Follow instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Some discomfort is normal and to be expected. The level and duration varies between patients.
Take the prescribed or recommended pain medications as directed.
Rest
Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
Always get up slowly from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
Limit physical activity.
To encourage rapid healing please REST!
Ice
As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
Use the ice pack for the first 6 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.
Medication
Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off.
If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side-effect.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding from the surgery area is normal, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes.
If bleeding does not subside, please call! 727-799-6733
Mouth Care
Do not brush, floss, rinse or spit the day of your surgery.
Avoid rinsing, spitting or sucking through a straw for 24 hours after surgery, blood is clotting and this will disturb the healing process.
Do not rinse with salt water or mouthwash as they are irritants to the palate and will cause pain and delay healing.
You may begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL area the day following surgery.
Start to gently brush (with ultra-soft brush) the surgical area after your post-operative appointment.
Begin rinsing very gently with Chlorhexidine mouth-rinse 24 hours after your surgery.
Do not touch surgical sites for the first week; you could dislodge the healing tissue and compromise the success of the graft.
Do not pull your lip away to view graft site.
Eating
Maintain a balanced diet.
Eat softer foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potato or hot cereal.
Chew in the non-surgical areas as much as possible.
Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold, acidic foods, also hard or crunchy foods.
Avoid the use of alcohol for 2 days after the surgery or until you are no longer taking medication.
Fluids
Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
Avoid using a straw as it may cause suction, which may loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding and loss of graft.
Swelling and Bruising
Some swelling often occurs and this is normal in the healing process.
Bruising may occur in surgical area.
If swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever or pain, please call immediately. 727-799-6733
Smoking
We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery.
Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.
Dressing
A periodontal dressing may have been placed to protect the healing wound. It should remain in place as long as possible.
If part or all of the dressing comes off, do not be alarmed. This is normal (expected) and will not affect the results.
