Pre & Post Op Instructions
Seattle, WA

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.

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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.

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1. Try to exercise your treated muscles for the first 30mins after treatment (e.g. Practice frowning, raising your eyebrows or squinting). This helps to work the Botulinum toxin into your muscles. This is thought to help; it will NOT impact your treatment negatively.

2. DO NOT rub or massage the treated areas for 24hrs after your treatment. DO NOT do strenuous exercise for 4hrs after your treatment. Also avoid facials or saunas for 4 hours after your treatment. This will minimize the risk of raising your blood pressure and therefore minimize the risk of temporary bruising. Feel free to shower and do most your regular daily activities.

3. DO NOT lie down for 4 hours after treatment. This is to avoid the risk of pressure on the treated areas (from your pillow) and to avoid the risk of having the areas rubbed accidentally.

4. Be assured that any tiny bumps or marks will go away within a few hours after your treatment. If you need to apply make-up please use a gentle touch to avoid rubbing the treated areas.

5. Results of your treatment can take up to 14 days to take full effect. Please wait until the 14 days has passed before assessing your treatment results.

6. Our clinic needs to see you in 2 weeks for a follow up assessment. This is to ensure your facial muscles reacted to your treatment accordingly. If you require more product to fine tune/adjust your results, it will be applied during this appointment at additional cost. Alternatively, additional product may not be required. Your results will then be photographed at this time.

7. Botox toxin requires special technique in order to customize the injections to your individual muscular structure. Amount and frequency of Botulinum toxin for optimal treatment may vary widely from individual to individual.

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Retainers

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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

Crown and Bridge Appointments Instructions

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 .

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