Post‑Treatment Information

After Periodontal Therapy

1. Rest for the first 6‑12 hours following periodontal therapy to reduce discomfort, decrease swelling and speed healing. Normal daily activities are usually resumed the day following periodontal therapy; however strenuous aerobic exercise should be avoided for the first 3‑5 days. Also, avoid alcohol and smoking for the first 3‑5 days following the procedure.
2. Swelling in the treated area is normal. The swelling will usually peak after 2 days and then diminish. It can be minimized by applying an ice pack to the side of the face next to the area of the procedure. Ice cubes inside your mouth can also help to minimize swelling as well as bleeding. Use the application of ice in intervals of 15 minutes on and 10 minutes off, for up to 6 hours immediately following procedure. After 24 hours, the application of a warm & moist compress can help reduce the swelling. The use of a heating pad with a moist towel or a warm water bottle is sufficient. The swelling may last from 3‑5 days depending on the extent of the procedure.
3. Some bleeding in the treated area is to be expected. This will typically occur in the form of oozing, not heavy bleeding. Increased saliva production is common after this procedure, and combined with slight bleeding it might appear alarming. This is normal in most cases! Avoid excessive spitting and rinsing following the procedure since this can encourage bleeding. If you should notice increased bleeding, apply pressure to the surgical area with moist gauze for 20‑30 minutes. In many cases good pressure application can be achieved by biting on a few pieces of gauze close to the treated area. If needed this process can be repeated until bleeding stops, if bleeding is excessive or continuous, please call Dr. Pechak at once at 831‑648‑8800.
4. If you received a prescription for antibiotics, please have it filled and take all of the medication as instructed on the prescription label. In case you should develop a skin rash, diarrhea or nausea, stop taking the antibiotic and call our office at 831‑648‑8800.
5. Some pain or discomfort is to be expected following any kind of periodontal therapy. You will receive a prescription for an appropriate pain medication. Please follow the directions of the prescription. Avoid taking medications on an empty stomach since this could cause nausea. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery while taking prescription pain medications. If you have slight discomfort that can be handled with over‑the‑counter (OTC) pain medications, take two Tylenol or Advil tablets every 4‑6 hours as needed.
6. In some cases a periodontal dressing (pack) is placed around your teeth to protect the treated area. The dressing is not very strong and can sometimes become loose. In this case you may simply remove and discard it. Otherwise, the dressing will be removed at your post‑treatment appointment.
7. Eating should be avoided until the numbness in the treated area is gone. On the day of surgery it is best to restrict your diet to liquid or soft foods (milk or protein shakes, cottage cheese, soups etc.). Avoid very hot, cold and spicy foods since they can cause discomfort. Meats, vegetables and fruit can be pureed in a blender if needed. Avoid the use of straws. Gradually progress to solid foods consistent with what you can manage. Do not skip meals. If you take nourishment regularly, you will feel better, gain strength and recover faster. If you are a diabetic, maintain your regular diet and take medication as usual.
8. You may be given an antiseptic mouth rinse to keep the treated area plaque‑free until the sutures are removed. Start bacterial removal techniques right away. You may use a cotton swab dipped into antiseptic rinse to gently clean the treated area. As soon as you feel comfortable to do so, you may use a soft‑bristle manual toothbrush. In some cases a periodontal dressing (packing) will cover the treated area. In this case, use only the mouth rinse and start using a cotton swab or soft bristle toothbrush as soon as the dressing has been removed. You should brush and floss all other teeth as you normally would.
9. Any sutures will be removed at your first or second post‑treatment appointment, depending on the healing progress and the specific procedure performed.
10. It is normal after any surgical procedure to feel some discomfort and show some swelling. After the first 48 hours following surgery you should begin to feel better with each day. If, however, you have any questions or concerns regarding your progress, please call our office at 831‑648‑8800.

