You must begin your at-home care immediately after surgery. Please take caution not to eat anything until the anesthesia has completely worn off. It’s a recommendation to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids as much as possible to regulate your body temperature and immune restoration.
It is vital to maintain the surgical area as clean as possible to ensure healing and prevent bacterial infections.
Helpful Information for Periodontal Surgery Home Care
Helpful Information for Periodontal Surgery Home Care
- Use Ice: Ice Therapy
Immediately apply ice to the outside of your face where the procedure had taken place. Swelling is the most common sign after surgery. Swelling causes significant discomfort. By reducing the swelling, it can promote healing quicker and also alleviate any distress. Applying ice to the outer surface for a few minutes at a time will significantly reduce inflammation and swelling. Another helpful tip is to hold cold liquids, ice chips, or cold food to compress the swelling. It is recommended to do so as much as possible throughout the day; however, be careful not to burn yourself with ice since you are probably still numbed.
- Be Aware of Bleeding: Bleeding after Surgery.
After leaving the dental office, you will be given all information about after at-home care and emergency contacts. You will be provided with verbal instructions as well as written instructions. Please be aware that bleeding occurs even after leaving the office. The wound is still open and has not healed in a matter of hours. When you are bleeding at home, keep in mind that you will need to locate the site where it is bleeding, clean it, and put a light compression against it with a sterilized gauze for at least 15 minutes. Repeat the process if necessary. If the bleeding persists, please contact your doctor right away.
- Medications: Pain Medication and Antibiotics
After the surgery, you can expect at least 3-4 days for you to begin healing properly. It is widespread to feel mild to moderate discomfort for several days. To help ease the pain and discomfort, you are recommended to take anti-inflammation medication or analgesic (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.). Depending on your dentist’s (or periodontist’s) discretion, they will prescribe you extra-strength medicines or antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections.
