For Patients

Patient Instructions for Periodontal & Implant Surgery

Each procedure is unique and different, so your specialist will discuss the particular details of your procedure with you. Here you’ll find general information and instructions that apply to most periodontal and implant surgeries. If any of these directions don’t apply to your situation, your specialist will let you know. Always follow the directions of your specialist, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure of any requirements.

Pre-Operative

Instructions for Periodontal & Implant Surgery

1. Current Medication

DO NOT take any aspirin seven (7) days prior to the surgical procedure. If you feel you need to take aspirin during this time, please discuss this with your physician.

If you are taking any prescription or alternative (herbal) medicine, check with your physician before surgery if you can continue to take these as normal.

If you are taking blood-thinning medication i.e. Coumadin, Warfarin or Plavix check with your physician on when to stop and resume the medication.

2. Chlorhexidine Rinse

Rinse with chlorhexidine 1-2 days prior to and the morning of the surgery as directed.

3. Antibiotics

One hour PRIOR to your surgical appointment, start your antibiotic if directed. If pre-med is indicated, please follow your customary regimen i.e. 1 hour prior to appointment for Amoxicillin or Clindamycin.

4. Smoking

NO SMOKING within 1 day of surgical appointment. If you can’t stop smoking, try to limit smoking until the sutures are removed.

5. Eating Before Surgery

Eat lightly more than an hour prior to the surgery. Do not come in hungry. Try to eat a starch or sugar such as cereal, bread, muffins or fruit.

6. Alcohol and Driving

DO NOT DRIVE OR CONSUME ALCOHOL while taking any sedative or pain-relieving medication for a minimum of 12 hours after last dosage.

7. Recovery Preparation

Have an icepack and soft foods ready at home.

 

If you have any questions relating to your scheduled treatment, please contact the office.

Download Pre Op Instructions

Post-Operative

Instructions for Periodontal & Implant Surgery

1. First 24 Hours

AVOID extremely hot liquids and citrus juices for the next few hours.

Avoid vigorous exercise.

DO NOT smoke for at least 24 hours after surgery.

2. Medication

If an antibiotic has been prescribed before your dental procedure, you must take your medication as directed on the day of your appointment (at least 1 hour before).

AVOID ALCOHOL with antibiotics, pain pills or sedatives. If you have any problems with any antibiotics, please call the office immediately.

Some antibiotics may interfere with birth control pills so check with your physician first.

Mild discomfort can be controlled with Panadol, Nurofen or similar tables every four (4) hours (avoid aspirin). If a pain reliever has been prescribed, only take as many pills as necessary.

3. Driving

DO NOT DRIVE while taking any sedative or pain-relieving medication.

4. Gum Recession

While gum recession usually results from surgery, it is not as much as it appears to be during the first few weeks. As healing progresses, the normal colour and a smooth natural shape will return. Gum recession may be permanent.

5. Swelling

Some swelling and temporary loosening of the teeth may be expected. Apply an icepack to the face, if directed, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off for the rest of the day. DO NOT use heat. It usually takes from three to ten days for the swelling to recede.

6. Mouth Hygiene

Starting tonight/tomorrow brush the rest of your teeth as usual. DO NOT brush the teeth at or next to the surgical area.

Also starting tonight/tomorrow rinse twice a day with a chlorhexidine mouth rinse (morning and evening) if it is prescribed. It is extremely important for healing that the mouth be kept CLEAN.

7. Eating

Try to eat on the side opposite the surgical site. AVOID foods that are hard, hot, spicy, salty, popcorn, peanuts, seeds, rice, crusty bread, pretzels and any food that will get caught between your teeth. Dilute citrus juices with an equal amount of water.

8. Bleeding

If bleeding occurs, DO NOT RINSE. Wet gauze with cold water, place over the area and hold firmly for 10 minutes. Repeat every 10 minutes alternating with a dry gauze (10 minutes) until bleeding stops.

 

Notify the office if you are concerned about any aspect of your recent surgery.

Download Post Op Instructions