PERIODONTAL PAC

A surgical dressing may be placed for your comfort and should remain in place until the next visit. If a section of the dressing breaks off, it does not need to be replaced if you are comfortable.

 

PAIN MEDICATIONS

It is not unusual to have discomfort for 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. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. As an alternative to prescription medications, some patients have found taking a combination of over-the-counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol to be effective. 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.

 

Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e,; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicoden or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office any questions you may have.

 

BLEEDING

Slight bleeding causing a pink stain in the saliva may be expected 24 hours after surgery.

If considerable bleeding occurs:

1. Sit quietly with your head elevated with an ice cube or a cold, wet tea bag in the area of the bleeding for ten to twenty minutes.
2. If bleeding persists, fold a piece of gauze or cloth in the form of a “U”, place it on both sides of the pac in the bleeding area, hold it with your thumb and index finger and apply pressure for twenty minutes. This will usually stop any bleeding.
3. Under no conditions should rinsing be used to try to stop the bleeding. Spitting increases the bleeding.

 

SWELLING

Swelling sometimes occurs but can be prevented by placing an ice pack on the area (20 minutes on and 5 minutes off) for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, if you are swollen, use a heating pad for the three to four days it will take to reduce the swelling.

 

DIET

Soft liquid food is indicated in order to avoid disturbing the periodontal pac. Milk, soups, eggs, fish, hamburger and foods processed in the blender are preferred. Do not chew food on side of mouth of surgery.

 

ORAL HYGIENE

Do not brush or use the water pic in the area of the periodontal pac. Brush and floss in all other areas.

 

FEVER

A slight elevation in the temperature is expected. If your temperature is elevated, drink fluids and take two aspirins every four hours.

 

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

After the dressing is removed, some sensitivity to cold is to be expected. You will be instructed in the care of the area and medication may be prescribed for the sensitivity. The teeth may also experience transient mobility. Shrinkage of the gums after surgery is expected in the most cases.