Patient Instructions > Periodontics Instructions
You may experience some mild discomfort and swelling. This is normal. The pack or dressing will help to minimize the discomfort. Before the anaesthetic wear off, you should take one or two analgesic pills (pain killers) as have been recommended to you. Do not take any more pills containing aspirin as they will encourage bleeding.
If the pack comes off or becomes loose, it generally does not need to be replaced.
You should not rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours, or as per any other instructions you have received. Rinse gently so as not to dislodge the pack.
You should keep a soft bland diet for the first 24 hours and avoid very hot or very cold foods or drinks. You should select foods high in protein and vitamins, as these will help the healing process. Well-cooked vegetables as well as fish, eggs, and dairy products are recommended if these are normally foods that you are able to eat. You may wish to take a supplement for vitamins C and B complex as well.
It Is not unusual t have some minor bleeding in your mouth for 24 hours following surgery. Blood mixes with saliva so there may appear to be more blood that there really is. You should not be concerned and avoid spitting or rinsing.
If there are large blood clots visible or considerable bleeding several hours after the surgery was done, you should do the following:
Take a piece of moist sterile gauze and form it into a square. Apply the moist gauze to the area of bleeding and maintain gentle pressure for 20 minutes
Do not remove the gauze during this time to examine it. If the bleeding persists afterwards, contact us immediately. Under no circumstances should rinsing be used in an attempt to stop bleeding, as rinsing will promote bleeding.
A stent is made to protect your incision and sutures. If you have been given one, you should wear it for the recommended amount of time. After this time it can be removed and worn as much or as little as you like. Be sure to clean it a few times each day. You should only remove the stent before the suggest time/date if you experience bleeding and pressure needs to be applied directly to the incision.
Alcohol has a tendency to dissolve the pack. You should avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours and minimize its use while wearing the pack.
Carefully brush your teeth as usual, but completely avoid the area where the surgery was done as the brush could dislodge the pack.
Avoid exercise for at least 48 hours. If possible, after the surgery go directly home and relax as much as possible. Vigorous exercise such as tennis or aerobics should be avoided for the first week.
The pack will usually be left in place for one week. It is expected that small particles may chip off during the week, and you should not be concerned. If the entire pack should come off or become loose, simply remove and discard it. It is, however, important that you remember not to brush this area, ever if the pack comes off. Do not pick the pack off yourself, as this may tear the sutures too early.
The affected teeth may appear to be looser until complete healing and final therapy is achieved. Try to ignore this. Do not develop the habit of moving the loose tooth or teeth with your tongue or fingers. Try not to grind these teeth. It is possible to produce further loosening or movement of the teeth with such habits.
The roots of the teeth that are uncovered following surgery may become sensitive to hot and cold, brushing, and some foods. This is temporary. If it becomes a problem, please ask me for a fluoride rinse. You must keep the sensitive spots clean or the problem will worsen rather than improve.
