After your treatment.
Most of what worries people after surgery turns out to be a normal stage of healing. Here is what is expected, what is not, and who to call either way.
If something is wrong right now
- Medical emergencyCall 911
- 24-hour concierge630-912-2700
- Doctor's cell773-357-7077
Your written instructions
You are given written instructions for your specific procedure when you leave. If you have mislaid them, open the matching set below, or call 630-912-2700 and we will send another copy. Do not substitute the answers further down this page for the instructions you were given; those are general, and yours are specific to your case.
- General post-op instructions (opens in a new tab)After most surgical procedures, including implants and extractions.
- Laser post-op instructions (opens in a new tab)After laser gum treatment.
- Sedation post-op instructions (opens in a new tab)If you were sedated, in addition to the set for your procedure.
Watch instead
The same aftercare, spoken. Useful if reading is hard right now.
Not captioned yet. Everything it covers is written out in the instructions above and the answers below.
Post-operative questions
Can I take the narcotic medication (Vicodin or Norco) at the same time as ibuprofen or etodolac?
Yes. A narcotic and ibuprofen can be taken together. It is often helpful to alternate ibuprofen and Norco to manage discomfort.
What counts as soft food?
Potatoes, yoghurt, oatmeal, jelly, beans, bananas, eggs, pudding, cottage cheese, apple sauce, soups, noodles, ground beef, pancakes, rice, fish, casseroles and food supplements.
Why are there spaces between my teeth after osseous surgery?
Before treatment the gums were swollen and infected. After treatment they shrink back down to the bone level — which is where they sat when you were healthy. The spaces are the swelling going, not something going wrong.
How long should I avoid looking at or touching the treated area?
Until your follow-up appointment. It is tempting to look, but that pulls on the sutures and disturbs healing. Just dab the area with the prescribed mouth rinse.
Pieces of the bone graft are coming out. Is that normal?
Yes. Superficial pieces will come out over the first few months. This is normal and expected.
My gum graft looks white. Is that normal?
Yes. The white appearance is a normal stage of healing. A portion of the graft can come away in the first five days, which is also 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. Apply a piece of gauze or a moistened black tea bag directly over the site with firm pressure for at least 20 minutes. After that the bleeding should be controlled. If it is not, contact the office.
I have a long hanging suture that is bothering me. What do I do?
You can trim it with a small pair of scissors. If you would rather not, come in and an assistant will do it for you.
What should I bring to a first appointment on a referral?
When you book, give us the name of the referring doctor so we can contact their office and obtain any records we need. If you were given a physical copy of the referral form, bring that too.
What happens at the first appointment?
An examination of the area in question, a periodontal evaluation, and usually a CBCT — a 3D dental scan. After that we discuss treatment options and costs and answer your questions.
What should I expect on the day of surgery?
Follow your usual morning routine, including any daily medication prescribed by your physician, and arrive on time. The area being treated is numbed first, and no work begins until you are entirely comfortable.
I am nervous about my procedure. Can I be sedated?
Yes. We offer several levels of sedation, including oral sedation and IV sedation. Ask the doctor which is appropriate for you.
Anything not covered here, or anything that does not feel right — call 630-912-2700. Nobody minds the call.