Aftercare

Aftercare following Periodontal Surgery

  • Following any surgery there may be some discomfort and this can be helped by taking painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is better to take these before the local anesthetic wears off at prescribed intervals for the first 24 hours.
  • Refrain from touching or rinsing the surgical site for the first 12 hours. After 12 hours brush the non-surgical sites as normal. Gently brush the affected area as soon as you are able too. Gently rinse out twice daily with a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine at a different time to that when you brush. Hold the mouthwash in your mouth for 1 minute.
  • Avoid any strenuous activity or excessive consumption of alcohol for the first 24 hours.
  • Refrain from smoking for as long as possible.
  • Do not use interdental brushes at the surgical site for 7 days following surgery as they may snag the sutures. We will arrange for the sutures to be removed within 7-10 days.
  • If any bleeding occurs apply local pressure to the bleeding site with your finger and a damp gauze swab for a few minutes. This is usually sufficient to stop it.
  • Complications such as bleeding or swelling are unusual.
  • Following surgery there will be shrinkage of the gum margin as the tissues heal and mature. As a result the teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold for a while.
  • If you have any questions or problems please contact the surgery on 01208 873116