Patient Information

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.

Periodontal disease is dangerous in that it is often painless and symptomless. 80% of Americans will be afflicted with periodontal disease by age 45, and 4 out of 5 patients with the disease are unaware they have it. It is important to maintain proper home oral care and regular dentist visits to reduce the risk of obtaining this disease…Learn More

Receding gum tissue is a common problem with varying signs and symptoms. The most common indicator is a shrinking gum line along with other cosmetic concerns, such as uneven or misshaped teeth, blemishes, notches or dents on the teeth near the gums, and spaces between teeth…Learn More

Tooth and bone loss can be addressed with a variety of treatments. Dental implants are a popular choice among patients with tooth loss because they mimic real tooth roots to keep existing jaw bone strong…Learn More

If you have sore gums or gums that bleed and swell, it could be a symptom of gum disease, a progressive condition that can only be treated with professional periodontal care from Dr. Justin Bordlemay….Learn More

Bad breath is an embarrassing and often uncomfortable subject to talk about. We understand and treat patients with halitosis in Richmond Hill, GA routinely. More often than not, bad breath points to bacterial infection, tooth decay, or some other dental problem that Dr. Justin Bordlemay can address…..Learn More

Research has recently proven what dentists have long suspected: there is a strong connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.

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

How to Brush Teeth While brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes. Use some pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that there is any discomfort. When done cleaning the outside surfaces of all teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the inside of the back teeth…Learn More

Periodontal treatment may be sought in several ways. Your general dentist or a hygienist may recommend a consultation with a periodontist if they find signs of periodontal disease through the course of a checkup or other dental care appointment. You may also decide to see a periodontist on your own. A referral is not necessary to be seen in our office…Learn More