1. Keep gauze in place for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues or recurs, wet and place a new gauze pack on site of bleeding and bite down firmly for 20-30 minutes. If you lie down after your surgery, use several pillows to keep your head elevated. This will minimize possible bleeding in the early hours after your procedure. NOTE: Some slight bleeding or oozing is normal for up to 24 hours after tour procedure. This will not require additional gauze packing.

2. NO SMOKING FOR 72 HOURS! If you smoke before 72 hours, your chances of healing complications increase dramatically.

3. Do not spit, rinse, suck on straws, or sneeze with your mouth closed today. All of these actions may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. Tomorrow, begin rinsing after meals and before going to bed. Use warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in an 8oz glass of warm water) or a diluted commercial mouth rinse until the area is completely healed.

4. Please do not brush the surgical area for 24 hours. Only light brushing is required of the healing site after 24 hours. Return to your routine of brushing and flossing the rest of your mouth as soon as possible.

5. Try to refrain from eating spicy, hard, or chewy foods. Foods like grains, popcorns, or rice can become lodged in the wound and delay healing. Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking any pain medication.

6. Most pain medications will upset your stomach. If possible, avoid taking pain medicine on an empty stomach – it is less likely to happen if you have food in your stomach. If an oral rinse or additional antibiotics have been prescribed, please follow the prescription instructions.

7. Your jaw may be stiff for several days after surgery. Use of your jaw and jaw stretching exercises will help loosen the muscles. You should be able to open normally within 48-72 hours after surgery. No vigorous exercise for at least 24-48 hours, as this may increase bleeding and delay healing.

8. To minimize swelling, you can place a cold compress or ice bag against your cheek. 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. After 48 hours you may begin placing warm compresses on your cheek. Some swelling, moderate bleeding, or discoloration is not unusual. Report anything more severe to us immediately. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call.

9. Do no play with the sutures that have been placed. Please call if sutures have come apart. In some instances, this is ok and no additional procedures are necessary. In some instances, new sutures will need to be placed. Sutures will be removed at the following appointment.

Proper home care and behavior following surgical procedures will maximize recovery and prevent complications.

After your appointment today, it will be essential to keep up with your home care to ensure a quick recovery and maintaining good oral health.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

You can expect some discomfort, bleeding, and possibly some swelling after having periodontal therapy.

CARING FOR YOUR MOUTH:

You can rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with warm salt water; one teaspoon of table salt per 8 oz of warm water. Continue for at least 2-3 days following your procedure. A medicated antibacterial rinse may be dispensed to help promote gum healing.

DISCOMFORT:

Your gums may feel achy or sore. For mild pain after the numbness wears off, you can take 2 over the counter pain reliever (avoid aspirin) every 6 hours, unless other specified. Sensitivity to cold food or drinks may occur for the next 24 hours. Be sure to use a fluoride toothpaste or rinse to help re-mineralize teeth and relieve tooth sensitivity. We sell prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste in the office if you are interested. Please let us know if you experience discomfort and we can help you find the right product for you. Some patients may not feel any discomfort at all after treatment.

BLEEDING OR SWELLING:

Light bleeding following treatment is normal. Swelling or jaw stiffness occurs very rarely. A warm, moist towel can be used to help relieve swelling/stiffness for about 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for a few days following treatment.

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING:

You may gently brush the area this evening. Return to normal, gentle circular brushing tomorrow. Remember, never brush with a medium or hard bristle toothbrush or in an aggressive way. Please refrain from flossing today and tomorrow morning. You can start flossing again about 48 hours after your treatment. Brushing only removes part of the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Flossing removes the bacteria and plaque that collect between your teeth and at the gumline which promotes healing and prevents relapse.

DIET:

Your next meal should consist of only soft foods. Avoid crunchy or hard foods for the next 3-4 days.

SMOKING:

It is best not to smoke following your periodontal therapy for at least 24 hours. Tobacco smoke will prolong or discourage the healing process.

1. Keep gauze in place for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues or recurs, wet and place a new gauze pack on site of bleeding and bite down firmly for 20-30 minutes. If you lie down after your surgery, use several pillows to keep your head elevated. This will minimize possible bleeding in the early hours after your procedure. NOTE: Some slight bleeding or oozing is normal for up to 24 hours after tour procedure. This will not require additional gauze packing.

2. NO SMOKING FOR 72 HOURS! If you smoke before 72 hours, your chances of healing complications increase dramatically.

3. Do not spit, rinse, suck on straws, or sneeze with your mouth closed today. All of these actions may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. Tomorrow, begin rinsing after meals and before going to bed. Use warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in an 8oz glass of warm water) or a diluted commercial mouth rinse until the area is completely healed.

