Instructions after non-surgical periodontal therapy

Your lips and tongue will be numb for at least a couple of hours after treatment. There are small risks of biting on your lips or tongue while numb, so you better avoid eating util anaesthetic wears off (you can have a smoothie).

Some tenderness of gums might be expected, that can be controlled by Panadol or Ibuprofen. After numbness wears off your teeth may become sensitive to particularly cold. Sensitivity will be temporary and is going to improve in time. Using products such as tooth pastes for sensitive teeth or tooth mousse can help with sensitivity.

Remember that the better you control your plaque, the sooner your sensitivity settles down. Thorough brushing and flossing as per instructions during consultation appointment is paramount for getting the desired outcome from your treatment. 

Some bleeding for a few hours after treatment (debridement) is common, however excessive bleeding is not normal Please call us if you experience prolonged bleeding after treatment.

Like any other surgery try to avoid vigorous physical activities for the first 24 hours. It would be better to plan your day in a way that after your implant surgery to rest at home. 

The discomfort after implant surgery can be managed efficiently by pain relief medications, and we recommend to alternate between Panadol and Ibuprofen every 2 hours after surgery, and before the anaesthetic wears off. It is safe to take 6-8 of each of them for a day. 

Swelling and in some instances limited bruising area may occur as during the surgery some tinny blood vessels are severed. The swelling will resolve completely after 48-72 hours. We recommend to keep the surgical area cool by using Ice packs. The best way is to apply the ice pack 5 minutes and then take it off for 1 minute, and repeating this for the first 4-5 hours after the surgery. Please DO NOT use ice packs the following day after surgery as it will interfere with healing.

Some post operative bleeding is expected to happen for a couple of hours. Please contact our office if you have prolonged bleeding or you have any concerns. Please avoid food or drinks warmer than your body temperature.

Please avoid brushing the surgical area for the first week after surgery. You need to brush and floss the rest of the dentition as normally you do. We will provide you with an antiseptic mouthwash that you need to continue using it for at least a couple of weeks. Please hold the mouthwash in your mouth for 1 minute and repeat using it for 3 times a day,. DO NOT rinse your mouth with water, eat or drink  for at least 30 minutes after each use.

Smoking interferes with healing and increases the risk of complications, please avoid smoking for at least 24 hours post implant surgery.