After Dental Implant Procedure

1. When leaving the office, you may be advised to bite down on some gauze. Please bite down on the gauze for approximately 30 minutes. Change the gauze every 30 minutes for up to 2 hours or until the bleeding stops.
2. Do not disturb the treated area to avoid irritation, bleeding and possible infection.
3. Some swelling following dental implant procedure is expected. The swelling will usually peak 48 hours after the procedure. You can minimize the swelling by the application of ice packs for the first few hours immediately following the procedure. The ice packs should be applied in intervals, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
4. Removable partial dentures should not be worn after the implant procedure unless Dr. Pechak or your restorative dentist has made adjustments. If your partial denture has not been inserted after the procedure, you should not try to insert it yourself until you speak with our office.
5. Do not rinse your mouth for the first few hours. After approximately 8‑12 hours you may use warm salt water to rinse your mouth gently. You may have been given an antiseptic mouth wash that is used twice a day to keep the treated area plaque‑free. In addition, you may use a cotton swab with some antiseptic mouth wash to gently swab the treated area. Do not use a tooth brush or dental floss in the area of the operation. Clean all other areas normally without causing any trauma to the treated site.
6. Eating should be avoided until the numbness in the treated area is gone. Your diet will largely depend on the extent of the procedure, the size of the area operated on and your comfort level. For the first week a soft diet is recommended (milk or protein shakes, cottage cheese, soups etc.; anything you can cut with a fork.). Avoid very hot, cold and spicy foods since they can cause discomfort. Meats, vegetables and fruit can be pureed in a blender if needed. You should progress to a soft, regular diet during the second week. Avoid any chewing on the treated site for the first two weeks.
7. If you received a prescription for antibiotics, please have it filled and take all of the medication as instructed on the prescription label. In case you should develop a skin rash, diarrhea or nausea, stop taking the antibiotic and call our office at 831‑648‑8800.
8. Some pain or discomfort is to be expected following any kind of periodontal procedure. You will receive a prescription for an appropriate pain medication. Please follow the directions of the prescription. Avoid taking medications on an empty stomach since this could cause nausea. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery while taking prescription pain medications. If you have slight discomfort that can be handled with over the counter pain medications, take two Tylenol or Advil tablets every 4‑6 hours as needed.
9. Please avoid smoking and/or excessive alcohol use since it can adversely affect the short‑ and long‑term success of your implants.
10. Any sutures will be removed at your first or second post‑treatment appointment, depending on the healing progress.

After L.A.N.A.P.™ (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure)

DIET INSTRUCTIONS

1. The first three days following Laser Therapy, follow only a liquid‑like diet to allow healing. Anything that could be put into a blender to drink is ideal. The purpose of this is to protect the clot that is acting as a "band‑aid" between the gum and the teeth. Do not drink through a straw or spit as this creates a vacuum in your mouth that can disturb the "band‑aid".
2. The next four days after treatment, foods with a "mushy" consistency such as those listed below are recommended.
3. Starting seven to ten days after treatment, "mushy" ‑soft foods are allowable. Soft foods have the consistency of pasta, fish, chicken or steamed vegetables. You may then, gradually add back your regular diet choices.
4. Dental laser procedures result in little or no discomfort following surgery. Take prescribed pain medications according to instructions if needed.
5. Please chew carefully. Avoid chewing food in the areas of the mouth where the laser has been used. One of the most important results of laser surgery is the healing that occurs following the initial procedure. It is extremely important not to dislodge the tiny clots (scabs) that form in the gums.
6. The length of time it takes for the gums to heal depends upon the severity of the disease. Most healing in the surface areas takes 2‑4 weeks. Deeper pocket areas may take several months to completely heal.

Please remember that even after ten days, healing is not complete. The first month following treatment you should continue to make smart food choices. Softer foods are better.

DAILY CARE

• Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth. During the first day drink liquids only. A liquid dietary supplement may be recommended. Do not stick the bristles into the gums.
• DO NOT FLOSS until instructed to do so.
• During the first week, eat only soft foods. Do not chew where the surgery was performed.
• Wear Mouth Guard at all times.

MUSHY DIET SUGGESTIONS

• TAKE DAILY VITAMINS!
• Anything put through a food blender
• Cream of wheat, oatmeal, malt
• Mashed potatoes or baked potatoes ‑ok with butter/sour cream
• Mashed banana, mashed avocado, applesauce or any mashed/blended fruit except berries with seeds
• Broth or creamed soup
• Mashed steamed vegetables
• Mashed yams, baked sweet potato or butternut squash
• Cottage cheese, cream or soft cheese, Creamy peanut butter without solid pieces
• Eggs any style, with or without melted cheese. Omelets can have cheese and avocado
• Jell‑o, pudding, ice cream, yogurt, milk shakes/smoothies
• Ok to blend with fruit except no berries w/ seeds
• Ensure, slim fast ‑nutritional drinks

DON'T...

