Oral hygiene
Avoid any oral hygiene measures of the treated site for the first 14 days. The non-treated areas of the mouth should be brushed and cleaned normally. After the first 14 days, you should start brushing with an extra soft manual toothbrush as well floss and use interproximal toothbrushes. You may experience some mild bleeding during the first days of reinstituted oral hygiene.
Mouthwash
You should rinse with the prescribed mouthwash morning and night for 30 seconds to one minute until told otherwise. Avoid rinsing with water afterwards.
Food intake
Avoid chewing on the treated side during the first two weeks. Avoid eating or drinking anything hot as well as drinking through a straw during the first 48 hours. Soft or semi-soft food is recommended such as soup, rice, pasta, puree, fish, ground meet etc. Stay away from hard food such as nuts, raw vegetables etc. during the first two weeks.
Smoking
Smoking interferes with the healing process. We recommend to avoid smoking for a minimum of two weeks.
Rest
Avoid physical activities that increase the heart rate and avoid lifting heavy weights or heavy objects during the first 5 days.
Dressing
In certain cases, we cover the surgical site with a dressing. Early loss of the dressing will not compromise healing. However, if you were more comfortable with the dressing in place you can contact us so we can reapply a new one.
Appearance of the gingiva
During the healing stage, the gums can look whitish, reddish or purplish. Avoid touching the site or pulling on the lips to look as you can tear the sutures by doing so.
Specific to sinus lifts
Avoid blowing your nose for the next 3-4 weeks. If you are congested take a decongestant such as “Sudafed”.
POSSIBLE POST-OP SYMPTOMS
Pain
It is normal to experience some pain during the first 4-5 days following the procedure. You should take the prescribed painkillers during the first 2 days or until you are pain-free. You should contact us if the pain persists or increases after the first 5 days.
Swelling
It is normal to experience some swelling following a surgery. We recommend applying ice for the first 24 hours, at least 30 minutes per hour, on the face next to the surgical site. Contact us if the swelling becomes more pronounced after the first 3-4 days.
Bleeding
It is normal to have some light bleeding of the surgical site during the first 24-48 hours. If the bleeding increases, stay calm, keep the head upright and apply a firm pressure with a moist teabag for 10 minutes. You should contact us if you experience persistent bleeding.
Sensitivity to cold
Teeth in the surgical field may become sensitive to cold for couple of weeks. These symptoms should slowly subside. Desensitizing toothpastes such as “Colgate Pro-Relief” or “Prevident Sensitive” can help reduce these symptoms.
