Post Operative Instructions

The First 24-48 Hours

Directly following periodontal or dental implant surgery, you may experience some minor bleeding, oozing, swelling, and/or bruising. This is normal.

To help minimize discomfort…

Do not:

  • Drink through a straw, spit, or vigorously rinse your mouth
  • Eat hot, spicy, crunchy, or citrusy foods
  • Exercise
  • Smoke or drink alcohol
  • Floss or use a toothbrush on the affected area. Do not use an electric toothbrush
  • Touch the surgical area with your fingers or tongue
  • Pull or tug your lip to look at the surgical area

 

Instead:

 

  • Drink liquids or eat foods at room temperature
  • Apply light pressure to your gums with gauze, a tea bag, or clean cloth (to address any bleeding)
  • Apply ice to the outside of your face to reduce swelling or discomfort — 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off for the first 24 hours
  • After 24 hours, you may use warm, moist heat on your face for swelling as needed

 

 

Pain Management

  • Some discomfort is likely the first day. The treated area can begin to ache again on the 3rd and 4th day when healing is most active.
  • If you’re experiencing bleeding, gently bite on a damp piece of gauze for 15-20 minutes. Rest quietly with your head elevated.
  • If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure to take them all as directed.

 

 

General Food Restrictions

Be careful of eating anything before your local anesthetic wears off to avoid injury from accidental biting or burning.

Eat a nutritious liquid diet for the first 24 hours after the surgery. After 24 hours, we suggest non-abrasive foods such as mashed potatoes, pasta, cottage cheese, soup, scrambled eggs, or anything you can take apart with a fork for the first week.

At your follow-up appointment, we will advise you on when you can resume a regular diet. However, do your best to avoid eating on the treated side of your mouth until you’re advised to do so.