Surgical Instructions

The following general post operative instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last minute questions. We can be reached at North York Periodontal Centre Phone Number (416) 223-5553 during regular business hours.

In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will be seeing you at two weeks and usually six weeks post-operatively.

Please note the instructions below are general instructions and may not apply to all procedures. You will receive a personalized post-operative instruction after your periodontal procedure. 

Post-operative Instructions

These instructions are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.

Discomfort – after any surgical procedures a certain amount of discomfort is expected. By taking the recommended or prescribed medication as directed, your discomfort should be reduced.

Bleeding – slight oozing and pink saliva is normal for the first day following the surgery. To minimize bleeding you should avoid rinsing for 24 hours after the surgery.  Avoid vigorous exercise for 48 hours, eating hard foods or traumatizing the surgical area.  If bleeding does occur, apply FIRM, continuous pressure to the area for twenty minutes with a piece of damp gauze or wet black tea bag.  If bleeding is severe contact the office or the doctor on the number provided on your post-operative instruction form. 

Swelling – apply an ice pack on the face adjacent to the surgical area for 20 minutes and repeat (20 minutes on – 20 minutes off) for the first day following the surgery to minimize swelling and bruising.

Mouth rinse – If you have been prescribed Chlorhexidine mouth rinse, start rinsing the day after the surgery. Rinse with one cap full (15mL) twice per day for one minute each time. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after rinsing. If you have not been prescribed Chlorhexidine, rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of table salt in 1 cup of water) as directed.

Smoking and drinking – if you are a smoker, do not smoke for at least 72 hours. Healing is significantly compromised in smokers.  Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours as it may interact with the medications you have been prescribed. Excesive alcohol consumption can also increase your risk of bleeding. 

Periodontal Packing – if a periodontal pack/dressing has been applied to the surgical area, this may stay on until your follow up visit. If it does fall off or chip away, it does not need to be replaced. 

Oral hygiene – proceed with usual oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) of the non-treated areas of your mouth starting the morning after the surgery. DO NOT BRUSH OR FLOSS the surgical area until your follow up visit.

Diet – a soft diet is recommended for 3-14 days following the surgery. Avoid chewing directly on the surgical site until your follow up appointment.  Avoid hot drinks for at least three hours following the surgery. 

Food Suggestions

We recommend having a “fork tender” diet following your periodontal surgery. When preparing a post-op menu, please consider some of the following choices: