Post Operative Suggested Recommendations
In order to obtain the desired result from therapy and to minimize swelling and discomfort, please follow these instructions.
As the anesthesia wears off, you may have some discomfort. Medication may have been prescribed for pain relief. Take as directed.
Swelling and bruising often occur during the first or second day. To minimize swelling, which can increase pain, apply ice to the outside of your face in the surgery area, for 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off for the rest of the day. Cold drinks and ice chips in your mouth will also help reduce swelling and discomfort. If swelling begins after 3-4 days, please call your Periodontist.
After the first 24 hours, rinse the surgical site with warm salt water 5-6 times daily until you return for suture removal. If a special rinse was prescribed, such as Peridex, use as directed. Avoid brushing the surgical site but brush and floss elsewhere as normal. If the dressing falls off, please notify the office. If small pieces break off, don’t worry.
Do not vigorously rinse or spit for the first 24 hours. Keep the area as undisrupted as possible to allow faster healing. A small amount of blood in the saliva is normal. If you experience heavy, bright red bleeding, stop rinsing, sit up and place a wet tea bag over the area with firm pressure – this will help stop the bleeding. Call the office immediately at 301-620-1692.
For the first week, eat only a liquid or soft diet. Chew on the other, unaffected side of your mouth. You may choose soups, juices, milkshakes, Slimfast or Ensure drinks, yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, jello, etc. Do not eat popcorn, nuts, shellfish or anything with hulls or seeds. Supplement your diet by taking Vitamin C and Calcium.
You may have been prescribed an antibiotic. If so, take all the pills as directed on the label. Avoid sunbathing while on antibiotics. Antibiotics can make birth control pills ineffective. If an allergic reaction (itching, hives, rash) develops, stop taking the medication and call the office, your physician or the hospital immediately. If you have difficulty breathing or you experience a swelling of the face and/or throat, dial 911.
Do relax after surgery with your head elevated and use ice on the surgical site. Do not jog or exercise vigorously on the day of surgery. Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 48 hours following the surgery.
Emergency Information
If you develop problems or have questions, please contact:
Dr. Snyder at 410-493-9523