Download Post-Operative Instructions

What to Expect After Your Surgery

If you follow Dr. Goggin’s instructions, you can generally expect to enjoy your normal routine the following day. Talk with Dr. Goggin about any special post-operative considerations you may have, such as exercise, diet or post-surgical medications. This should help minimize any disruptions to your daily activities.

In order to recover quickly from your periodontal surgery you need to follow these guidelines:

AVOID STRENOUS ACTIVITY
After leaving the dental office, relax for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous activity (heavy aerobic exercise) for 3 days.

SWELLING
The day of surgery, Place an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas/corn) on your face for intervals of 10 minutes on and off for 10 minutes until you go to bed. You may also place ice chips in your mouth. This will help reduce the swelling. Cold liquids are very important for reducing swelling, discomfort and bleeding. Sip ice water, ice tea, frozen yogurt, milk shakes, applesauce, Ensure or similar cold liquids for the remainder of the day. DO NOT USE A STRAW.

EATING
It is necessary to maintain a relatively normal diet throughout the course of healing. The day of surgery, stick with cold liquid. The day after surgery, start a soft food diet and continue for the next 2 weeks, chewing should be done predominately on the side opposite of the surgery. AVOID any type of food that is “hard and crunchy”-chips, pretzels, nuts, seeds, popcorn, raw vegetables, tacos, apples, etc. If surgery was done in the front area of your mouth DO NOT bite off any type of food such as, corn on the cob, etc.

FOOD YOU CAN EAT
Cooked pasta meals- (spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, etc.), soft meats- (turkey, fish, chicken, hamburger, pasta casseroles, tuna, etc.), mashed potatoes/gravy, breakfast foods- (eggs, cooked cereals-oatmeal, pancakes, etc.)

DRINKING OF LIQUIDS
Many of our patients are numb for an average of 3 to 8 hours after surgery. DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING HOT OR EAT SOLID FOOD WHILE YOU ARE NUMB… you may burn yourself and/or cause bleeding and swelling.

ALCOHOL
The use of alcohol is strongly discouraged when taking prescription drugs such as pain medication, muscle relaxants, and antibiotics. Its use can cause potentially lethal interactions.

SMOKING
Avoid smoking for at least 24 to 48 hours after surgery. We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery.

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING
Avoid brushing, flossing, Waterpik, and proxy brushing the area of surgery until you are instructed to do so. It is important to maintain a normal level of oral hygiene in the non-operated areas by brushing and flossing.

MEDICATIONS
Please follow the instructions on the bottle for any medications prescribed. If any adverse reactions to those medications should arise, such as nausea, itching, swelling, or any allergic symptoms, please contact the office immediately and discontinue all medications immediately.

In Case of Problems
You should experience few problems if you follow the instructions and suggestions as outlined. But if you should have any problems such as excessive bleeding, pain, or difficulty in opening your mouth, call our office immediately for further instructions or additional treatment.