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.

Pain Medications

It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure.  You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period.  Please 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. 

As another alternative, you may take 4 Regular Strength Advil in between your doses of prescription medications if extra pain control is needed.

Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicoden, Norco, 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 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.  Continue using ice for 24 hours 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. (If it’s after hours, call the doctor’s cell phone number provided on your post-operative instructions)

Dressing

The dressing (which acts as a bandage) is used with certain procedures to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort.  If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction.

Diet

Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed.  Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 hour following the surgery.  A soft diet is recommended.  Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fruits are more easily eaten.  Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.  Avoid using straws and consuming carbonated beverages.

Smoking

Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

Rinsing

Do not rinse for the first 24 hours.  After that, you may use a mild, diluted mouthwash.  Repeat as necessary to help keep the dressing clean.

Brushing

Do not brush the surgical site for 1 week.  You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day.

Suture Removal

You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure.  As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing.  You may choose to take some form of pain medication one hour prior to your suture removal appointment to minimize tenderness. (If you are a patient for whom Antibiotic Premedication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.)

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Keller Periodontics Phone Number 830-629-5055.