After Your Surgery…
The essential thing is to remember after oral periodontal surgery is to avoid excessive exertion of any type for 24 hours. It is best to rest as much as possible the day of your surgery, so healing will be optimal. You should be able to return to normal activities the day after surgery.
When brushing your teeth
Do not use a tooth brush or floss on the surgical area until your doctor instructs you to do so. Only brush and floss the untreated areas of your mouth. If a mouth wash has been prescribed, be sure to shake bottle prior to use. Use 3/4 tablespoons (10ml) of Stella Life Oral Rinse 2-3 times a day with light swishing 1-2 minutes each time following the surgery for the next 2-3 weeks. If you have received a prescription for the Stella Life Gel, you will apply the gel to the surgical site 4-5 times daily. Gel can be applied with a cotton tip applicator or with your clean fingertip.
If you experience bleeding.
Occasional blood in the saliva may be expected. Some medications may increase post operative bleeding, such as Aspirin, Plavix, Xarelto and Eliquis. A dark blood clot may form around the gun tissue. Try not to disturb the clot by attempting to remove it. it will eventually release on its own.
If your surgery involved a soft tissue graphing and tissue was taken from your palate (the room or the mouth) and you experience excessive post operative bleeding, apply light to medium pressure to the palate using a gauze pack that was provided to you for 10 minutes. If the bleeding continues, Rinse with ice water. A moistened tea bag may be used to apply pressure to the surgical site for at least 20 minutes.
If taking medication.
If an antibiotic is prescribed for you, begin taking medication 2 days prior to surgery or as directed. It is important that you finish the antibiotic unless otherwise directed. Antibiotics may affect birth control pills.
Following surgery you may be given instructions to tale Ibuprofen 600mg a long with Tylenol 500mg ( taking both medications at the same time every 6 hours) to minimized discomfort, and to refuse any post operative swelling for the first 2-3 days following surgery
If you had the LANAP procedure.
If your surgical procedure consist of LANAP Laser Therapy, do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of the tissue following the laser therapy. Tissue Can be gray, red, blue, purple, and ”stringy” which all are normal response to laser treatments. Try to AVOID spicy or excessively hot food. Do not be alarmed that anywhere from 2 weeks to just 1 year after surgery , that the teeth may become sore,render ,or sensitive and the bone and ligaments around the teeth regenerate
If you experience swelling or discomfort.
You should expect some swelling and discomfort after the procedure. Swelling may increase until 3-5 days post operatively. We will provide you with an ice pack to place next to the treated area. Use the ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for 4-6 hours following surgery. This will help minimize swelling. When sleeping, it may be best to try and elevate your head to decrease swelling within the first 2-4 days following surgery.
It is normal to experience some soreness and discomfort in the surgical area up to one week following surgery. Sharp pains or pains that keep you up at night are not normal healing. Please inform your doctor if this occurs.
If you had a sinus procedure.
If your surgical procedure consisted of any sinus involvement , try to avoid blowing your nose for the first 2 weeks following surgery, and only lightly wipe with a tissue. Also, try to refrain from sneezing, and if you have to do so, try to exaggerate the sneeze out of your mouth instead of your nose. An over-the-counter nasal decongestant maybe used to help relieve sinusitis-like symptoms.
When eating
You can chew efficiently but slowly in the areas of the mouth that have NOT
been operated upon, Avoid hard, sticky foods that requires heavy pressure for
chewing. Chewing should be avoided in operated areas for 2-3 weeks following
surgery. Always use your best judgment and please refrain from using a straw in
the next 2 weeks.