Instructions Following Periodontal Surgery ACTIVITY After leaving the office, take things easy for the first few hours after surgery. Your local anesthetic will usually remain in effect for several hours. Until this wears off, you may wish to relax, begin your prescription and use the ice. Everyone responds differently to these procedures, however, most patients are able to continue with their daily activities. In order to discourage bleeding, activities such as workout routines and heavy lifting should be avoided for the first 24 hours. Please check with our office regarding any questionable activities. DISCOMFORT Some discomfort is expected when the anesthetic wears off. If post-operative medication has been prescribed, take the medication while the anesthetic is still working so that its analgesic effects are felt when the anesthetic wears off. SWELLING Some swelling may be present the day after surgery is completed. Generally, swelling can persist for several days. Swelling can be minimized by placing an ice pack over the operated area for several hours immediately after the surgery. The ice should be held on the outside of the face alternating it on and off at 10 minute intervals for the first 3-4 hours after surgery. BLEEDING There may be minimal bleeding after the surgery is completed. There may be a slight pinkish discoloration on your saliva for several hours, but frank bleeding is not to be expected. If bleeding does occur, please call the office. ORAL HYGIENE Do not try to brush or floss the treated area, however, it is very important to maintain a high level of oral hygiene in the non-operated areas. Do not rinse your mouth excessively or drink any hot liquids. On the second day, you may gently rinse the area with warm salt water or diluted mouthwash. EATING AND DRINKING It is necessary to maintain a relatively normal diet throughout the course of healing. For the first few days, soft foods such as potatoes, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggs, soft meats and fish can be eaten, but chewing should be done predominantly on the opposite side of the surgical site. It may be necessary to stick to liquids for the first day if chewing is uncomfortable. CARE OF THE DRESSING If a dressing has been placed over the surgical area, try to stay away from the area as much as possible for the first few days. The dressing primarily is placed for your comfort. If the dressing should become loose or fall off and there is no increase in the level of discomfort, it is all right to leave it off. MEDICATIONS Please follow the instructions on the bottle for any medications prescribed. If any adverse reactions to those medications should arise such as nausea, itching, swelling or any allergic symptoms, please contact the office and discontinue all medication. PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE at 845-6687 if you have any other questions or should any type of a problem arise. If you need to contact us after hours, call Dr. Siegelman at 846-3838 or 817-0119 (cell) or Dr. Plessett at 843-8148 or 873-8461 (cell).