Periodontal Treatment FAQs:
Before, During & After Your Procedure

Before Your Appointment

Should I eat before my periodontal surgery?
Yes. You will feel better if you have eaten prior to your surgery. This is especially important if you are taking prescribed oral sedatives.
 
It may be important to stop taking aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin and Advil 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, discontinue them only as directed by your doctor.
 
Please bring your filled pre- and post-operative prescriptions with you to your appointment, unless they have been previously phoned into your pharmacy.
Most patients can, but if you elect to use an oral sedative (such as Ativan, Valium, or Halcion), you must have a ride to and from the office.
 

After Your Procedure

What should I do if I experience bleeding after surgery?

A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs, do not rinse your mouth, elevate your head, and apply moistened gauze or a moistened tea bag with moderate pressure for 20 minutes. Call the office if bleeding persists.

Do not brush the surgical site. You may resume normal brushing and flossing in other areas the following day.

Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, you may use a mild, diluted mouthwash as necessary to help keep the dressing clean.

Pain & Medications

How can I manage pain after my procedure?
It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week. Take your prescribed medication as directed. Alternatively, some patients find a combination of over-the-counter Ibuprofen (e.g., 3 Advil Liqui-Gels) and Tylenol (e.g., 1-2 Regular or Extra Strength) every 4-6 hours to be effective.
 
Take prescribed antibiotics as directed until they are gone, and avoid taking them on an empty stomach to prevent nausea. Please alert the office to any antibiotic allergies. Note: Antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills.
 
It is advisable not to take pain medication or antibiotics on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.
 

General Periodontal Services

Is surgery always necessary for periodontal disease?
No. We are very conservative in our treatment recommendations and limit surgery to areas where it is absolutely necessary.
 
Non-surgical therapy is done to improve the overall tissue quality prior to surgery and also to help limit the areas requiring surgery, making it a crucial first step even in severe cases.
 
We will see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1-5 weeks to evaluate your progress and healing. In most cases, we will also schedule a periodontal maintenance cleaning and an examination of tissue maturation about 10-12 weeks following the surgery.
 

Diet & Healing

What should I eat after periodontal surgery?
A soft diet is recommended until you are comfortable. Good options include cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, applesauce, and bananas. Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 hour following surgery so as not to soften the dressing.
 
Swelling typically increases 2-3 days after the procedure. To minimize swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue using ice for 2-3 days following the procedure as often as possible.
 
Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure, as it will significantly slow healing and can compromise results. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.