Over the past few weeks, Livonia, MI dentist Dr. James Stewart has discussed what to do to ensure the health and wellbeing of your smile makeover following dental work at our Farmington Hills-area dentist office. Today, Dr. Stewart wants to continue this information by sharing what you should do following periodontal surgery.
After Periodontal Surgery
As is the case with a number of dental procedures, your lips, teeth, and tongue may feel numb for several hours following your periodontal surgery. To protect yourself from biting your mouth or harming your dental work, avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off, and don’t eat anything for at least two hours following the procedure.
To reduce some of the initial discomfort, take pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Stewart. Apply an ice pack—twenty minutes on, then twenty minutes off—for approximately six hours following the surgery. To reduce pain and swelling twenty-four hours following your dental work, rinse your mouth with warm salt water approximately every six hours. Continue to take any antibiotics prescribed by Dr. Stewart or another physician for the indicated length of time.
Don’t be alarmed if you experience light bleeding for a day or two following your surgery. If the bleeding persists, however, apply firm pressure to the area with a moist gauze pad and elevate your head with pillows. If the bleeding increases or persists for more than two days, call our Livonia dentist office at (734) 425-4400.
Until you can chew comfortably, eat only soft foods, such as yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese, and soup. To encourage healing, rest as much as possible and avoid all strenuous activities for at least twenty-four hours following your procedure.
At the completion of your surgery, Dr. Stewart will instruct you on how to clean your teeth until your gum tissue heals.
To reserve an appointment with Dr. Stewart, call our Livonia, MI dentist office at (734) 425-4400 or visit us online at jamesstewartdds.com.