ACTIVITY: After leaving our dental office today, we suggest you consider relaxing or at least limiting your activity as much as possible for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous activity and aerobic exercise for the next 3 days.
DISCOMFORT: Some discomfort may be present when the anesthesia wears off. You have been given a prescription for an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) analgesic. Please take one tab every 8 hours for the first 3 days. This drug will greatly decrease the possibility of post-surgical swelling and pain and has been shown to accelerate healing.
After the first 3 days, 2 Tylenol, or 2 Advil taken every 4-6 hours as needed, should keep you comfortable. Should intense discomfort occur at any time after the surgery, please take the narcotic medication (if one has been prescribed for you), as directed, or give D. Bradley Dean a call and he will phone in a narcotic prescription for you. You may take both the narcotic and NSAID together. Their analgesic effect will be synergistic.
INFECTION: If you have been given an antibiotic please continue taking it, one tablet every 5-6 hours, or three time per day until all of the tablets have been taken. If you notice a few days after surgery, that pain or swelling are increasing or that you are experiencing an elevated temperature, please call D. Bradley Dean, DDS.
SWELLING: It is normal for some swelling to occur after surgery, particularly in the lower jaw. To minimize swelling after surgery, apply an ice bag wrapped in a light tea towel or handkerchief to the outside of your face over the operated area. This should be left on your face for about 20 minutes, then removed for 20 minutes, or alternated from side-to-side, between operated areas, for 2-3 hours after surgery. The use of both ice and the NSAID analgesic as described above will reduce the amount and duration of facial swelling.
BLEEDING: It is common to have slight bleeding for a few hours following periodontal surgery. If bleeding persists, apply a tea bag to the surgical site with firm but gentle pressure for 15-20 minutes. Let yourself rest for 15 minutes then repeat the application of the tea bag for a second time if you still have slight bleeding.
If excessive bleeding continues, please call our office. Remember, most of the blood you may see in your mouth is actually a little bit of blood mixed with a lot of saliva. Blood is a very strong “dye” and a little bit of blood will color your saliva dramatically.
ORAL HYGIENE: Brushing and oral hygiene procedures should be done as usual in all untreated areas. In exposed, operated areas limit your oral hygiene to brushing using a soft bristled toothbrush. In areas covered by periodontal dressing, brush only the chewing surfaces of teeth.
Avoid dental flossing in operated areas during the first week following surgery. No undiluted mouthwash, salt water or peroxide rinses should be used during the first week following surgery. Also avoid the use of water irrigation devices such as Water-piks for 1 month following surgery.
The exposed operated areas should be gently swabbed with a Q-tip (cotton tipped applicator) saturated with Peridex (Chlorhexidine) as a last oral hygiene procedure at bedtime and again in the morning, after eating and drinking.
EATING AND DRINKING: Do not try to eat until all the anesthesia (numbness) has worn off. High protein foods and liquids are desirable for 3-5 days following surgery. Semi-solid foods may be eaten as long as this may be done comfortably. Eggs, custard, yogurt, pasta, steamed vegetables, casseroles, cooked cereals are some things that you might consider eating during the first few days following your surgery. Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, very hot or very cold foods or liquids.
Avoid nuts, chips or other crunchy or fibrous foods which may become caught between your teeth. No smoking or drinking through a straw and no carbonated or alcoholic beverages for 48 hours following surgery. The following nutritional supplements have been found to aid in surgical healing. Taking the following dosages for at least 4-6 weeks following your surgery can enhance healing:
Multi-vitamin with minerals: Take once a day. Calcium: Take 500mg twice daily. Vitamin E: Take 400mg. Vitamin C: Take 1000mg once daily.
These nutritional supplements are all over the counter (OTC) items and may be purchased at a drug store, health food store or the health food section of many grocery stores.
USE OF REMOVABLE DENTAL APPLIANCES: If you normally wear a removable appliance which replaces missing teeth, and it rests on the operated area, it is best to minimize the use of this appliance as any pressure on the surgical site could be detrimental to healing and cause discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from osseous surgery?
Initial healing takes about one to two weeks. During this time, you’ll need to follow specific care instructions. Full healing of the bone and gums can take a few months. We’ll monitor your progress with follow-up visits to ensure everything is healing properly.
Why do I need flap and osseous surgery?
Flap and osseous surgery treats advanced gum disease. It’s needed when deep pockets form between teeth and gums. The procedure removes infected tissue and smooths damaged bone. It helps prevent tooth loss and further gum damage. We recommend it when less invasive treatments aren’t enough.
Can flap and osseous surgery cure my gum disease?
Flap and osseous surgery can effectively treat advanced gum disease. It removes infected tissue and reshapes damaged bone. While it can’t cure gum disease completely, it significantly improves gum health. Ongoing maintenance is crucial to prevent recurrence. Your dentist will provide a long-term care plan after surgery.
Does insurance cover flap and osseous surgery?
Most dental insurance plans cover flap and osseous surgery. Providers usually consider it a necessary treatment for advanced gum disease. Coverage typically ranges from 50% to 80%. Contact your provider for details on their specific policy. Some plans may require pre-authorization. Our office can help you understand your benefits and any out-of-pocket costs.
How do I prepare for osseous surgery?
We’ll provide specific instructions before your surgery. Generally, you’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid alcohol and certain over-the-counter pain medications before surgery. Eating a healthy meal before the procedure is also recommended since you may be on a soft diet afterward. Lastly, prepare your home for recovery by stocking up on soft foods and any prescribed medications.
We want your treatment to provide as positive a healing experience as possible. If you are having any problems or have any questions, not covered in these guidelines, please free to call the office at any time. D. Bradley Dean, DDS can be reached after hours at 1-866-248-8350.