Post-operative Surgery Instructions

These instructions are designed to help minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention. At your surgical appointment, written post-operative instructions will be provided and reviewed.

Pain Medications

It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed to stay ahead of the discomfort. It is advisable to not take the pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.
As an alternative to prescription medication, some patients may take a combination of over-the-counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol. You may take the combination in either of the following dosages: 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 2 Regular Strength Tylenol or 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol every 4-6 hours as needed.
Please note that when taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol, as we do not want you to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office if you have any questions.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities to antibiotics. You will be prescribed an antibiotic to take for your surgery to reduce the risk of infection. Take as directed until the dose is completed. For women taking birth control, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness. Occasionally, antibiotics can upset the stomach and probiotics or Acidophilus can help to replenish the stomach flora and reduce the discomfort. Please advise the office if the symptoms persist or if you have an allergic reaction.

Swelling

Swelling can be expected and is a normal response to surgical therapy. It is typically the greatest 3 to 4 days after surgery. To minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off for the first day. Swelling should gradually dissipate after 4 days. Once the swelling starts to go down, you may result in a bruise. The bruising could last for up to 14 days after your surgery.

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:
• do not rinse your mouth
• elevate your head when lying down
• apply a moistened tea bag (not herbal) to the surgical area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes; repeat if necessary
• call the office if bleeding persists

Protection for the Roof of the Mouth

You will receive either a palatal stent or a periodontal dressing following your gum tissue grafting procedure. The palatal stent is a plastic guard that covers the roof of your mouth like a bandaid. If you have one, please leave it in place for the first 24 hours after the procedure. After those 24 hours, you should remove it to clean after you eat and then re-insert. We suggest wearing the palatal stent full time for the first 7 days post surgery (except when cleaning). You will be given further instructions when you return for your first post operative healing visit.

A periodontal dressing acts as a bandage and is used to protect the roof of the mouth after the gum graft procedure. Initially, the dressing is soft and it will continue to become firm during the first 2 hours following your surgery. It should remain in place until your first follow up, however, on occasion, it can fall out earlier. Do not be alarmed if this occurs and do not try to replace it. Use a cotton swab dipped in the mouth rinse and gently swab the area. Please avoid chewing on the area where the dressing is present. 

Diet

You should stay well hydrated. You may start drinking nutritious fluids such as juice, milk, and smoothies as soon as you get home. Drink normally out of a glass and avoid using a straw. Avoid hot liquids on the day of and day after surgery, as they increase the blood flow and your surgical site could start to bleed. Please remember that adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.

Smoking

Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

Brushing and Rinsing

Do not rinse for the first 12 hours as you could disturb the surgical site. We advise a gentle “soak” of moving the mouth rinse back and forth inside your mouth as opposed to a vigorous rinse. Do not brush or floss the surgical site.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Dr. Scott Yamaoka Periodontics & Oral Implantology Phone Number 604-738-3626. After hours, you may call or text Dr. Yamaoka at 604-788-6476.

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