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Today, we placed an antibiotic in the area(s) of concern noted at your supportive visit. The antibiotic placed “Arestin” (minocycline HCI 1 mg) is from the Tetracycline family. To help make sure you get the maximum benefit from your treatment, please follow these steps:
Do not touch
-Avoid touching area(s) of your gums that have been treated.
Wait to brush
-Wait 24 hours after treatment with Arestin before brushing the treated area(s).
Wait to floss
-Do not floss or use toothpicks or any other devices that clean between the treatment areas for 10 days
-Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for 1 week after treatment.
Always follow up
-Because the bacteria that cause periodontal disease are persistent, the infection can return. Please be sure to make follow up appointments to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Keep your scheduled appointments
-It is important to keep all of your dental appointments so that your gums can be examined to make sure the infection is under control, and the success of the treatment can be measured.
Care of Surgical Areas:
You may continue to brush and floss nonsurgical areas as normal. Modified home care will be reviewed for the surgical site(s) and updated at your post-operative appointment.
Rinse twice a day with the recommended mouth rinse, either Chlorhexidine (Peridex- a prescription mouth rinse) or Closys (an over the counter mouth rinse). After use, avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes. Please note Chlorhexidine can temporarily cause staining. If staining does occur, it can be polished off after the rinse is no longer needed. Warm saltwater rinses (1 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt) can be used throughout the day as needed.
No brushing or flossing in the implant area(s) until directed. It is best not to disturb the surgical area(s) by bumping, rubbing, touching, or placing pressure on involved areas. This includes taking extra care while using an ice pack. The implant site(s) must be left undisturbed.
A denture or essix retainer should be worn for esthetics purposes rather than function. Please wear these appliances at a minimum.
What to Expect Following Surgery:
It is important to understand, at times, you may experience discomfort, swelling, bleeding, or bruising. Every patient is different and there is no way of predicting if you will experience these symptoms.
Discomfort: You may experience discomfort. To help control tenderness:
-Take prescription medication as BEFORE anesthesia wears off.
-Continue to take the prescription as directed for 24 hours.
-If needed, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used in combination with prescription medication for added relief.
Swelling: It is normal to experience swelling after surgery. To minimize swelling:
Sutures:
It is important to leave sutures as undisturbed as possible. Sutures will be removed at a later appointment or they may dissolve on their own.
Medications:
Please take prescribed medications as directed. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided while taking tablet medications.
Smoking:
Smoking and nicotine slow healing and may jeopardize this procedure. It is recommended smoking be eliminated during the post-operative period.
Diet:
Please refer to the Dietary Suggestions pamphlet that you received prior to surgery. A soft food diet is recommended for 2 weeks. Do not chew anything that might cause discomfort, poke, or abrade the surgical area(s). Do not use a straw for 1 week or until your post-operative appointment.
You have completed a very important phase of your periodontal treatment and will now begin the healing process. Fortunately, periodontal surgery today has few complications and is usually uneventful. The following instructions are intended to aid in your healing and to keep you comfortable.
Care of Surgical Areas:
You may continue to brush and floss nonsurgical areas as normal. Modified home care will be reviewed for the surgical site(s) and updated at your post-operative appointment. Rinse twice a day with the prescribed mouth rinse, Chlorhexidine (Peridex). After use, avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes. Please note Chlorhexidine can temporarily cause staining. If staining does occur, it can be polished off after the rinse is no longer needed. Warm salt water rinses (1 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt) can be used throughout the day as needed.
Medications:
Please take prescribed medications as directed. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided while taking tablet medications.
What to Expect Following Surgery:
It is important to understand, at times, you may experience discomfort, swelling, bleeding, or bruising. Every patient is different and there is no way of predicting if you will experience these symptoms.
Discomfort:
You may experience discomfort. To help control tenderness:
-Take prescription medication as prescribed.
-Continue to take the prescription as directed for 24 hours.
-If needed, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used in combination with prescription medication for added relief.
