The following information has been prepared for you to help answer the many questions you may have regarding the treatment that has just been performed.

1. Ice should be applied to the side of the face for 15 minutes and taken off for 15 minutes, for a period of several hours. This should be done immediately after the procedures to help prevent swelling. Do not use the ice bag longer than 6 hours after the surgery is complete.
   
   
2. Some degree of discomfort may occur following periodontal surgical procedures. If you have been given a prescription medication, please take as directed. If you are without a prescribed medication, you may take 2 Aspirin or Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil® or Nuprin®, etc.) every 4 hours for relief of discomfort.
   
   
3. You may experience a slight feeling of weakness or chills during the first twenty-four hours. This is not a cause for alarm. You are encouraged to avoid strenuous activity the day of surgery.
   
   
4. Do not rinse or spit for the first 24 hours. Beginning 24 hours after the operation, gentle rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 tablespoon salt in a glass of warm water) as many times a day as possible is encouraged. If you have been given a prescription mouth rinse, please use as instructed on the bottle.
   
   
5. Perform your regular oral hygiene procedures in all areas of the mouth not involved in the surgery. Do not brush areas where there are surgical dressings. Brushing your tongue is advisable.
   
   
6. There may be occasional blood staining or oozing for the first several hours that may cause your saliva to appear pink. This is normal and is not cause for concern. Rinsing often interferes with blood clotting and should be avoided for the first 24 hours post- operatively If there is excessive bleeding, take a piece of damp, sterile gauze, apply it to both sides of the dressing, and hold it under gentle pressure for 10 minutes. Do not remove it during this period to examine it. If bleeding persists, call the office.
   
   
7. If a material has been placed around your teeth, it is a surgical dressing. Its primary purpose is to keep you comfortable. It should not be disturbed because this may tear out any sutures that have been placed.
   
   
8. The dressing will reach its maximum hardness about 2 hours following placement. Refrain from drinking hot fluids during this time, since they will prevent the dressing from hardening. In addition, do not eat any solid food until the dressing has hardened. During the course of the first post-operative week (3-4 days) this dressing may become brittle and pieces may break off. Do not be concerned unless an extensive area fractures away, and you are uncomfortable.
   
   
9. Eating for the first 1-2 days after the operation should be restricted to the unaffected side and foods should be of a soft consistency (that which can be cut with the side of a fork). Hard, sticky, or spicy foods must be avoided. A good diet is essential for proper healing. Smoking should be avoided during the next 24 hours.
   
   
10. Please do not hesitate to call the office if any problems arise. After office hours you may call (415) 681-3171.

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