Forest Creek Family Dental

Activity

*Periodontal therapy can be a fatiguing experience and you are advised to avoid exertion and limit your physical activities for the first 24 hours.
*Get plenty of rest.  If you sleep during the first few hours after therapy, sleep with your head slightly elevated, two pillows.
*NO SMOKING for at least 48 hours, if possible.

Discomfort/Swelling

*Depending upon the extent or phase of the periodontal problem the degree of possible discomfort will vary.  You may have been given a prescription for pain relief.  Begin taking the medications as prescribed before the anethesia "wears off", then continue as directed.  If your medications does not agree with you, please call us.  You do not need to be uncomfortable.  If no prescription was igven, then take two ibuprofen, i.e. Advil, Nuprin, Medipren, immediately, and two every 4-6 hours as required. If you are still uncomforatble, do not hesitate to call.
*Teeth may be sensitive to temperature changes and/or sweets.  The sensitivithy to temperature may be noticeable the first several days and usually diminish quickly.
*Some slight bleeding mayh occur during the next several brushings, but the bleeding should steadily decrease.
*As the gums heal, they may change their shape around the teeth.  This is a normal occurrence as they tighten.

Diet and Nutrition

*First 24 hours after therapy:
DO NOT chew until anesthesia has worn off, NO hot or spicy foods, NO alcohol or smoking (first 10 days, if possible.)
DO eat a nourishing, soft diet such as soup, milk, eggs, instant breakfast, etc. (DO NOT skip eating; healing tissues need nourishment.)
*You may return to a more normal diet 24 hours after therapy, avoiding spicy foods or foods which are diffucult to chew.
*No popcorn, or foods with poppy/sesame seeds.

Oral Hygiene

*You may care for the treated areas of your mouth with a soft toothbrush.  Brush very gently the first evening to remove any debris.
*Perioguard: should be used once a day for 2 weeks, preferably in the morning after using your toothpaste of choice.  Pour ½ ounce of prescription rinse into measuringcup.  Dip your toothbrush inthe liquid.  Carefully and thoroughly run the bristles around each tooth (as demonstrated by your hygienist.) This will massage the tissue and work the medication into the pockets.  Then swish the remaining prescription rinse in cup for 30 seconds.  DO NOT rinse with water or have anything to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes afterwards.
*Home flouride: should be used at your nighttime brushing with a soft toothbrush.  A pea sized amount is adequate.  Brush on, swish, then expectorate.  DO NOT rinse water or have anything to eat or drink for at least 30 minutes afterwards.
*Continue to brush at least two times daily.  Floss at least one time daily.
*To enhance healing time: 24 hours after therapy, start with warm salter water rinses (2-3 times.) This will help shrink and tighten down the tissue.  To mix: ½ teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water, the temperature of hot coffee.  Continue salt water rinses for the next 3-5 days.

If you have any questions regarding your treatment or these instructions, please call us at 671-3366.