Periodontal surgery is performed to treat periodontal disease and associated symptoms when the teeth, bones, or oral tissues are too unhealthy or damaged for nonsurgical treatments. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are four types of periodontal surgery: pocket reduction procedures, crown lengthening, regenerative procedures, and soft tissue grafts. Postoperative pain and swelling typically occur following all four procedures.
Instructions
1. Take over-the-counter pain relievers if your pain is minor. Ideally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, should be taken for three days, beginning the morning of your surgery. This will significantly reduce inflammation and help control pain.
2. Ask your doctor for prescription strength pain relievers to ease severe pain. Narcotic pain relievers are habit forming and should only be taken when over-the-counter medications fail to alleviate pain.
3. Avoid eating hard, chewy or spicy foods, as these may increase pain and mouth irritation. A normal diet can usually be resumed within a day or two.
4. Apply ice to any swollen areas for 20 minutes every hour. Ice applications will reduce swelling, pain and pressure. Do not apply ice cubes directly to your face or mouth, but instead use an ice pack or wrap ice cubes in a soft towel.
5. Limit your intake of hot and cold foods if your gums or teeth are temperature sensitive following surgery. Your tolerance to temperatures should increase gradually in the weeks following surgery.
6. Keep your mouth clean to prevent irritation of your surgical wounds or sutures. If you receive a prescription mouthwash following your surgery, you should use it until the bottle is empty. Use the mouthwash after every meal. Do not brush your teeth until specifically told to do so by your doctor.
7. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. You can make a saltwater solution at home by mixing 1/2 tsp. of table salt in an 8-oz. glass of warm water.
8. Take any medications prescribed by your doctor, including antibiotics. These will help speed recovery, prevent infection, and reduce pain and inflammation.
9. Stop smoking. Smoking during your recovery will slow healing, increase mouth dryness and pain, and irritate your surgical wound.
10. Report any bleeding or an increase in swelling or pain to your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs of an infection or other complication.
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