If you have received a regenerative therapy procedure, be aware that additional therapy may be required to treat areas of persistent infection or provide easier plaque control. Please follow all pre-surgical instructions our periodontist gives you to help ensure a successful treatment and a more comfortable experience.
Regenerative therapy is performed in our office under local anesthesia and oral sedation. Many sutures will be placed in the area of the procedure. Many types of sutures will dissolve on their own, but some may need to be removed in 2-3 weeks.
After your anesthesia wears off, you may experience moderate pain. Use prescribed medication for this pain as directed by our doctor.
Following your treatment:
- Do not disturb the dressing around your teeth. If the dressing falls off, partially or entirely, and you are comfortable, do not be disturbed. If you experience pain or heavy bleeding, or were told to call the office if you lost the dressing, contact us immediately.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks for several hours following your surgery.
- Do not drink through a straw for the first 2 days following your surgery.
- Use an extra pillow to keep your head elevated while sleeping for the first few nights after your surgery.
- Beginning 24 hours after your treatment, use a warm saltwater rinse (approximately ½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) twice a day, or any prescribed mouth rinses to clean your mouth.
- You may brush as normal in untreated areas of your mouth, but do not use a toothbrush on the surgical area for at least 10 days.
- DO NOT USE TOOTHPASTE.
- Try to prevent food from accumulating in the areas around the surgical site. Use prescribed rinses as instructed.
- Avoid excessive exertion of any type for 36-48 hours after your surgery.
- Do not worry if you see occasional blood in your saliva. This is not unusual, and will correct itself. If you notice significant bleeding, call our office. Do NOT try to stop the bleeding yourself.
- If you notice “loose” sutures, do not tug or pull on them. This is a sign that the sutures are beginning to dissolve and have completed their purpose. You may, however, cut off the loose, long ends and throw them away.
- Use ice packs the first day after your surgery. Place the pack on the outside of your face, over the surgical site. Alternate 15 min of ice followed by 10 min rest for 24 hours.
- Avoid spicy and hard foods, but otherwise use your best judgement as to what foods you can handle.
If you experience any problems, please contact our office.
For more information about post-operative care following regenerative therapy in Auburn, California, and to schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Sean P Avera, please contact us at 530-885-0953.
