Periodontal surgery: aftercare

• This covers osseous surgery, crown lengthening and implant cleaning surgery. Some bleeding, swelling and tenderness are normal for the first few days.
• Use ice packs on your face, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for the first day.
• If you have a periodontal dressing, leave it in place. If it comes off early and you're comfortable, there's no need to replace it. Just let us know.
• Don't brush the surgical area until Dr. Hourizadeh tells you to. Clean the rest of your mouth normally. Use your prescribed rinse as directed.
• Eat soft foods and chew on the other side. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy or very hot foods.
• Don't smoke, and don't drink through a straw.
• Take your prescribed medications as directed, and finish any antibiotics.
• Teeth may feel more sensitive to cold as the gums heal. This usually improves over several weeks.
• Keep your post-op visit to have the area checked and any stitches removed.
• Call us if you have heavy bleeding, fever, or pain that gets worse instead of better.

All post-op instructions