A Guide to Healing After Treatment
We understand that the days following your periodontal procedure are important for proper healing and long-term success. This guide is designed to help you navigate your recovery with confidence and minimize any discomfort. Remember that healing is a process, and following these instructions will help ensure the best possible outcome.
What to Expect During Your Recovery
The First 24 Hours
During the initial recovery period, it's completely normal to experience:
Mild bleeding or oozing: A small amount of blood-tinged saliva is expected for the first 24-48 hours.
Swelling: This typically peaks around the fifth day and gradually resolves over the following days.
Discomfort: Most patients experience some tenderness in the treated area.
Rest assured that these are natural parts of your body's healing process.
The First Week
As healing progresses, you'll likely notice:
Swelling gradually subsiding
Discomfort decreasing day by day
The surgical site beginning to heal and feel more comfortable
Rest and Activity Guidelines
First 24-48 Hours: We recommend returning home and resting as much as possible after your procedure. Limit your physical activity and keep your head elevated when lying down.
Returning to Work: You may return to work when you feel comfortable doing so, typically within 1-2 days for less invasive procedures.
Exercise Restrictions: Please wait 4-5 days before resuming strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise. These activities can increase blood pressure and may interfere with proper healing or cause bleeding at the surgical site.
Why This Matters: Rest allows your body to direct energy toward healing rather than other activities. Avoiding strenuous movement helps prevent bleeding and complications at the surgical site.
Managing Discomfort
Medication Guidelines
Pain management is important for your comfort and recovery. We recommend the following approaches:
Over-the-Counter Options:
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): 600-800 mg every 6-8 hours
OR Naproxen Sodium (Aleve): 220-440 mg every 8-12 hours
OR Acetaminophen (Tylenol): An extra-strength tablet (500 mg ) every 6-8 hours
Combination Therapy:
The combination of 600-800 mg ibuprofen with 500 mg acetaminophen taken together can provide excellent pain relief, comparable to prescription narcotics without the side effects.
Prescription Medications:
If you were prescribed pain medication or antibiotics, take them exactly as directed.
If you are taking antibiotics, complete the full course unless you suspect an adverse reaction.
Please contact our office immediately if you need to discontinue your antibiotics.
Important Safety Notes:
Avoid alcohol consumption while taking any pain medication or antibiotics.
If you've been prescribed narcotics, do not drive or operate heavy machinery.
Narcotic pain medications often contain acetaminophen. Do not combine with other acetaminophen-containing medications.
Consider taking a multivitamin while on antibiotics to support your overall health.
Begin taking pain medication as directed before the local anesthetic wears off completely. This helps maintain comfort rather than trying to "catch up" with pain later.
Cold Therapy for Comfort
Applying ice packs to your face can significantly reduce swelling, minimize bruising, and help control discomfort:
Apply ice intermittently (approximately 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for the first 24 hours while you're awake.
Use a thin cloth between the ice pack and your skin.
Expect swelling to resolve slowly after 7 to 14 days.
Natural Supplements: Some patients find that over-the-counter herbal supplements like Arnica montana and Bromelain help reduce swelling. These are optional complementary approaches to your prescribed care plan.
Oral Care After Your Procedure
Mouth Rinse Instructions
If you were provided with Chlorhexidine (Peridex) rinse:
Gently leave 1 tablespoon in your mouth for 30 seconds.
Target the surgical area without rinsing.
Use twice daily for 1-2 weeks as directed.
This antimicrobial rinse helps protect the surgical site during early healing.
Gentle Cleaning
First 24 Hours: Avoid brushing or flossing the surgical site.
After 24 Hours: Brush and floss normally in non-treated areas.
Surgical Site Care: Do not brush the surgical site until your post-operative visit, unless specifically instructed otherwise.
After Your Post-Op Visit: We'll provide personalized instructions for resuming oral hygiene in the treated area.
Diet Recommendations
What to Eat
For the first 2 weeks after your procedure, we recommend:
Soft, Nutritious Foods:
Yogurt, smoothies, and protein shakes
Scrambled eggs or egg salad
Pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice
Soft cooked vegetables
Cottage cheese or soft cheeses
Fish, ground meat, or tofu
Applesauce, bananas, or other soft fruits
Soups (not too hot)
Staying Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water
Avoid using straws (the suction can disrupt healing)
What to Avoid
For optimal healing, please avoid these items for at least 4-5 days:
Hot foods and beverages (temperature-wise)
Spicy foods
Hard or crunchy foods (popcorn, nuts, seeds, chips)
Alcohol and smoking (these significantly impair healing)
Acidic foods and beverages that may irritate the surgical site
Important “Don'ts” During Recovery
To protect your surgical site and promote healing:
Don't create pressure in your mouth by:
Drinking through straws
Spitting forcefully
Rinsing
Smoking (which also impairs healing)
Don't brush the surgical site until directed at your post-operative visit
Don't probe the area with your tongue or fingers
Don't lift heavy objects or perform strenuous exercise for at least a week
Don't drink alcoholic beverages while taking medications
When to Contact Us or Visit Emergency Room
While complications are rare, please contact our office if you experience:
Excessive bleeding that doesn't subside with pressure
Severe pain not controlled by prescribed medications
Swelling that worsens after 7 days
Unusual discharge from the surgical site
Persistent fever above 101°F
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
An allergic reaction to medications (rash, itching, swelling)
Your Follow-Up Care
Your continued care is important to us. We'll schedule a post-operative visit to:
Evaluate your healing progress
Remove any sutures if necessary
Provide guidance on resuming normal oral hygiene in the treated area
Answer any questions you may have
A Note About Healing
Everyone heals at their own pace. Some patients experience very little discomfort, while others may have more pronounced symptoms. This variation is normal and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem with your healing process.
Remember that proper healing takes time. Following these instructions will help minimize discomfort and promote optimal results from your procedure.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, please don't hesitate to call our office. We're here to support you throughout your healing journey.
This information is provided as general guidance for patients recovering from periodontal procedures. These instructions are not intended to replace personalized advice from your physicians and dentists or to address every possible situation. Always follow the specific instructions provided to you at the time of your procedure, and contact our office with any questions or concerns.