Chew gum, eat candy, cookies, chips, nuts, anything hard or crunchy, anything that has seeds or hard pieces, meat that shreds and can lodge under the gum and between teeth, like raw vegetables/salad.

After Sinus Lift

1. Do not blow your nose.
2. If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open to avoid any unnecessary pressure.
3. Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Smoking greatly inhibits the healing, especially in the sinus graft.
4. Do not take liquids in through a straw.
5. Do not lift or pull up on your lip to look at the stitches, as this may actually create damage and tear the stitches.
6. Take your antibiotics as directed and until finished.
7. You may have some bleeding from the nose. This is not uncommon and should pass quickly.
8. You may be aware of small granules in your mouth for the next few days. This is not unusual, as your graft is mainly made of particles and some excess particles will be lost.
9. If you feel congested, you may need to use antihistamines or decongestants. If you do, use over‑the‑counter products such as Sudafed, Tavist‑D or Dimetapp. We would also suggest that you avoid nasal sprays unless they are saline.

After Gum Grafting Periodontal Procedure

1. Rest for the first 6‑12 hours following the periodontal procedure to reduce discomfort, decrease swelling and speed healing. Normal daily activities are usually resumed the day following periodontal procedures, however strenuous aerobic exercise should be avoided for the first 3‑5 days. Also, avoid alcohol and smoking for the first 3‑5 days following the procedure.
2. Do not disturb the treated area to avoid irritation, bleeding and possible infection.
3. A plastic protector may have been provided to protect the roof of your mouth. It is important that it is worn continuously for the first 24 hours following the procedure. The protector is not a requirement for proper healing after 24 hours and can be worn depending on individual preference and comfort level. It should be removed and cleaned when you rinse your mouth.
4. Some bleeding for the first 6‑8 hours following gum grafting procedures is to be expected. However, if bleeding from the roof of your mouth is heavy and continuous, apply pressure to the bleeding area with gauze for 15 minute intervals until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding will not stop, call Dr. Pechak immediately at 831‑648‑8800.
5. Do not rinse your mouth for the first few hours. After approximately 8‑12 hours you may use warm salt water to rinse your mouth gently. You may have been given an antiseptic mouth wash that is used twice a day to keep the treated area plaque‑free. In addition, you may use a cotton swab with some antiseptic mouth wash to gently swab the treated area. Do not use a tooth brush or floss in the area of the operation. Clean all other areas normally without causing any trauma to the treated site.
6. Some swelling following gum grafting procedures is expected. The swelling will usually peak 48 hours after the procedure. You can minimize the swelling with application of ice packs for the first few hours immediately following the procedure. The ice packs should be applied in intervals, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
7. If you received a prescription for antibiotics, please have it filled and take all of the medication as instructed on the prescription label. In case you should develop a skin rash, diarrhea or nausea, stop taking the antibiotic and call our office at 831‑648‑8800.
8. Some pain or discomfort is to be expected following any kind of periodontal procedure. You will receive a prescription for an appropriate pain medication. Please follow the directions of the prescription. Avoid taking medications on an empty stomach since this could cause nausea. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery while taking prescription pain medications. If you have slight discomfort that can be handled with over the counter pain medications, take two Tylenol or Advil tablets every 4-6 hours as needed.
9. Eating should be avoided until the numbness in the treated area is gone. For the first week a soft diet is recommended (milk or protein shakes, cottage cheese, soups etc.; anything you can cut with a fork.). Avoid very hot, cold and spicy foods since they can cause discomfort. Meats, vegetables and fruit can be pureed in a blender if needed. Avoid the use of straws. Do not skip meals. If you take nourishment regularly, you will feel better, gain strength and recover faster. If you are a diabetic, maintain your regular diet and take medication as usual.
10. Any sutures will be removed at your first or second post‑treatment appointment, depending on the healing progress and the specific procedure performed.