Post-operative Instructions
These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.
Pain Medications
It is not unusual to have discomfort following your surgical procedure. However severe pain is most unlikely. Please do not hesitate to call us if this does occur for advice &/or appropriate additional management.
Usually over the counter medications (such as you use for headaches etc) suffice to control this. Only rarely are stronger prescription medication required to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period.
As an alternative to prescription medications, most patients find taking a combination of over-the-counter Ibuprofen (eg. Nurofen) and Paracetamol (eg Panadol) effective. You must take this drug combination as directed. If you are taking other stronger combination medications (either over the counter or prescribed) take care not to exceed the recommended daily maximums for the individual drugs. If in doubt check with your healthcare professional
Please take your medications as directed. If necessary, you may take your pain medication more frequently than every 4-6 hours to stay ahead of the soreness BUT do not exceed the recommended daily maximums for the individual drugs. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.
Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. Take as directed until finished. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.
Swelling
Swelling and bruising may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically increase for 2-3 days after the procedure. It usually occurs in the lips/ cheeks adjacent to the surgical site due to retraction and pulling on these external tissues required to gain access/visualise the surgical site.
Most patients find warm saline mouth baths soothing. Take a teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm water (the hotter the better BUT don’t burn your self) and hold it in your mouth for as long as you can &/or the liquid cools, tilting your head to bathe the swollen area. Don’t rinse vigorously as this may start the bleeding again. Repeat at 1-2 hour intervals for as long as it gives relief&/or the swelling resolves.
Alternatively, placing an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off immediately after the surgery may minimise the swelling. If this is helpful continue using ice as often as possible for 2-3 days following the procedure.
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 moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure ( either biting &/or with your fingers as you have been shown) for 20 minutes undisturbed; repeat if necessary.
- Call the office if bleeding persists.
Dressing
A dressing (which acts as a bandage) may be placed to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, particularly in the first 48-72 hours please call the office for direction.
Diet
Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 24 hours following surgery so as not dilate the blood vessels/start bleeding again &/or soften the dressing. Likewise avoid vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours
A soft diet may be helpful particularly if you have discomfort when eating and can’t avoid the area. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fruits are more easily eaten. Remember, 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 (if you can) as it will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
Rinsing
Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, you may use a mild, diluted mouthwash. Repeat as necessary to help keep the dressing clean.
Brushing
Do not brush the surgical site. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day.
Suture Removal
You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. Again, warm saline mouth baths may be most soothing. You may choose to take some form of pain medication one hour prior to your suture removal appointment to minimise tenderness.
If you are a patient for whom Antibiotic Pre-Medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Directions Melbourne Periodontal Group / Queens Road Perio Phone Number +61398676961.