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Post-operative Instructions for Periodontal Surgery
1. The covering that has been placed over the treated area is a surgical dressing. This should stay in place until your next appointment. Occasionally some particles will break off, however, if there is no sensitivity in the area, it will not require attention.
2. Until the dressing hardens (1 to 2 hours) do not have anything hot to eat or drink.
3. Do not eat on the side with the dressing, it should be favored at all times.
4. Continue oral hygiene as usual, but not on the dressing.
5. Use warm salt water freely to refresh your mouth.
6. You may follow your regular daily activities, avoiding excessive exertion of any type for 72 hours.
7. Apply ice packs to face, 10 minutes on - 10 minutes off, for the prescribed length of time.
8. Discomfort is readily controlled with a prescription if necessary. There is no need for you to experience pain. Please contact us if this occurs.
9. Keep head elevated as much as possible for the next 72 hours and sleep on two pillows upon retiring.
10. Occasionally, bloodstains in the saliva may be expected; if there is considerable bleeding, take a piece of sterile gauze or a moist tea bag and form it into the shape of a "U", hold it between thumb and index finger, and apply to both sides of the dressing with moderate pressure over the area that is bleeding.
11. Contact us if:
A. Excessive bleeding occurs.
B. If severe pain is present.
C. Marked swelling occurs.