminophen include, but are not limited to, Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicodin and Tylenol with Codeine. Please contact the office with any questions you may have regarding this.

Don’t Forget to Take Any Antibiotics. An antibiotic may be prescribed after your surgical procedure. Take it as directed until it’s gone. Do not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as you could get nausea. For women taking birth control, antibiotics can interfere with birth control’s effectiveness.

The Wound Dressing

The dressing — which acts as a bandage — is used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. If it comes off or is uncomfortable, please call us and we will help you.

Removing the Sutures

You might notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after your surgery. As tissues begin to heal, they can pull against the sutures and dressing. You can take some sort of pain medication an hour before your suture removal appointment to minimize tenderness. If you are taking an antibiotic, please be sure to take your medication an hour before your suture removal appointment.

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Is There Anything I Need to Do Before Surgery?

These instructions will help you prepare for your surgery. The doctor will also discuss any special instructions with you in advance of your procedure. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.

– You should receive your pre- and post-operative prescriptions with an instruction sheet. Please have them filled and bring them with you to your scheduled surgery.
– You may need to stop taking Aspirin and other NSAID painkillers 7-10 days before your surgery.
– If you are taking Coumadin or any other blood thinner, please discontinue them as directed by the doctor.
– Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities you have to antibiotics.
– If you are taking an antibiotic, please take it as directed before your surgery.
– You will feel better if you have eaten before surgery.
– We keep the office cool, so dress warmly.
– Feel free to bring your iPod or MP3 player if music will help you relax.

In order to evaluate your progress, we will see you each week after your surgery for anywhere from one to 5 weeks, depending on your procedure and recovery. In most cases, we will also anticipate seeing you for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and a tissue maturation exam roughly 10 to 12 weeks after surgery.

Will My Face Swell?

Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically increase 2-3 days after surgery. To minimize, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes and remove for the next 20 minutes before icing again. Continue using ice for 2-3 days following the procedure as often as possible.

Can I Take a Sedative?

If you choose to use one of the following sedatives, we recommend someone bring you and take you home from your surgery:

– Ativan (lorazepam)
– Valium (diazepam)
– Triazalam (halcion)

Please bring any remaining tablets with you. Remember, we encourage you to eat prior to your surgery.

Will My Mouth Bleed?

A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:

– Do not rinse your mouth.
– Elevate your head when lying down.
– Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes, and repeat if necessary.
– Enclose a moistened tea bag in a piece of square gauze and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
– Call us if bleeding persists.

What Can I Eat After Surgery?

Until you are comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where the procedure was performed. Avoid hot foods and liquids for about one hour after surgery to avoid softening the dressing.

Afterward, we recommend a soft diet. Remember: adequate nutrition is essential to feeling better and healing promptly.

The following foods are great options after oral surgery:

– Jell-O
– Bananas
– Yogurt
– Pasta
– Milk Shakes
– Casseroles
– Eggs
– Fish
– Cottage Cheese
– Ensure/Slim Fast
– Soups
– Pudding
– Rice
– Apple Sauce
– Oatmeal
– Macaroni & Cheese
– Mashed Potatoes

What Can’t I Do?

– Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery. It will slow your healing and compromise your results.
– Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
– Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, you may use a mild, diluted mouthwash.
– Do not brush the surgical site. You can resume normal brushing and flossing in other areas the day after surgery.

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