Post-operative FAQ’s

Can I take the narcotic medication (i.e.: Vicodin/Norco) simultaneously with the Ibuprofen/Lodine/Etodolac?
YES. Narcotic and Ibuprofen can be taken at the same time. It is often helpful to alternate Ibuprofen and Norco to help manage
discomfort.

What are some examples of soft foods I may eat?
Potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, jell-o, beans, bananas, eggs, pudding, cottage cheese, applesauce, soups, noodles, ground beef,
pancakes, rice, fish, casseroles, food supplements.

Why are there spaces between my teeth after osseous surgery treatment?
Before treatment gums were swollen and infected. After treatment the gums shrink back down, are now healthy and are at the
bone levels, where they were when you were healthy.

How long should I avoid looking at/touching the treated area?
Please avoid looking/touching treated area until you are seen for your follow-up appointment. It can be tempting to look at the
area, but this may pull on the sutures and disturb healing. Please just dap the area with the prescribed mouth rinse.

There are pieces from the bone graft coming out that was placed, is this normal?
YES. Superficial pieces will come out for the first few months, this is normal and expected.

Gum graft appears white in color, is that normal?
YES. The white appearance is a normal stage of healing. A portion of the graft can fall out the first 5 days, which is normal.

I have bleeding from the roof of my mouth that will not stop. What do I do?
A small amount of bleeding from the roof of the mouth is normal after a grafting procedure. Please apply a piece of gauze or
moistened black tea bag directly over the bleeding site with firm pressure for at least 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the
bleeding should be controlled. If you still have bleeding, please contact our office.

I have a long hanging suture that is bothering me. What do I do?
You can trim the suture with a small pair of scissors. If you are concerned, please come in and our assistant will gladly help you.

I have a referral to the periodontist. What should I bring with me to the initial appointment?
We are thrilled that you’ve chosen our office for your periodontal needs. When scheduling your appointment, please be sure to provide the name of the referring doctor is so that we may contact their office and obtain any necessary records. If you received a physical copy of the referral form, please bring that too. We look forward to meeting you.

What will the doctor do during the first appointment?
The initial appointment will consist of an exam of the area in question, a periodontal evaluation, and usually a special type of dental CAT scan (called a CBCT). After the evaluation, we will be able to discuss treatment options and costs, and answer any questions you have.

What should I expect the day of surgery?
The day of surgery, you should follow your usual morning routine (including taking any daily medications prescribed by your physician). Please arrive on-time for your appointment. The area being treated will be numbed and no work will begin until you are entirely comfortable.

I’m nervous about my procedure. Can I be sedated?
Yes. We are able to offer various levels of sedation to meet your expectations. Ask the doctor about our oral sedation and IV sedation options.

Why are there spaces between my teeth after osseous surgery treatment?
Before treatment gums were swollen and infected. After treatment the gums shrink back down, are now healthy and are at the bone levels, where they were when you were healthy.

How long should I avoid looking at/touching the treated area?
Please avoid looking/touching treated area until you are seen for your follow-up appointment. It can be tempting to look at the area, but this may pull on the sutures and disturb healing. Please just dap the area with the prescribed mouth rinse.

There are pieces from the bone graft coming out that was placed, is this normal?
YES. Superficial pieces will come out for the first few months, this is normal and expected.

What are some examples of soft foods I may eat after surgery?
Potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, jell-o, beans, bananas, eggs, pudding, cottage cheese, applesauce, soups, noodles, ground beef, pancakes, rice, fish, casseroles, food supplements.

Gum graft appears white in color, is that normal?
YES. The white appearance is a normal stage of healing. A portion of the graft can fall out the first 5 days, which is normal.

I have bleeding from the roof of my mouth that will not stop. What do I do?
A small amount of bleeding from the roof of the mouth is normal after a grafting procedure. Please apply a piece of gauze or moistened black tea bag directly over the bleeding site with firm pressure for at least 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the bleeding should be controlled. If you still have bleeding, please contact our office.

I have a long hanging suture that is bothering me. What do I do?
You can trim the suture with a small pair of scissors. If you are concerned, please come in and our assistant will gladly help you.