North Olmsted dentist, Dentist in North Olmsted, OH

POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS: (listed by procedure, i.e.,Scaling/Root Planing, Gingival Grafting, Periodontal Surgery, Extractions)

These are general post op instructions for the following procedures. If you are having symptoms that are not covered here or have a dental emergency, please contact the office directly (440-979-0055).

HOME CARE FOLLOWING SCALING AND ROOT PLANING

Following scaling and root planing, you can expect to notice less redness, less bleeding and less swelling of your gum tissue.

Discomfort-Discomfort of opain should not be acute and should subside in a few hours ato a few days. Any discomfort due to brushing should get better in one to several days. If a local anesthetic was used, do not chew foods until feeling returns in order to avoid injury to the tongue and cheeks. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) can be taken as needed to reduce discomfort. If tooth sensitivity persists, use a desensitizing dentifrice (Sensodyne toothpaste) containing potassium nitrate. If the sensitivity is severe and prolonged, professional application of a desensitizing agent may be required. Please call the office if this occurs.

Tooth Sensitivity-Teeth may be sensitive to temperature changes and/or sweets. The sensitivity to temperature may be intense the first several days and usually diminishes quickly.

Bleeding-Some slight bleeding mayoccur during the next several brushings, but the bleeding should steadily decrease after two or three days.

Diet/Eating-If extensive root planing was performed, chewing hard foods such as meat or raw vegatables may uncomfortable. This should last no longer than a few days. A diet of softer consistency would be advised until chewing becomes more comfortable.

Oral Hygiene-If gum tissues are tender, brush your teeth gently but thoroughly. This may take a little more time than usual. By the third day, normal oral hygiene techniques (brushing and flossing) can be resumed. Mouth rinsing is recommended using either of the following solutions: 1) antimicrobial rinse (Listerine) or, 2) warm salt water rinse (1 tsp. salt to 8 oz warm water). Use of these rinses should be limited to one to two consecutive weeks.

If symptoms are severe or persistent, of if an abscess (gum boil) should appear, please call the office. Though scaling and root planing may enough to treat some disease states, not all disease can be treated with this procedure alone. Further periodontal therapy, such as gingival (gum) surgery, may be necessary.

HOME CARE FOLLOWING GINGIVAL GRAFTING

Prescriptions-If medications have been prescribed, they are to provide comfort and promote healing. Please carefully follow the directions.

Surgical Dressing-To keep the treated areas comfortable and help protect tissues, a surgical dressing may have been used. If a dressing was used, it may remain in plave until your post-operative visit. It is normal for small pieces of the dressing to chip off. If the entire dressing should become dislodged in the first three days, please call me. If you have pain from the roof of your mouth after the dressing falls out, I recommend you purchase Orabase with Benzocaine from your pharmacy. Place this ointment on the area where the graft was taken to reducethis post-surgical discomfort.

SWELLING-For the first 24-48 hours, application of cold to the area is helpful to decrease swelling. Externally place an ice pack for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for as often as possible. If swelling increases after 48 hours. please call me.

DIET-A good diet is essential for proper healing. A semi-soft, high protein diet with plenty of fluids is recomended for your comfort after surgery.

RINSING AND BRUSHING-To keep the operative area clean and comfortable, a salt water rinse (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. of warm water) is recommended, starting 24 hours after surgery and should be done several times a day. If Peridex (prescription rinse) has been prescribed, do not use salt water rinses. Brushing of your other teeth should be continued, but care should be taken not to dislodge the dressing.

BLEEDING-Following a gingival graft, bleeding is most likely tao occur from the roof of your mouth. If so, apply pressure for 10 minutes with a damp cloth. If bleeding is excessive and/or persists, call me.

SMOKING-Smoking greatly inhibits post-surgical healing. We advise you not to smoke for at least three weeks following your surgery.

THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS PERTAIN TO THE CARE OF YOUR MOUTH AFTER PERIODONTAL (OSSEOUS) SURGERY

PRESCRIPTIONS-If medications have been prescribed, they are to provide comfort and promote healing.

SURGICAL DRESSING-To keep the treated areas comfortable and hep protect the tissues, a surgical dressing is usually used. If a dressing was used, it may remain in place until your post-operative visit. It is normal for small pieces of the dressing to chip off. If the entire dressing should become dislodged in the first three days following your srugery, please call the office.

SWELLING-For the first 24-48 hours, application of cold to the surgical area is helpful to decrease swelling. Externally place an ice pack for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Repeat this cycle as often as possible. If swelling increases after 48 hours, please call athe office.

DIET-A good diet is essential for proper healing. A semi-soft, high protein diet with plenty of fluids is recommended for your comfort after surgery.

RINSING AND BRUSHING-To keep the operated area clean and comfortable, a salt water rinse (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. of warm water) is recommended starting 24 hours after surgery an done several times a day. If Peridex has been prescribed, do not use the salt water rinses. Brushing of your other teeth should be continued, but care should be taken not to dislodge the dressing.

BLEEDING-Following surgery, it is normal for a small amount of blood to appear in the saliva. If bleeding is excessive, please call the office.

SMOKING-Smoking greatly inhibits post-surgical healing. We advise you not to smoke for at least three weeks following your surgery.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES/EXERCISE-Please limit your physical activity/exercise for at least two to three days (i.e. aerobics, sports) following your surgery.

POST-SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS-EXTRACTIONS

PRESCRIPTIONS-If medications have been prescribed, they are to provide comfort and promote healing. Please carefully follow the directions.

DISCOMFORT-Expect some discomfort. You have just had a surgical procedure. Fot mild discomfort, you may use Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If you were given a prescription for pain, youmay want to have it filled if the discomfort becomes intense. If you are taking presscription pain medication, we advise that you not drink alcoholic beverages, operate machinery, or be placed in a responsible capacity, such as watching small children. Dizziness and drowsiness are common while taking such a pain medication.

BLEEDING-Following surgery, it is normal for a small amount of blood to appear in the saliva. If bleeding is excessive, please call me.

SMOKING-DO NOT SMOKE FOR AT LEAST 48 HOURS. Smoking greatly inhibits post-surgical healing.

RINSING AND BRUSHING-For the first 24 hours do not spit, drink thougha straw or vigorously rinse your mouth. Starting 24 hours after surgery, to keep the operated area clean and comfortable, a salt water rinse (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. of warm water) is recommended. This can be done several times a day. Due to it harshness, no mouth rinse is to be used for three days. Tooth brushing may resume 24 hours following surgery. Brusha all areas of your mouth as you usuallydo and gently clean the tissue around the surgical site.

SWELLING-You can expect swelling to occur for two days up and two days down. This is the body's natural healing response to invasive or surgical procedures. Discoloration of the area around the surgical site is also a normal response. For the first 24-48 hours, application of cold to the area is helpful to decrease swelling. Externally place an ice pack for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes. Repear this cycle of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for as often as possible. If swelling increases after 48 hours, please call me.

DIET-A good diet is essential for proper healing. A semi-soft, high protein diet with plenty of fluids is recommended for your comfort after surgery.