Post Treatment Instructions

Scaling and root planing therapy includes removing tartar and bacterial plaque from the root surface below the gum line. This helps reduce inflammation and infection and improves the depth of periodontal pockets, therefore allowing more efficient flossing and brushing.

Do not eat, drink, chew or consume hot foods or beverages until the numbness has worn off following anesthetic.  For the first 24 hours you may experience some thermal sensitivity.  Minor bleeding following a deep cleaning is possible.  If you experience excessive bleeding or protracted sensitivity, please call our office.

You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to the instructions on the label or those provided by Dr. Davidson as needed.  Brush and floss gently following a deep cleaning, resuming normal brushing and flossing when any soreness is gone.

Follow any other instructions provided by our office on your visit. Please take all medications as prescribed.

Some pain, bleeding, swelling and seeping are normal following oral surgery. A cold compress placed on the face near the treatment area for five to ten minutes on the day of your surgery can be effective in reducing any pain or swelling.  Do not probe the area with your tongue or fingers. Avoid brushing your teeth near the surgery site, but brush and floss the rest of your mouth as instructed by the office. You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to the instructions on the label or the medication provided by the doctor as needed.

Do not eat, drink, chew or consume foods and beverages that are extremely hot or spicy until the numbness has worn off. Avoid vigorous physical exercise for the first 24 hours and do not consume alcoholic beverages or smoke for at least 48 hours. Do not brush or chew on the side of the procedure until sutures are removed.  You will be provided with an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day starting the day after the procedure.  Do not use a straw for drinking.  If you experience excessive bleeding or discomfort after 48-72 hours, please call our office.

Follow any other instructions provided by the office on your visit. Please take all medications as prescribed including your prescribed antibiotics to help prevent infection and do not miss your scheduled follow-up appointment.

Minor bleeding may occur following a surgical procedure. To control the bleeding, place a gauze pad or tea bag over the area and bite firmly for 15 minutes. Repeat as necessary within a one-hour period following surgery. If the bleeding persists, please call the office.

If you have been prescribed pain medication besides aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), do not drive, operate heavy equipment, work around machinery or tools or engage in any other activity that may be unsafe, as your reflexes and judgment will be affected by the medication for approximately six hours. Do not take more than 800mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours. If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the medicine as directed.  

Swelling around the surgical site is not uncommon. This swelling may not appear until the day following the surgery, and may become more noticeable two to three days following surgery. You can help to minimize the swelling by applying a cold compress on the face near the extraction site alternating on for 20 minutes then off for 20 minutes. After 36 hours the ice will have no further impact on swelling. After this period, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face can help reduce swelling.

For 24 hours following your surgery, do not suck on a straw, rinse, or smoke. Avoid hot and spicy foods and both carbonated and alcoholic beverages. Please refrain from eating on the side of your mouth where the surgery occurred. Restrict your activities on the day of your surgery and please avoid swimming for 10 days.

You will be provided with an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day starting the day after the procedure.
Please call our office if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding or swelling, or if you have any questions or concerns. After hours, Dr. Davidson can be reached on his cell phone.  

After your procedure, please do not disturb the area. Avoid forcefully rinsing or spitting. Minor bleeding is possible during the first 24 hours. Biting on a gauze pad or a wet tea bag (green or black tea) placed directly on the wound for 15 minutes will help stop bleeding. If bleeding continues, please call Dr. Davidson.

Please take all medications, including mouth rinses, as prescribed.

Brush and floss your teeth, avoiding the area of the procedure. Sutures may be placed after the surgery. Those that are not dissolvable will be removed in 10-14 days.

Utilizing ice packs following your surgery will help to limit soreness. If swelling occurs, apply external ice for the first 24 hours and utilize external heat each day thereafter. 

Drink plenty of fluids. Stay away from spicy foods. Also avoid sharp and crunchy foods like tacos, chips and nuts. Tobacco and alcohol should not be used. Alcohol should not be used in combination with pain medications nor antibiotics.

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Please avoid swimming for 7-10 days.

If a surgical bandage was used, it is desirable for it to remain in place for 24 hours. Do not remove it; it will come off when ready. Once removed, you can begin cleaning the wound gently with a cotton swab dipped in a mouth rinse.

In the event of an emergency, please call the office. After hours, please call Dr. Davidson on his cell phone. Follow any other instructions provided by the office on your visit. Please take all medications as prescribed including your prescribed antibiotics to help prevent infection.

Some pain, bleeding and swelling are possible following oral surgery. A cold compress placed on the face near the treatment area every five to ten minutes on the day of your surgery can be helpful in limiting soreness. Do not probe the area with your tongue or fingers. Avoid brushing your teeth near the surgery site but brush and floss the rest of your mouth as instructed by the office. You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to the instructions on the label or the medications provided by the doctor as needed.

Do not eat, drink, chew or consume foods and beverages that are extremely hot or spicy until the numbness has worn off. For the first 24 hours you may experience some cold and/or heat sensitivity. Avoid vigorous physical exercise for the first 24 hours and do not consume alcoholic beverages or smoke for at least 48 hours. Do not brush or chew on the side of the procedure until sutures are removed. You will be provided with an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day starting the day after the procedure. Do not use a straw for drinking.

If you experience excessive bleeding or discomfort after 48-72 hours, please call our office immediately.

Follow any other instructions provided by the office on your visit. Please take all medications as prescribed. Do not miss your follow up appointment(s).

Some pain, bleeding and swelling are possible following oral surgery. A cold compress placed on the face near the treatment area every five to ten minutes on the day of your surgery can be helpful in limiting soreness. Do not probe the area with your tongue or fingers. Avoid brushing your teeth near the surgery site but brush and floss the rest of your mouth as instructed by the office. You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to the instructions on the label or the medications provided by the doctor as needed.

Do not eat, drink, chew or consume foods and beverages that are extremely hot or spicy until the numbness has worn off. For the first 24 hours you may experience some cold and/or heat sensitivity. Avoid vigorous physical exercise for the first 24 hours and do not consume alcoholic beverages or smoke for at least 48 hours. Do not brush or chew on the side of the procedure until sutures are removed. You will be provided with an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day starting the day after the procedure. Do not use a straw for drinking.

If you experience excessive bleeding or discomfort, please call our office immediately.

Follow any other instructions provided by the office on your visit. Please take all medications as prescribed. Do not miss your follow up appointment(s).

Please refrain from blowing your nose for up to four (4) weeks following your surgery. Do not hold your nose when sneezing. Please take all medications as prescribed, including decongestants as necessary. Avoid flying in pressured aircraft, scuba diving, bearing down when lifting heavy objects, blowing up balloons, playing musical instruments that require a blowing action or any other activity that increases nasal or oral pressure for at least four weeks after surgery.

It is important to keep your mouth clean after surgery to reduce the risk of infection and promote rapid healing. You will be provided with an antibacterial mouth rinse to be used twice a day starting the day after the procedure.

Drink plenty of liquids. Eat soft foods for the first several days after surgery. Advance to a regular diet as you become more comfortable. Please avoid chewing or creating pressure on the bone graft site. Please avoid smoking during the first one to two weeks following your surgery.

All removable appliances including partial dentures, flippers and full dentures must be checked for proper fit before they can be worn.

Swelling and bruising may occur. The use of ice packs following your surgery will help diminish the swelling you may experience in the first 48-72 hours following surgery. Applying ice for 15-20 minutes followed by resting the same amount of time works very well during the first 36 hours.

If you experience severe or persistent sinus or nasal congestion please let us know.

If you experience any problems, please call Dr. Davidson at the office. If after hours, please contact Dr. Davidson on his cell phone.