Post-Periodontal Procedure Instructions

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After your periodontal surgery, it is normal to experience some soreness for a day few days following treatment. Carefully follow all instructions to achieve the best results and to avoid any post-operative complications.

1) Small amounts of blood may be present in the saliva after treatment, this is normal. Sleep with a protective cover over your pillows in case you drool out any saliva during the night.

2) Use ice packs in a 10 minutes on/ 10 minutes off fashion for 2 hours to help reduce the incidence of bleeding and/or swelling. Ice packs should only be used during the first 24-48 hours. If swelling continues to occur during the initial 24-48 hour period, repeat ice pack regimen for one more day. If a temperature arises along with swelling, call your dental care provider.

3) Use either an ultra-soft or regular soft toothbrush with the unidirectional gum-to-tooth method to sweep bacteria out and away from the gums and sutures (if placed) towards teeth. Use a head tilt method to cleanse the area 2x/day for 30 seconds with either: a pinch of sea salt in 8-10oz of warm water, or a non-alcohol containing mouth wash.

4) Do not floss the treated area for 4 weeks following the procedure. Use a Q-Tip dipped in a non-alcohol containing mouth rinse or the sea salt/warm water mix and gently dab around sutures after meals.

5) Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24-48 hours after treatment.

6) For 3-days, eat a well-balanced diet with a soft consistency diet, for example: soups, mashed potatoes, pasta, baked fish, gelatin, ice cream, yogurt, protein shakes, bananas, etc. Avoid extreme temperature foods as well as spicy foods for one week because tooth hypersensitivity may be exaggerated. Chew on the opposite side of the treatment area until you can chew there without difficulty.

7) Prior to taking your medication, eat foods thick and absorbent in consistency, for example: oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, grits, rice, couscous. This will allow your body to absorb and distribute your medications more efficiently.

8) Do not drink alcoholic beverages and avoid smoking. Do not drink liquids through a straw, spit out, or gargle for 3 days, as the suction may damage the treated area.

If your sutures become loose and become annoying as a result, please call Dr. Acone.

Follow all directions for all medications carefully and completely. Unless you have an adverse reaction to the prescribed medication(s), continue their use for the indicated length of time.

REMEMBER to call your periodontist if you do not understand any of the aforementioned.

Post-Operative Instructions: Gingival graft

All instructions that same as above with one exception:

· Avoid brushing the surgical site for 2 weeks after which you will use either an ultra-soft or regular soft toothbrush with the unidirectional gum-to-tooth method to sweep bacteria away from the gums and teeth. Use a head tilt method to cleanse the area 2x/day for 30 seconds with either: a pinch of sea salt in 8-10oz of warm water, or a non-alcohol containing mouth wash. Do not floss the treated area for 6-8 weeks following the procedure.

**DO NOT TAKE YOUR PAIN-RELIEF/ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATION and/or ANTIBIOTIC (IF PRESCRIBED) ON A EMPTY STOMACH! Take with absorbent foods such as oatmeal, grits, Cream of Wheat, rice, etc.

Call the Periodontist if you have a question or concern.

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