Contributing Writer 
Post-op Instructions - Periodontal Surgery
A little bleeding or “oozing” for the first 12-24 hours. Leave it alone as it is probably just minor. Some swelling and discoloration is normal following a surgical procedure in the mouth. It should reach its maximum in two-to-three days after surgery and should begin to diminish by the fifth post-operative day.
The most discomfort that you may experience may occur for a few hours after the sensation returns to your mouth. It may gradually increase again for 2-3 days, and then begin to diminish over the next few days.
THINGS TO DO IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SURGERY:
Keep head elevated and rest. Do not suck or spit excessively. Do not pull your lip or cheek to look at the surgical site.
NOTE: Some “oozing” and discoloration of the saliva is normal. If bleeding is severe or persists, moisten gauze or a tea bag, wring out the excess water and place against the area from where the bleeding is coming from. Hold in place with moderate finger pressure for 20 minutes. Repeat as necessary.
Place ice or cold compresses on the region of surgery (ten minutes on ten minutes off) for the first 8-12 hours.
NOTE: Ice bags or cold compresses should only be used on the day of surgery.
Avoid smoking during the healing period (at least for 7 days, purchase the patch if necessary). It is recommended that you do not smoke for the first two weeks since smoking can interfere with the healing and make the results less predictable. If a bone graft was placed, it is recommended to quit for at least 6 weeks. Bone grafting results are not predictable in patients who continue to smoke.
Take medications as directed for PAIN. The Naproxen 550mg tablet prescribed can relieve mild-to- moderate pain. For more severe pain, take other prescription pain medication as directed. Remember that these medications can take up to 30 minutes to one hour to take effect. If you are using any of these medications for the first time, exercise caution with the initial doses (start with 1⁄2 a pill).
A nutritious liquid or soft diet will be necessary for the first weeks after the surgery. Do your best to NOT eat on the side surgery was performed. Healing will occur in weekly increments; therefore, it is best to gradually (in weekly increments) return the diet and/or other mouth/oral activities back to normal.
For the first 24 to 48 hours, one should REST. Patients who have sedation should refrain from driving an automobile or from engaging in any task that requires alertness for the next 24 hours.