Swelling:
It is normal to experience swelling after surgery. To minimize swelling:
-Apply ice packs for 3-4 hours at 20 minutes intervals for the first 3 days.
-4 hours at 20 minutes intervals for the first 3 days.
-Moist heat may be applied thereafter for added comfort
– Keep activity light and avoid exertion for 1- 2 days.
-In general, with increased activity comes increased discomfort.
– If prescribed, begin Medrol Dose Pak the morning of surgery.
Bleeding:
Slow drainage is normal for several hours following surgery. To help control bleeding:
-Do not rinse the mouth for 4 hours following surgery
-Keep your head elevated by propping with 2 – 3 pillows
-If needed, apply moist gauze to the area with gentle pressure for 30 minutes
-If bleeding becomes excessive, call our office
Sutures:
Dissolvable stitches will be placed in a surgical area(s) and will begin to fall out within a week.
Smoking:
Smoking and nicotine slow healing and may jeopardize this procedure. It is recommended smoking be eliminated during the post-operative period.
Diet:
Please refer to the Dietary Suggestions pamphlet that you received prior to surgery. Begin with softer foods for the first week and gradually work into a firmer diet at your discretion. Refrain from using a straw for 1 week.
You may continue to brush and floss nonsurgical areas as normal. Modified home care will be reviewed for the surgical site(s) and updated at your post-operative appointment.
Rinse twice a day with the prescribed mouth rinse, Chlorhexidine (Peridex). After use, avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes. Please note Chlorhexidine can temporarily cause staining. If staining does occur, it can be polished off after the rinse is no longer needed. Warm salt water rinses (1 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt) can be used throughout the day as needed. No vigorous switching. Just hold rinse in the area, move head side to side and gently spit out.
No brushing or flossing in surgical area(s) until directed. It is best not to disturb the surgical area(s) by bumping, rubbing, or touching the involved areas. This includes taking extra care while using an ice pack. The graft site(s) must be left undisturbed.
Do not pull on the lip or use muscles to move lip out of the way to check on the graft.
No instruments, tools, or fingers near the graft area.
The more activity with the lip, the more likely the graft will be disturbed and not take.
You should ideally not know that the graft looks like before coming into your post-op visit. Please leave it undisturbed.
What to Expect Following Surgery:
It is important to understand, at times, you may experience discomfort, swelling, bleeding, or bruising. Every patient is different and there is no way of predicting if you will experience these symptoms.
Discomfort: You may experience discomfort. To help control tenderness:
-Take prescription medication as prescribed.
-Continue to take the prescription as directed for 24 hours.
-If needed, acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used in combination with prescription medication for added relief.
Swelling: It is normal to experience swelling after surgery. To minimize swelling:
-Apply ice packs for 3-4 hours at 20 minutes intervals for the first 3 days.
-Moist heat may be applied thereafter for added comfort.
-Keep activity light and avoid exertion for 7-10 days.
-Contact sports/gym should be avoided for 2-4 weeks, pending recommendations.
-In general, with increased activity comes increased discomfort.
-If prescribed, begin Medrol Dose Pak the morning of surgery. Note that 5-7 days later, some discomfort may often present due to Medrol wearing off.
Bleeding: Drainage is normal for several hours following surgery. To help control bleeding:
-Do not rinse the mouth for 4 hours following surgery.
-Keep your head elevated by propping with 2-3 pillows. No Hinging at the hips.
-If bleeding becomes excessive, call our office.
Sutures:
A combination of sutures will be placed, some of which will be coming out in a few days. It is critical to leave sutures as undisturbed as possible.
Medications:
Please take prescribed medications as directed. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided while taking tablet medications.
Smoking:
Smoking and nicotine slows healing and will jeopardize this procedure. It is recommended smoking be eliminated during the post-operative period.
Diet:
Please refer to the Dietary Suggestions pamphlet that you received prior to surgery. A soft food diet is recommended for 2 weeks. Do not chew anything that might cause discomfort, poke, or abrade the surgical area(s). No popcorn and anything with small seeds. Do not use a straw for 2 weeks or until your post-operative appointment.
