Brush only the chewing surfaces (tops) of the treated teeth for 1 week.
Do not floss the treated teeth for 1 week.
Brush and floss all other teeth normally.
Eating
Avoid hot temperature food/drinks the day of the surgery (coffee, tea, soup).
Soft foods (fish, pasta, etc.) will be desired for the first few days.
Avoid crunchy, salty, spicy foods (pretzels, nuts, chips) for 1 week as they will irritate the treated area(s).
Avoid drinking with a straw for 3 days as it can create bleeding.
Chewing
Do not chew with teeth that have been treated (chew on the other side of the mouth) for 1 week.
If both sides of the mouth have been treated, chew lightly.
Discomfort
Once the numbness wears off, you may experience discomfort.
The treated area(s) could remain tender up to one week.
“Delayed discomfort” is possible. This means that you may feel little to no discomfort the 1st week but do experience some the 2nd week.
A cold pack can be gently placed on the outside of the cheek for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 4 hours. This is most effective the first 24 to 72 hours following the surgery.
Bleeding
It is normal to experience slight bleeding for the first 2-3 days.
Gauze will be sent home with you to bite on if the area bleeds. Fold a piece of lightly moistened gauze into a small square; place it in the area that is bleeding and bite. Change the gauze about every 5 minutes until you no longer see any blood.
Some medications can increase the amount of bleeding such as aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin.
If the area continues to bleed with the gauze in place, remove the gauze and replace with a moist small tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea will help to control the bleeding. Unfortunately the taste is not pleasant.
If excessive bleeding occurs after attempting the above procedures, call the office number (317) 844-2792 or after hours emergency number (317) 691-4169.
Sutures
Sutures (stitches) are absorbable and will come out within 5-10 days. They may untie and become loose. Do NOT attempt to pull or remove the sutures. If they are long and bothersome, you can trim with small scissors.
Working
It is not advised to return to work the same day of surgery due to possible discomfort and bleeding.
You likely will be able to return to work the following day.
If you elect to be sedated for the procedure, you are NOT to return to work the same day but may return the following day.
Exercising
Avoid exercising or heavy lifting for 2 days.
Smoking
It is best not to smoke during the 1st week following the surgery as it will delay the healing process.
Prescription Mouth Rinse
Rinse twice daily (after breakfast and before bedtime) for 1 week.
Antibiotic
Take as directed until gone.
Pain Medication
Take as needed: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Advil, or prescribed medication.
1 Week Follow-Up Appointment
An appointment will be scheduled for you to return 7-10 days following the surgery to evaluate the treated area(s) for healing.
At this time, your next follow-up appointment will be determined.
