Surgical Instructions
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Pre-Operative Instructions
The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last minute questions. We can be reached at 361-992-3873 during regular business hours.
You should receive your pre/post-operative prescriptions with this instruction sheet. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery, unless they have been previously phoned into the pharmacy of your choice. Please bring your filled prescriptions with you to your appointment.
It may be important to stop taking aspirin and non-steroidals such as Motrin and Advil, 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, remember to discontinue them as directed. If you take antibiotic premed, please take it as directed before your surgery. You will feel better if you have eaten prior to surgery. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly. You may bring your iPod or MP3 player with you if you like.
In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1-3 weeks. In most cases, after surgery we will also look forward to seeing you back for a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an examination of tissue maturation about 10-12 weeks following the surgery.
Post Operative Instructions For Peridontal Surgery
CARE OF THE MOUTH: Bandages are often used for protection. In many cases, the bandage will come off before your post-operative appointment. If loss of the bandage causes bleeding, discomfort, or concern please call our office. The bandage is temperature sensitive. AVOID very hot beverages as they may soften and loosen the bandages .
ICE PACKS: Can be applied to the face over the surgical area to reduce swelling and bleeding. Apply the ice pack to the area off and on for at least the first 4-6 hours following surgery. Eating and chewing of normal food can be done in areas that did not have surgery. After 48 hours you are encouraged to return to a normal balanced diet. You can chew in the area of surgery as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
ORAL HYGIENE: Cleaning of the area should be avoided so as not to disturb the healing process for the first week of surgery. The remainder of your mouth should be cleaned using your usual oral hygiene techniques.
BLEEDlNG: A slight amount of bleeding is not unusual. Avoid rinsing, spitting or sucking actions the day of surgery as this will cause additional bleeding by disturbing the blood clot that has formed. In case of excessive or continuous bleeding, moisten a teabag and apply it with pressure to the site for 15 minutes. Repeat if necessary. In addition, apply ice to the outside of our face and keep your head elevated. If after the 2nd application of ice and teabag, the bleeding continues please call our office.
ANTIOBOTICS: Will be prescribed for the first week after your surgery to prevent infection. Have the prescription filled immediately and begin taking it as instructed.
DISCOMFORT: Some discomfort is to be expected. The level will vary depending on the extent of the surgery. Use Advil/Tylenol regularly to control most discomfort. You will begin a prescription for pain before you leave today. If the pain is more moderate to severe, please have the prescription filled and take as instructed.
*YOUR POST OPERATIVE VISITS ARE VERY IMPORTANT*
We will see you in 2 weeks to check the area and remove remaining bandages and sutures. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns.
The American Dental Association recognizes periodontics as one of the nine specialties of dentistry. Periodontists receive extensive training, including three years of additional education beyond dental school.
By choosing a specialist you will benefit from the latest procedures for treating periodontal disease and placing dental implants tailored to your needs. In addition, our doctors can perform cosmetic periodontal procedures to help you achieve the smile you desire.