You have completed a very important phase of your periodontal treatment and will now begin the healing process. Fortunately, periodontal surgery today has few complications and is usually uneventful. The following instructions are intended to aid in your healing and to keep you comfortable.
Care of Surgical Areas:
You may continue to brush and floss nonsurgical areas as normal. Modified home care will be reviewed for the surgical site(s) and update at your post-operative appointment.
Rinse twice a day with the prescribed mouth rinse, Chlorhexidine (Peridex). After use, avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes. Please note Chlorhexidine can temporarily cause staining. If staining does occur, it can be polished off after the rinse is no longer needed. Warm salt water rinses (1 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt) can be used throughout the day as needed.
Carefully avoid chewing food in the areas of the mouth where the laser has been used.
It is extremely important not to dislodge the tiny clots (scabs) that form in the gums.
NO BRUSHING OR FLOSSING IN SURGICAL AREAS FOR ONE WEEK!!
Medications:
Please take prescribed medications as directed. Alcoholic beverages should be avoided while taking tablet medications.
What to Expect Following Surgery:
It is important to understand, at times, you may experience discomfort, swelling, bleeding, or bruising. Every patient is different and there is no way of predicting if you will experience these symptoms.
Discomfort:
You may experience discomfort. To help control tenderness:
-Take prescription medication as directed.
-Continue to take the prescription as directed for 24 hours.
-You may alternate Tylenol every 4 hours with prescription pain med.
Swelling:
It is normal to experience swelling after surgery. To minimize swelling:
-Apply ice packs for 3-4 hours at 20-minute intervals for first 3 days.
-Moist heat may be applied thereafter for added comfort.
-Keep activity light and avoid exertion for 1-2 days.
-In general, with increased activity comes increased discomfort.
Bleeding:
Slow drainage is normal for several hours following surgery. To help control bleeding:
-Do not rinse the mouth for 4 hours following surgery.
-Keep your head elevated by propping with 2-3 pillows.
-If needed, apply moist tea bag to an area and apply light finger pressure.
-If bleeding becomes excessive, call our office.
Smoking:
Smoking and nicotine slows healing and may jeopardize this procedure. It is recommended smoking be eliminated during the post-operative period.
Diet:
Please refer to the Dietary Suggestions pamphlet that you received prior to surgery. Begin with soft foods for the first week and gradually work into a firmer diet at your discretion. Refrain from using a straw for 1 week.
Congratulations! You have completed a very important phase of your periodontal treatment and will now begin to maintain your periodontal health. Maintenance is best accomplished through your efforts at home as well as frequent cleanings at the dental office.
Brushing:
Begin gently brushing twice a day with your regular manual toothbrush. Please do not use your electric toothbrush until your next appointment. As the tissue heals, you may begin to brush more firmly.
Flossing:
Once a day, begin flossing very gently.
Rubber Tip Stimulator:
Proxy Brush:
Sodium Flouride (Prevident):
If you received this prescription, continue using as directed until gone.
Chlorhexidine (Peridex):
Continue rinsing as directed. To obtain maximum benefit, Peridex and Prevident should be used 30 minutes apart.
Replacement heads for Proxy Brush and Rubber Tip can be purchased at most pharmacies.
If questions arise regarding the progress of your healing, please contact our Office at:
Periodontal Specialists – Northfield (507) 663-1815
Periodontal Specialists – Owatonna (507) 451-1920
Periodontal Specialists – Red Wing (651) 388-4774
Periodontal Specialists – Rochester (507) 288-1338
Periodontal Specialists – Winona (507) 454-7142
After office hours, questions or concerns can be addressed by calling our answering service at: (507) 216-4330
The mission of Periodontal Specialists is to improve the quality of life of our patients through the diagnosis and treatment of their periodontal disease and through rehabilitation with dental implants.
