Post-operative Instructions

These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.

Bleeding:
Mild oozing may occur for several hours following the surgery. This often appears as a pink discoloration of the saliva or a slight redness of the corners of the mouth. Should frank bleeding (bright red) occur, place a moistened piece of gauze or a non-herbal tea bag over the area and apply gentle pressure for 20 minutes. If there is no change in the amount of bleeding call me immediately. Rinsing should not be used to stop bleeding.

Swelling:
Some 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 for the first 24 hours.  Ice may be placed in a plastic bag and then wrapped in a thin cloth towel and applied directly over the area. You should also keep your head elevated above the level of your head during the first 6 to 8 hours after surgery. This may necessitate the use of several pillows to support your head and upper body while sleeping.

Discomfort:
Some discomfort is expected once the anesthesia wears off. Some patients have found taking a combination of over-the-counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol to be very effective. You may take the combination in either of the following dosages: 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 2 Regular Strength Tylenol or 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol, every 4-6 hours as needed. If OTC medication does not help, Prescribed pain medication should help resolve the pain.

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:                                                                                                                                            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.

Eating:
Do not eat on the side where surgery was completed. A soft diet is recommended for the next 4-6 days. It is necessary to eat a well balanced nutritious diet during the healing phase. Avoid eating hot, spicy or hard to chew foods. Also avoid foods such as peanuts, popcorn and chips. Acceptable foods include apple sauce, bananas, soups, pasta, yogurt, cooked vegetables, and cottage cheese.  Please do not eat anything until the anesthesia has worn off.

Brushing:
Do not brush the surgical site or the teeth covered with surgical dressing. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day.For the surgical area, wet the gauze with peridex and dab only. The surgical area should not be disturbed for the first 7-10 days post-operatively; however, you may rinse gently with warm salt water.

Medications:
Please follow the instructions on the bottle for any medications prescribed. If any adverse reactions to those medications such as nausea, itching, swelling or any allergic symptoms develop, please discontinue the medication and contact the office immediately.

Activity:
After leaving the office please relax for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenous activity for several days. If you are taking prescription pain medication avoid alcohol, signing legal documents, or driving an automobile.

Care of the Dressing:
The surgical area may have been covered by a putty-like dressing that will protect the area in the first days of healing. The dressing and any remaining sutures will be removed at your post-operative visit. Please do not disturb it. If the dressing should become loose or fall off, and there is no increase in the level of discomfort, it is alright to leave it off.

Smoking or Drinking:
Avoid smoking or drinking to ensure the best healing and success of your surgical procedure. Healing is more compromised in smokers than in non-smokers. Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.

Do Not’s:
For the next few days, do not spit, smoke, rinse hard, drink through a straw, create a sucking action by your mouth, use a commercial mouth wash, use an oral irrigation devise.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Mount Vernon Periodontics & Implants Phone Number 360-424-5175.  Dr. Bal can also be reached after hours on his personal cell phone.