303-678-5253 • 1055 17th Ave. Ste. 101, Longmont, CO info@longmontperiodontics.com

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

To help minimize the post operative discomfort, do the following:

Pain Control

  • Discomfort is best controlled with 800mg of Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen) every 4-6 hours as needed.
  • If you cannot take Advil or Motrin, 650mg of Tylenol every 4-6 may be used instead.

Bleeding

  • Some pinkness in saliva is normal for the first day. If there is bleeding, apply a piece of moist gauze or any tea bag with pressure for 30 minutes.

Infection

  • Please use antibiotic and/or rinse as directed.

Swelling

  • Swelling and bruising may be expected and may last up to a week.
  • Ice may be applied 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first few hours.

Do:

  • DO eat a soft, healthy diet (soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc.) for the first week.
  • DO maintain good fluid intake (water, juice, milk)
  • DO keep head elevated and rest for the first day.

Don’t:

  • DO NOT eat hard, crunchy foods (apple, popcorn, nuts, etc.).
  • DO NOT drink from a straw for the first 48 hours.
  • DO NOT brush and floss in the surgical area until you are told it is OK.
  • DO NOT smoke for at least 48 hours following surgery.
  • DO NOT bump or pull on the surgical area.

Other

  • If you have a denture, plate, partial, or flipper, ask if you can wear it following surgery.
  • Warm salt water may be used as a rinse.

Contact Our Office at (303) 678-5253 If:

  • You have a lot of bleeding.
  • You have severe pain not controlled by medication.
  • You run a fever.

Download Post Op Care Sheet.

For after-hours emergencies, Dr. Van der Werf may be reached at (970) 297-8817.

For life threatening emergencies, please call 911, or go to your local emergency room.