Post-operative Instructions

These instructions are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention. Please download the detailed post-operative instructions below to review information specific to your procedure and to your home care.

Pinhole & Soft Tissue Grafting PO Instructions

LANAP® & Periodontal Surgery PO Instructions

brushing and rinsing

No brushing or flossing the day of the surgery. Follow the instructions on your Stella Life mouth rinse box until you return for your post-operative appointment.

• DO NOT brush or floss around the surgical area(s) until you return for your post-operative appointment. For untreated areas, you may resume your normal home care after 24 hours.
• DO NOT brush or floss around the surgical area(s) until you return for your post-operative appointment. For untreated areas, you may resume your normal home care after 24 hours.
• DO NOT swish with the mouth rinse. Lightly roll the rinse around in your mouth for 1 minute.
• DO NOT pull-down/up your lip to look at the graft site. This will likely cause failure of the graft.

Pain Medications

It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. If you are given prescription medications to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period, it is important to take your medications as directed. 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. If you prefer to utilize over-the-counter medications, please contact our office and Dr. Silverstein can provide recommended dosage information.

Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicoden, or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office with any questions you may have.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. An antibiotic may be prescribed 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 for 2-3 days 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 if bleeding persists.

Diet

Foods that are difficult to chew and foods that make a noise while chewing should be avoided (Ex: steak, raw vegetables, nuts, ice). Soft, solid, high protein foods are recommended throughout the first two weeks of healing. (Ex: hearty soups, mashed potatoes, tuna, boiled chicken, mac and cheese, and yogurt). If possible, please avoid chewing on the side where surgery was performed. If the surgery has been done in the front of the mouth, avoid biting down on the front teeth. Finally, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Activity

Limit physical activity for 3-5 days after surgery. Please refrain from exercise, running, or heavy lifting. Overactivity can lead to additional swelling and pain and jeopardize the outcome of your case.

Smoking

Do not smoke. Smoking has been proven to have adverse effects on healing.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Ohio Valley Center for Periodontics & Implants Office Phone Number 513-854-0338.