Post-Op Instructions for Laser Procedures

• Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of gum tissue following laser therapy. Gum tissue can turn gray, yellow, red, blue, purple, and “stringy” and reflects a normal response to laser treatments.

• Do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the treated area.

• Do not be alarmed if one of the following occurs:

  • Light bleeding

  • Slight swelling

  • Some soreness, tenderness, or tooth sensitivity

  • Medicinal taste, from Peridex or Periogard

• Swelling may possibly occur. To keep this at a minimum, gently place an ice pack on the outside of the face for 20 minutes each hour until you retire for sleep that night.

• Some oozing of blood may occur and will appear to be greatly exaggerated when it dissolves in saliva. Determine the side of oozing and place pressure on this area. If you cannot locate the origin of the bleeding, rinse your mouth gently with iced water and apply a wet tea bag to the general area.

• Please call the office so that we may render further treatment if any of the following occurs:

  • Prolonged or severe pain

  • Prolonged or excessive bleeding

  • Considerably elevated or persistent temperature (fever)

  • Sores on the roof of your mouth (blisters)

• If medication has been prescribed, please take exactly as directed. Antibiotic pills are prescribed. The entire bottle or prescription should be taken for the stated number of days or weeks.

• Reduce physical activity for several hours following the surgery to maximize healing.

• Try to keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help the healing process. Only brush and floss the untreated area of your mouth. Do not brush or floss the treated area for 7-10 days or as directed by your doctor.

• Do not spit or rinse your mouth the day of treatment. Rinse your mouth gently 2 times a day with Peridex or Periogard starting the day after your procedure. In between Peridex/Periogard rinses, rinse your mouth gently 3 times a day with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8oz. glass of warm water).

• You will be on a liquid diet for 3 days, then a diet of “mushy”/soft foods for 4 days, and then a diet of smart food choices for the remainder of the month. It is very important to maintain a good food and fluid intake. Try to eat soft but nutritious food such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc., until you can comfortably return to a normal diet. Please refer to the Post treatment Diet Instructions

• Avoid spicy or excessively hot foods.

• When eating, do not chew on the side of your mouth which has been treated.

• Do not be alarmed that beginning with just 2 weeks after therapy and extending as long as 1 year or more, the teeth may become sore and tender as the bone and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and become more firm. This is a sign of healing, but also indicates the presence of a bite imbalance that may need to be adjusted.

• “Spaces” between your teeth can result from reduction of inflammation, swelling, and the removal of diseased tissue after the treatment. These spaces usually fill in over time, and again, bite adjustment is critical to making sure the teeth and the “papilla” is not traumatized and can regrow.

• During the first week, eat only soft foods. Do not chew where the surgery was performed. Vitamins, dietary supplements, or medications may be prescribed to improve your overall health. Take any prescribed medication according to directions.

• Dental laser procedures result in little or no discomfort following surgery. Take prescribed pain medications according to instructions if needed.

• Carefully avoid chewing food in the areas of the mouth where the laser has been used. One of the most important results of laser surgery is the healing that occurs following the initial procedure. It is extremely important not to dislodge the tiny clots (scabs) that form in the gums.

• Daily Care:

  • Brush the teeth by placing the bristles of the brush on the gums below the tooth and carefully rolling the bristles toward the tooth surface. Do not stick the bristles into the gums.

  • Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth. During the first day drink liquids only. A liquid dietary supplement may be recommended.

  • When flossing, carefully place the floss between the teeth and avoid pushing the floss under the gums until instructed to do so.

  • During the first week, eat only soft foods. Do not chew where the surgery was performed.

• Most discomfort can be controlled with ice and ibuprofen/tylenol. Initially take the 600mg ibuprofen (if able to take) and 1 500 mg extra strength tylenol every 6 hours for 3 days. These can be taken together for maximum relief, or alternating every 3 hours.