Directions Following Periodontal Surgery

Mild pain may occur after your child’s surgery. It will usually be in the first 24 hours. Follow the directions with the pain medicine given to you for your child. Give the first dose as soon as possible after surgery. Then give it only when needed.

If you have not been given medicine for pain, over-the-counter pain medicine like Tylenol may help. Use only if recommended by your healthcare provider. Check with your healthcare provider first before giving any type of medicine to your child.

Cold will help swelling, bruising and discomfort. Right after surgery, hold ice in a bag or wrapped in a towel to your child’s jaw. Keep it on for 15 minutes; remove it for 15 minutes. Do this for as long as was suggested in the clinic.

A bandage, called a dressing, is on the surgery area. It protects it and helps healing. Leave it as it is until your child’s next clinic visit. The dressing needs to harden for 2 hours after surgery. During these 2 hours, your child should not drink hot liquids or eat solid food. These will keep the dressing from hardening.

Do not try to look at the wound – this may tear the stitches or move the dressing. It is all right if small pieces of the dressing chip off. If it all gets loose, or your child feels pain, call.

Your child may have slightly red saliva for a few hours after surgery. This is normal. Do not let your child rinse their mouth for 24 hours after surgery. This may prevent blood clotting. If there is bright red bleeding that does not stop, call.

Your child should clean their mouth as usual, except for the surgery area. It is best not to brush where the dressing is, but gentle brushing is all right.

Your child will be asked to drink cold milk as soon as possible after surgery. This will settle the stomach. Two hours after surgery, your child can eat as usual. Healthy food helps the mouth to heal.