Periodontal Surgery Operative Instructions

Preoperative Instructions

■ As you will be having the procedure under local anaesthetic (injections in the mouth only), please eat and drink prior to the procedure.

■ Please carry 1000mg paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, or 400-800 mg ibuprofen to take prior to the surgery.

■ If you can use Corsodyl mouthwash up to the day of surgery this may reduce the risk of infection.

■ Do not wear any makeup, face creams, lipstick and please be clean-shaven if possible.

■ Smoking cessation protocol, if relevant, should be followed for 6 weeks preoperatively to help improve healing and reduce the risk of infection and failure.

Postoperative Instructions

■ A course of antibiotics may be prescribed for pre and post-operative use to reduce the risk of infection. Antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Therefore, females will need to use some additional form of birth control for one complete cycle besides just birth control pills after a course of antibiotics is completed.

■ Bleeding may occur after surgery, but this can usually be resolved by applying pressure with a gauze pack or clean handkerchief for 15-20 minutes. If this does not stop, please contact us or if NHS urgent care.

■ Be prepared for soreness. Your normal painkillers may be taken, according to instructions, as required. Taking painkillers regularly rather than when the pain starts may be more effective.

■ It may be useful to place an icepack wrapped in a towel (not directly on your skin) on your jaw to reduce swelling and bruising.

■ Please refrain from exercise and effort for 24 hours.

■ Avoid too much alcohol for 24 hrs, This can worsen bleeding.

■ Avoid highly seasoned and spicy food, fruit juices and concentrated alcohol, as these may cause discomfort.

■ Do not brush your teeth in the surgical area. Instead use an antiseptic mouth rinse recommended by your dentist. This should be used gently morning and night to keep the area clean.

■ The teeth not affected by the surgery should be brushed as previously instructed.

■ Any stiches placed will be removed at your scheduled followup appointment.

If you have surgical dressing in your mouth

■ This will harden in approximately two hours.

■ It is important that it remains in place until your next appointment as it helps to reduce discomfort. If it is lost, please contact us.

■ To prevent dislodging of the dressing:

a. Do not chew in the area with the dressings.

b. Do not brush the area with the dressing

c. Do not vigorously rinse your mouth

d. Do not chew hard foods

Please call Artiste Studios if

■ You are experiencing symptoms more intense or of longer duration than those described above.

■ If excessive bleeding, undue pain or other symptoms occur contact us for advice without delay.

We start to prepare for your treatment once your appointments are confirmed. As your treatment involves long appointments with preparation starting at least 2 days prior to your appointment, should you cancel or reschedule with short notice, the cancellation fees will be payable in accordance with our General Terms & Conditions.

Your treatment will be phased and carried out according to your clinical need, and as such, payment arrangements are in full prior to the start of treatment based on the estimated fees.