General Post-Operative Instructions

Bleeding

• A small amount of bleeding is normal following surgery.
• If excessive bleeding occurs, apply a moistened gauze pad or a moistened black tea bag directly over the surgical site and apply firm, steady pressure for 20 minutes.

Discomfort

• Moderate discomfort and bruising are expected following surgery.
• Take prescribed medication as directed to manage discomfort.
• Keep your head elevated, especially when lying down.

Prescribed Medications

• Take all prescribed medications according to the instructions provided.
• Start taking medications immediately after your procedure.

Swelling

• Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for the first 48 hours: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
• Swelling typically peaks at 72 hours after surgery.
• After 48 hours, switch to warm, moist compresses to help resolve swelling.

Pain

• Pain medications may cause grogginess. Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking prescription pain medication.
• Take pain medication with food to reduce stomach upset.
• Stay ahead of the pain — do not wait until discomfort becomes severe before taking medication.

Dressing

• A periodontal dressing may be placed to protect the surgical area.
• The dressing may dislodge over the course of several days — this is normal.
• Sutures may loosen over time — this is also normal.

Palatal Stent

• Wear the palatal stent 24 hours per day initially.
• Remove the stent after eating, rinse it thoroughly, apply a thin layer of Vaseline, and replace it.
• Continue wearing the stent for 7–14 days as directed.

Sutures

• Some sutures are resorbable and will dissolve on their own. Others will be removed at your post-operative appointment.
• DO NOT pull or play with your sutures.

Rinsing & Hygiene

• Gently rinse with warm salt water 3 times per day.
• Do not brush the surgical area for 5 days following surgery.
• Day 6: Begin gently brushing the surgical area.
• 2 weeks: Resume normal brushing (for patients without a graft).
• Graft patients: Continue gentle brushing only. Do not floss the grafted area until your post-operative visit.

Activity

• No physical activity on the day of surgery.
• Light activity only for the first week.
• No exercise for 5 days following your procedure.
• NO SMOKING. Smoking dramatically impairs wound healing and increases risk of complications.

Tooth Sensitivity

• Tooth sensitivity may occur following surgery, especially to cold temperatures.
• This sensitivity typically lessens with time.

Dietary Suggestions

• Follow a soft-food diet for the first week.
• Recommended foods: yogurt, avocado, cottage cheese, fish, soups, eggs, and protein shakes.
• Avoid straws, sodas, and acidic beverages.

Pain Medicine Schedule

Standard Protocol

• Step 1: Take 600mg Advil (ibuprofen).
• Step 2: 3 hours later, take 2 x 325mg Tylenol (acetaminophen).
• Step 3: 3 hours later, take 600mg Advil again.
• Continue alternating and decrease as pain subsides.

Blood Thinner Patients

• Take your prescription pain medication every 4–6 hours as directed.
• Switch to Tylenol (acetaminophen) as pain decreases.