PROCEDURES

Surgical Instructions

The following information has been prepared to help answer the questions you may have regarding the procedure which has just been performed. Please read the instructions carefully. Our experience has shown them to be very helpful to hasten recovery and prevent complications. If any unusual symptoms occur, please call the office at once. We care about you and want to know we are always available.

Office: (215) 677-8686
Dr. Levine's Home: (215) 364-4770
Dr. Levine's Cellular: (215) 990-0406
Dental Resident on call at Albert Einstein Medical Center: (215) 456-6456

Instructions for Your Comfort Following PERIODONTAL and DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY

COMFORT

When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some discomfort from the operation. If penicillin or other antibiotics are necessary, we will give you a prescription. ( Please continue taking the antibiotics until finished). If you should have any type of reaction to the prescribed medication (e.g. nausea, diarrhea, gas, skin rash-hives, or even severe cases of vomiting) please call us. You may notice the teeth in the area of surgery to have cold or hot sensitivity post-surgery or feel "looser" to chewing. These symptoms usually go away in a short time.

DRESSING

A dressing will be placed over the treated area. This to protect the treated area and is also for your comfort. If a large section of the dressing should come off, break, or become loose, this is NOT an emergency, however, please give Dr. Levine a call. If you have a removable bridge and it has been sealed over the dressing, DO NOT remove it. Avoid hot foods and beverages for approximately 1-2 hours (until the dressing hardens).

SWELLING/BLACK & BLUE (BRUISING)

An ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to the outside of your face alternating on/off at approximately 15 minute intervals for the first 24-48 hours, then replace with warm, moist compress (e.g. hot, moist washcloth or a hot wet towel over a hot water bottle). SWELLING IS NOT UNUSUAL EVEN UP TO 72 HOURS AFTER SURGERY. Black and blue (bruising) may appear, especially if multiple implants are placed.

BLEEDING

Some minor oozing is normal for several hours following surgery. If some bleeding continues, place gauze pads or a warm, wet tea bag against the dressing with firm pressure for 20 minutes, without removing for inspection. If the bleeding does not stop or the bleeding should become heavy, please call the office.

ORAL HYGIENE

Do not rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow rinse your mouth gently with Peridex or Listerine as suggested by Dr. Levine. Brushing should be continued in the non-treated areas of your mouth. Avoid brushing where the dressing is placed.

DIET

Do not chew on the side with the dressing if possible. Until the dressing hardens, avoid hot beverages and foods. Eat an adequate balanced diet during this healing period. Soft foods and liquids are encouraged (soft chicken, fish, hamburger). If surgery has been completed on all four (4) sides of the mouth, consume nutritious food with a soft a consistency as possible. Food supplement recommended - Liquid Ensure or similar products.

NEXT VISIT

We will remove your dressing and sutures within 1-2 weeks. Then you will be shown and instructed on how to keep the area clean.

Alcohol and smoking should be avoided to aid in the healing process. We suggest you return home and relax. You may return to work tomorrow but please wait several days before undertaking any strenuous excercises.

Post-Operative Instructions for SINUS ELEVATION

DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE for two weeks
If you must sneeze, do so with you mouth open to avoid unnecessary pressure on the sinus area
Take your medications as directed
No smoking or sucking through a straw
You may notice or be aware of small granules in your mouth for the next few days. This is not unusual
Do not lift of pull on lip to look at you sutures
You may notice a slight nose bleed for 1-2 days post-surgery

Notify us if you feel granules in your nose or your medications do not relieve discomfort or if you have any questions.

Instructions for Your Comfort Following SOFT TISSUE GRAFT SURGERY

COMFORT

When the anesthesia wears off, you may have some discomfort from the operation. This can be minimized by taking your prescribed medication as directed. If penicillin or other antibiotics are necessary, we will give you a prescription. ( Please continue taking the antibiotics until finished). If you should have any type of reaction to the prescribed medication (e.g. nausea, diarrhea, gas, skin rash-hives, or even severe cases of vomiting) please call us.

DRESSING

A dressing will be placed over the graft area. This is to protect the graft and it should remain in place until your next visit. If a large section of the dressing should come off, break, or become loose, please call the office to have it replaced. If you have a removable bridge and it has been sealed over the dressing, DO NOT remove it. If you have a dressing on the roof of your mouth and it should fall off, apply Oxygen Gel to the roof of mouth with a Q-tip when needed. It will help take the sting or burning sensation away. (Orabase with Benzocaine is also recommended if the Oxygene gel does not help relieve the discomfort).

SWELLING

An ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to the outside of your face alternating on/off at approximately 15 minute intervals for the first 24-48 hours, then replace with warm, moist compress, on the second or third day, (e.g. hot, moist washcloth or a hot wet towel over a hot water bottle). SWELLING IS NOT UNUSUAL EVEN UP TO 72 HOURS AFTER SURGERY. Black and blue (bruising) may appear.

ORAL HYGIENE

DIET

Do not chew on the side with the dressing if possible. Until the dressing hardens, avoid hot beverages and foods. Eat an adequate balanced diet during this healing period. Soft foods and liquids are encouraged (soft chicken, fish, hamburger). Avoid excessively hot foods, liquids, spices and citrus fruits or juices during the first few post-operative days. After this period you may return to your regular diet.

BLEEDING

NEXT VISIT

We will remove your dressing and sutures and instruct you in how to care for it through the following week.

Instructions for Your Comfort Following the EXTRACTION

Do not rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow rinse your mouth gently every 3 to 4 hours (especially after meals) using one-quarter teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water

BLEEDING

Following extractions some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pads over the bleeding area and bite down firmly for one-half hour. In addition, a warm moist tea bag will also work well. If the bleeding persists, call the office

SWELLING

An ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to the outside of your face alternating on/off at approximately 15 minute intervals for the first 24-48 hours followed by by warm, moist compresses (e.g. hot, moist washcloth or a hot wet towel over a hot water bottle).

PAIN

For mild to average pain use any aspirin-type products such as Advil or Tylenol. Try to avoid plain aspirin as it can cause bleeding since it will thin the blood. If pain persists, call the office.

FOOD

Light soft diet is advisable during the first 24 hours. (e.g. fish, hamburger, soft chicken). Avoid chewing on the side of the extraction.

BONY EDGES

Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots; if annoying please call the office for an appointment for their simple removal.

Alcohol and smoking should be avoided to aid the healing process

>back to top