4. Please do not brush the surgical area for 24 hours. Only light brushing is required of the healing site after 24 hours. Return to your routine of brushing and flossing the rest of your mouth as soon as possible.

5. Try to refrain from eating spicy, hard, or chewy foods. Foods like grains, popcorns, or rice can become lodged in the wound and delay healing. Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking any pain medication.

6. Most pain medications will upset your stomach. If possible, avoid taking pain medicine on an empty stomach – it is less likely to happen if you have food in your stomach. If an oral rinse or additional antibiotics have been prescribed, please follow the prescription instructions.

7. Your jaw may be stiff for several days after surgery. Use of your jaw and jaw stretching exercises will help loosen the muscles. You should be able to open normally within 48-72 hours after surgery. No vigorous exercise for at least 24-48 hours, as this may increase bleeding and delay healing.

8. To minimize swelling, you can place a cold compress or ice bag against your cheek. 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. After 48 hours you may begin placing warm compresses on your cheek. Some swelling, moderate bleeding, or discoloration is not unusual. Report anything more severe to us immediately. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call.

9. Do no play with the sutures that have been placed. Please call if sutures have come apart. In some instances, this is ok and no additional procedures are necessary. In some instances, new sutures will need to be placed. Sutures will be removed at the following appointment.

Proper home care and behavior following surgical procedures will maximize recovery and prevent complications.

Do
• Use your fingers to put your aligners place. First place the aligners over your front teeth, and then use your fingers to push the aligner down gently over your molars. When aligners are correctly inserted, they will fit all the way down on the teeth, with no space between the top of the aligners and the top of the teeth. Aligners will fit tightly at first but should fit well at the end of the two-week period.
• Keep aligners in except when flossing, brushing, eating. It is also best to remove the aligners when drinking warm beverages such as coffee or tea.
• Remove the aligner by pulling it off both sides of your back teeth simultaneously then lifting it off your front teeth. Place your aligners in the case we provided any time they are not being worn.
• Clean aligners with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may soak aligners in hydrogen peroxide and water to help keep clean.
• Wear each set of aligners for two weeks unless our office directs you to vary from this schedule.
• Wear aligners in the correct numerical order. (Each aligner is labeled by number and with a U or an L to designate upper or lower.)
• Keep all your old aligners and bring them to your orthodontic appointments.
• If IPR was performed, you may feel gaps in between the teeth that trap food. It is especially important to maintain the health of your gums and teeth by diligently brushing and flossing at least morning and evening.

Do not
• Do not place your aligners in or on a napkin or tissue. Many aligners have accidentally been thrown out this way!
• Do not use your teeth to “bite” your aligners into place.
• If you have pets, do not place your aligners anywhere that your pets can reach them. Pets are attracted to saliva and would enjoy chewing on your Invisalign trays!
• Do not use Denture cleaner, alcohol, or bleach to clean your aligners.
• Do not use boiling water or warm water on your aligners.
• Do not chew gum with your aligners in.
• It would be best not to smoke while wearing aligners. The smoke can stain the aligners as well as your teeth.

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at (206) 428-6970 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (206) 428-6970

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at (206) 428-6970 .
You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (206) 428-6970 .

• If you are a smoker, do not smoke for 48 hours.
• Stay away from highly colored foods (red sauce, blueberries, etc.) and beverages (coffee, tea, etc.) for 48 hours.
• Mild sensitivity to hot or cold liquids may occur. To help, purchase a sensitivity toothpaste to help. This usually passes within 1-4 days. If sensitivity is severe or persists, contact us at (206) 428-6970
• If you experience gum sensitivity do not brush the afflicted area for a couple of days
• Immediate whitening results can be quite dramatic due to minor dehydration of your teeth. It is normal for the color to tone down somewhat after treatment when your teeth rehydrate to a natural white tone.
• Long term results vary from patient to patient. This can depend on the original shade of your teeth and include habits such as smoking or drinking colored beverages (red wine, coffee, tea, etc.)
• “Touch-up” treatments may be needed every 6-12 months to retain color. Touch ups can be done with the whitening trays and the gel tubes. Touch up instructions are to apply a limited amount of gel for 30 minutes to an hour for about 4-5 days and let the colour settle.
• Existing fillings, crowns, bonding, etc. will not whiten. Therefore, these may need to be changed in order to match your new smile.
• If your family or friends notice your new smile, let them know that pola whitening can help improve their smile too!