Washington Periodontics

Post-Op Instructions

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Excellence in Periodontics & Implants
Christine Karapetian, D.D.S.
Diplomate, American Academy of Periodontology

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

What instructions should you follow immediately after surgery? 

• Do NOT rinse or spit today.

• Do NOT smoke or consume alcohol.

• AVOID extremely hot foods and drinks until the anesthetics wears off.

• AVOID foods that are hard, spicy or salty as it may irritate the surgical site. (Examples include: Nuts, Pretzels, Chips, Tomato Sauces, Salsa)

• Stay away from the surgical area! Do not do ANYTHING to place tension on the area including pulling up or down on the lip to see the treated area.

• MEDICATION- Be sure to take ALL of the pills as directed. You are required to finish ALL of the antibiotics to achieve the most ideal results. If you have any unwanted side effects, please call our office.

• Apply an ICEPACK to the area to minimize swelling, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off ONLY for today.

• Starting TOMORROW, you have the option to rinse gently and frequently with warm water and ½ teaspoon of salt.

• It is important to keep your mouth CLEAN. Brush and floss the teeth well, but NOT on the treated area or the adjacent teeth.

• The days following the surgery use the BLUE SOLUTION with a clean moistened Q-tip to CLEAN the TREATED area 2-3 x/day until the follow up visit.

How will this change your eating habits?

• Eat on the opposite side.

• Eat all of your foods with a fork or spoon. If treated area is in the front/anterior of your mouth do NOT bite into ANY foods such as sandwiches, apples, or hard crusty bread. What should you expect after surgery?

• Bruising/Swelling is normal for any surgical procedure, although not usually seen.

• If bleeding occurs – DO NOT RINSE. Wet a tea bag and place in the surgical area for 10 minutes. If bleeding does not subside after, call the office immediately.

Sinus Lift/ Elevation

NO hard nose blowing or sniffing for TWO weeks. Try sleeping on an extra pillow to keep your head elevated. If instructed, use nasal spray or decongestant as directed. No flying for 4 weeks.

After Placement of Dental Implants

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue in some instances.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a moist tea bag for 15 minutes (repeat this three times). If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, a plastic bag, or a towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously for the first 24 hours, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off

Diet

Avoid eating or drinking while the anesthesia is present. The first 24 hours, eat cold or room temperature foods. Avoid chewing on the surgical area, chew on the opposite side of the mouth. Do not bite into foods if the front of the mouth is treated. Avoid hard, crunchy, crusty foods and seeds. Maintain a softer diet, if you can cut your food with a fork you are fine to eat it until the suture removal appointment.












Pain

Start pain medication, whether it is over the counter or prescribed, one hour prior to your appointment, unless discussed otherwise.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.














Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Peridex/Chlorhexidine mouthwash may have been prescribed for you to begin using 24 hours after your procedure. Swab the surgical area 2-3 times a day with a cotton pellet with the medicated mouthwash. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm waterP should be used 2-3 times a day starting the day after the procedure. Brush your teeth and floss regularly, but avoid the surgical area until the sutures are removed.

Activity

If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising and apply gauze to the area for 20-30 minutes. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking on normal nourishment or fluids. 

YOUR NEW SMILE STARTS WITH A PHONE CALL

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OFFICE LOCATION
9004 Crownwood Ct., Suite A
Burke, Virginia 22015
OFFICE HOURS
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Schedule Your Appointment ›Talk to a Treatment Coordinator: 703-569-4040 
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