After Implants Or Perio Surgery

1. You will have pain in the surgical area today, tonight and possibly longer.  To minimize the pain, take the prescribed/recommended pain relieving medicines as instructed.  Begin taking the medicines even before the local anesthetic wears off.  If the pain becomes exceptional, please call.
2. You may have slight bleeding and a pink colour to your saliva for the rest of the day.  This is not unusual and will correct itself.  Holding small amounts of ice water in your mouth will usually stop any slight oozing.  Also, pressure applied to the area with gauze for 10 continuous minutes will usually stop any bleeding.  However, if there is excessive bleeding the day of the surgery, or continual bleeding the day after surgery, please call for instructions.
3. For today, you can use a cold pack on your face next to the operated area to reduce the swelling.  Keep the cold pack on for 10 minutes then off for 10 minutes.  Repeat this for 2 to 4 hours.  You may have some swelling in the next day or two, which will go down in about a day or two.  If the swelling is severe and/or you feel feverish please call.
4. Drink plenty of cool fluids such as water or juice.  Avoid hot foods and drinks for at least the first day.  You should eat softer food and chew in the untreated areas.  Avoid sharp foods (such as potato chips), highly seasoned foods, and highly acidic foods or juices (such as vinegar).  It is important that your diet is healthy - sufficient in the required vitamins and nutrients - to enable healing.  Liquid food supplements may be helpful but are usually not required.
5. No smoking for a least 24 hours.  No alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours.  Both of these interfere with blood clotting and healing.
6. Take it easy for the rest of the day.  Keep your head elevated by relaxing in a chair or using an extra pillow on your bed or couch.  Limit your physical activities following surgery.  Avoid strenuous work or exercise for at least 3 days:  you should be able to do light physical activity in a day or two.
7. Starting tomorrow, you may brush and floss the other teeth as usual.  Rinsing with warm salt water may be done tomorrow.  You may have a special mouthwash prescribes for you (Peridex), use this starting tomorrow.

If you are concerned about the progress of your recovery, or if you need assistance, please call the office at 250-365-2424.

If this is outside regular office hours, then call Dr. James Singer at 250-365-1579