Post Operation Instructions

Vancouver Surgical Centre For Implant & Periodontal Treatment

1. NO PHYSICAL EXERCISE FOR 2 WEEKS: running, aerobics, biking, weight-lifting, etc increases blood flow to the surgical site and promotes post-operative bleeding. 



2. PAIN & SWELLING:

• Take 400-800mg Ibuprofen (Advil)and 500mg Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6-8 hours for 3 days REGARDLESS OF PAIN. After that you should take pain medication as needed. • If you are allergic to Ibuprofen or NSAIDs, take 500 mg Acetaminophen only every 6-8 hrs. • Do Not take Aspirin for pain management UNLESS it has been prescribed for other conditions such as heart conditions.

• If you are given Dexamethasone to take home: This is to help control swelling so please follow the instructions given on the package

• Apply ice packs 15 minutes on 15 minutes off for 3-4 hours a day for the next 3 days. 



3. BLEEDING:

• Do not be concerned if traces of blood are noted in the hours after your surgery. • If you experience heavier bleeding from the surgical site apply damp gauze or a wet tea bag to the area to absorb any oozing coming from the area. If you still are experiencing problems after 30 min, please call your surgeon.



4. ORAL HYGIENE:  

• DO NOT brush the surgical site for 2 weeks or until advised by your surgeon. • Use prescribed mouth rinse by gently holding it in the surgery area for 30 seconds morning and evening for 2 weeks. 

• DO NOT rinse the mouth vigorously or spit very hard in the first few days as disruption of the clot may occur. 

• Meticulous oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, etc) should be continued in all other areas of the mouth EXCEPT in the area of surgery.

• Salt water rinses also will help heal the surgical site and can be used at any time. Use cold water. You can do this up to 3-4 times a day with a ratio of 1 cup of water: 1 tsp of salt. 

• For patients that have received gum grafting and bone grafting: DO NOT use electric toothbrush  at all for a period of 6 weeks.

• Do Not floss the surgical site for 6 weeks after surgery

 


5. NUTRITION:

• Avoid chewing on the surgery site by using the opposite side for 2 weeks or until advised. • Avoid extremely hard, crunchy, acidic or spicy foods for 2 weeks. 

• Avoid hot temperature foods and drinks for 2 days post-surgery

• Avoid the use of straws (negative pressure could result in increased bleeding)



6. SUTURES: 

• Most dissolving sutures will dissolve between 5-14 days

• Non-dissolving sutures must be left in place and will be removed between 2-4 weeks • Keeping sutures could be critical to the healing process. Please DO NOT remove sutures yourself and contact your surgeon if they become bothersome. 



7. ALCOHOL: 

• If you are prescribed antibiotics please avoid Alcohol while taking the medication • Otherwise, alcohol intake should be limited in the first 2-4 days post-surgery as this could increase the risk of bleeding. 



8. GUM GRAFTS: 

• Tissue adhesive (purple colour) has been applied to the graft site as well as the donor site. We will remove the adhesive from the graft site in 1-2 weeks. 

• The glue can chip off partly or completely at any time. That is of NO CONCERN as long as the glue stays on the recipient site for 2 days after surgery. 

• The graft will start looking white in colour. That is part of the NORMAL healing process. 



9. SINUS GRAFTS: 

• DO NOT blow your nose, just dab as needed. 

• If you need to sneeze, please let the sneeze out and try your best not to hold it in. This causes pressure in your sinus cavity and the materials could be dispersed. 

• Due to repositioning your sinus membrane, it is crucial not to have any pressure applied to the sinus  area. Please DO NOT sleep on the surgical site of your face for the next 2 weeks. • Please follow the directions from the over-the counter antihistamines and nasal sprays that was prescribed to you by your surgeon. 

• Nosebleeds can be common post-surgery. If this occurs, apply pressure by squeezing your nose between your eyes and bending your head between your legs until the bleeding ceases. Contact your surgeon if this matter does not resolve after 30 min.



10. PERIODONTAL DRESSING (PACK):

• The material that you feel around your teeth is the dressing. It will become firm in about an hour and should not be disturbed while it is setting. Small particles of the dressing may chip off at any time, but this is of no consequence unless it causes discomfort. Do not pull away the dressing.