After Periodontal Surgery

After periodontal surgery, it is important to avoid disturbing the wound. On the day of surgery, your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding post-operative care and medications. If you have a specific concern, please call our office. 

While most patients undergo this procedure with minimal side effects, it is still a good idea to know possible short-term symptoms.

  • Swelling: Swelling varies according to the patient and procedure. It peaks 2-3 days after surgery and will decrease after 3-4 additional days. The swelling may be accompanied by minor bruising.
  • Discomfort: Surgical procedures do cause discomfort. We provide instructions and medications to help until healing occurs.
  • Bleeding: Over the first few days, there may be some bleeding or “oozing” of blood from the surgical site. Often, blood mixes with saliva, which makes the bleeding look worse than it is. Heavier bleeding will require a gauze held with pressure for 30 minutes to stop the bleeding. If you have a persistent postoperative bleeding issue, please contact our office. 
  • Oral Hygiene: We recommend gently swishing warm salt water in your mouth several times a day after surgery. We ask that you avoid brushing the area with sutures until instructed to do so by your surgeon.

Seek Emergency Care

Do not hesitate to contact our office directly with any questions or concerns. In particular, we advise calling us if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Uncontrolled bleeding or pain.
  • Elevated temperature (100.5 F or higher).
  • Swelling that begins or increases several days after surgery.
  • Inability to open mouth persisting beyond five days.
  • Persistent irritation at the IV site.

If you feel you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away.