Welcome to Coastal Empire Periodontics. Our doctor and staff are committed to providing you with the highest quality periodontal and implant care while making your experience as relaxed and comfortable as possible. We are currently accepting new patients and look forward to the opportunity to help you achieve optimal oral health. While most patients are referred to our practice by their dentist, this is not a requirement and we welcome referrals from patients and friends.
If you’re new to periodontics, the specialty can seem overwhelming. We’ve designed this portion of our website to familiarize you with basic periodontics. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns or comments.
Post Surgical Instructions
After the periodontal treatment, proper oral hygiene must be maintained in the surgical area to aid in healing. Do not brush the area which received surgery for one week. After one week, carefully brush the teeth while avoiding the gums in the area of surgery. The gums and lower parts of the teeth should be cleaned with a dampened piece of cotton in salt water or chlorhexidine. Regular brushing can be resumed after 2-3 weeks after surgery unless instructed otherwise. Gentle flossing can be resumed in 3-4 weeks.
After periodontal surgery, sensitivity of the teeth may occur. This is remedied by maintaining proper oral hygiene and by the use of specially formulated sensitive toothpaste, such as, Sensodyne.
Return for your appointment to have the periodontal pack and any sutures removed. If the sutures loosen or come out within 3 days, please inform the office.
Do not eat anything or drink hot fluids until the numbness has worn off to avoid injury from accidental biting or burning.
No vigorous rinsing, drinking through a straw, or spitting for 5 days so the blood clot will not be disturbed. Starting 24 hours after surgery, gently rinse your mouth with chlorhexidine, rinse twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime for 2 weeks. After rinsing chlorhexidine do not spit forcible allow the liquid to fall out of your mouth and into the sink.
The first 24 hours of surgery it is important to rest as much as possible with your head elevated. No vigorous exercising for 7 days. Slight bleeding is normal for several hours following surgery. If persistent bleeding occurs place a wet teabag on the involved area and apply direct pressure for 15-20 continuous minutes. Repeat as necessary. Do not pull back the lips or cheeks to look at the area until the sutures are removed as this can disturb the surgical site and increase your chance of complications.
Do not eat by the surgical area for 1 week or otherwise instructed. Soft nutritious foods (pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, protein shakes etc.) will be necessary for the first few days. Avoid acidic and crunchy foods (potato chips, Doritos, popcorn etc.). Drink plenty of fluids. Do not use tobacco or drink alcohol as these will delay healing.
Swelling can be lessened by placing a cold compress (bag of frozen vegetables) on the face alternating on and off for 20 minutes during the first 72 hours.
Take all medications the doctor has prescribed for you according to directions.
About Periodontal Disease
Gum Recession
Loose Teeth
Bleeding Gums
Bad Breath
The Mouth-Body Connection
Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation of the gum tissue, presence of disease-causing bacteria, and infection below the gum line. Infections and bacteria in the mouth can spread throughout the body and lead to a host of problematic health issues. Therefore, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and reducing the progression of periodontal disease through treatment will have benefits beyond preventing gum disease and bone loss. It can also save you from the chance of developing another serious condition…Learn More
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