Post-operative Instructions

These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.

ACTIVITY

Do not drive or engage in physical activity until the effects of the sedative(s) and anesthetic have subsided completely.

After your appointment, you must NOT operate a motor vehicle or hazardous machinery for at least 18 hours.

Judgement may be impaired during this time as well.  Do not make any major life decisions for at least 24 hours.

You may be drowsy for the remainder of the day and should NOT consume alcohol and other drugs with sedative properties or make important decisions. Arrange to be monitored for the remainder of the day by a responsible adult.

Pain Medications

It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. If necessary, you may take your pain medication more frequently than every 4-6 hours to stay ahead of the soreness. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.

As an alternative to prescription medications, some patients have found taking a combination of over-the-counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol to be effective.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. An antibiotic may be prescribed prior to or 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.

Swelling

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

Bleeding

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; repeat if necessary.
• Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
• Call the office or if after hours, Dr. Diamond’s emergency cellular phone number, if bleeding persists.

Dressing

The dressing (which acts as a bandage) may be used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction.

Diet

Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately one day following the surgery so as not to soften the dressing (that may be applied) and which can cause a potential increase in bleeding. A soft diet is recommended. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fruits are more easily eaten. Avoid foods with SEEDS, CRUNCHY, HARD or SHARP FOODS, such as popcorn, nuts and potato or taco chips.  Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.

Smoking

Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

Rinsing

Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, you may use warm salt water rinses and only the prescribed mouthrise.  Avoid commercial mouthrinses with alcohol. Repeat as necessary to help keep the surgical site clean.

ALSO PLEASE REVIEW THE INDIVIDUALIZED POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS, TAILORED TO THE PARTICULAR PROCEDURE, THAT WILL BE PROVIDED TO YOU BY OUR OFFICE.

Brushing

Do not brush the surgical site. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day.

Suture Removal

You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. You may choose to take some form of pain medication one hour prior to your suture removal appointment to minimize tenderness. If you are a patient for whom Antibiotic Pre-Medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns,  please do not hesitate to contact during regular office hours us at Diamond Periodontics Phone Number 705-670-8005.