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POST-OPERATIVE ADVICE FOLLOWING A GUM GRAFT
For the first 24 hours
Hygiene
You can start brushing and flossing the day after surgery BY AVOIDING THE OPERATED SITE UNTIL YOUR CHECK-UP VISIT.
DO NOT USE an electric toothbrush and the “WaterPik”. They can be reused 6 weeks after your intervention.
A whitish film may form at the site of the surgery. It's dental plaque and it's perfectly normal.
Use the prescribed mouthwash twice a day starting the morning after the procedure for 4 weeks. Do not rinse your mouth suddenly and do not spit. Let the product sit in your mouth and simply open your mouth to drain the product into the sink.
Food
You will have to eat strictly COLD LIQUIDS such as :
- meal replacements (ex: ENSURE)
- protein shake,
- yogurt
- ice cream…
To avoid
- Peroxide
- Alcohol
- Carbonated beverage
- To smoke
- Drink through a straw
- Sucking
In particular, avoid touching the operated site with your tongue and fingers. Do not pull on your cheek or lips to look or to show your eyes.
After 24 hours
Food
Gradually progress to soft foods that are easy to chew such as :
- Cooked vegetables
- Cooked fish
- Pasta
- Meatloaf
- Egg
DO NOT SKIP MEALS and avoid spicy, sour and vinegar dishes. Eat on the opposite side of the operated site.
Activities
Stay at home the rest of the day of the procedure and, if necessary, the following day. You can return to your daily routine 24 HOURS AFTER THE INTERVENTION but avoid overwork and all physical activity for ONE WEEK AFTER THE INTERVENTION.
At bedtime
SLEEP IN A SEMI-SITTING POSITION (head elevated) to reduce swelling.
Medication
Painkiller : Take your medication within one hour of the procedure with milk, fruit juice or a full glass of water. NEVER TAKE MEDICATION WITH AN EMPTY STOMACH. Take your painkillers regularly every 4 to 6 hours according to your prescription.
Antibiotics : Take your medication as directed until the end of your prescription. Taking antibiotics decreases the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. It is therefore recommended to increase protection during sex until the end of the cycle in order to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
Swelling
It is normal to have swelling after a periodontal procedure. To reduce it, we suggest using an ice pack. Place it on your cheek without direct contact on the skin, alternating 10 minutes (10 minutes with the ice pack and 10 minutes without). Continue the process as often as possible during the first 24 hours.
Bleeding
Light bleeding or slightly tinted saliva is possible during the first days after the procedure. If more severe bleeding occurs, replace painkillers containing Ibuprophen (eg Advil, Motrin…) with Tylenol and please call us.
Suture
You must come for your check-up 1 week after the operation. Part of the stitches will be removed after 3 weeks and the other part 2 to 3 months later. It is possible that your points fall or slack before the date of your appointment. There is nothing to worry about. If this happens, just let us know and we'll see you faster than expected.
Smoking
Do not smoke for a period of 3 weeks following the procedure. Smoking slows tissue healing and will affect the outcome of the procedure.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Good recovery !
POST-OPERATIVE ADVICE AFTER A DENTAL EXTRACTION
Immediately after surgery
Bite on the compress we gave you for 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues, start again with a new compress for another 30 minutes.
A tea bag soaked in water can be placed on the wound for 20 minutes. The tannin it contains creates a coagulating effect.
If necessary, take your medications as prescribed by the dentist
If your cheek is swollen, apply ice, avoiding direct contact with the skin, for 15 minutes every hour.
For three to four days after surgery
- Avoid spitting, smoking, rinsing your mouth, and drinking through a straw. You may remove the blood clot needed for healing.
- Do not consume hot or spicy foods / beverages. Promote a soft diet.
- Do not drink alcohol as it may irritate your mouth and sores.
- Do not run your tongue or fingers over the wound.
Hygiene
You can brush your teeth gently 24 hours after surgery , avoiding the operated site. Do not use commercial mouthwash until completely healed.
You can do lightly salted water mouthwashes after meals four days after surgery.
Physical activity
Avoid all physical activity for 24 to 48 hours. Do not lift heavy loads. If you experience pain, do not hesitate to take pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Elevate your head and rest.
To know
It is quite usual to feel pain and to notice some swelling. Bruising may also appear on your face. These will go away within five to seven days after surgery. Also, during the first week it is quite normal for your saliva to occasionally be tinged with blood. It will gradually fade.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic at (514) 493-3333.
Good recovery !
BAD BREATH
You are not alone !
Bad breath affects 65% of the population . In the majority of cases, this condition is transient, for example bad breath in the morning. The latter is caused by a decrease in the production of saliva during sleep, combined with reduced activity of the movements of the tongue and cheeks. Eating a good, balanced breakfast and brushing your teeth and tongue help restore fresh breath .
Potential causes of bad breath
- Inflammation and gum disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- The presence of cavities and defective restorations
- The retention of food particles between the teeth
- Foci of infection
- Breathing through the mouth
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Decreased salivary flow
- The accumulation of bacteria and food debris on the tongue
- Certain foods such as garlic, onion, pastrami, etc.
- Certain drugs and supplements
- Food residues that accumulate in the esophagus or in the area of the tonsils.
- Certain illnesses can also be the cause of foul breath, including diabetes.
Solutions
Using a mouthwash temporarily masks bad breath. On the other hand, excessive use can also irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth and exacerbate the problem. The dentist and dental hygienist will be able to recommend those that have better antimicrobial properties and are scientifically proven to be effective.
The best way to prevent the inconvenience of bad breath is to maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. If bad breath persists, talk to your dentist.
BRUXISM
Definition and consequences
The bruxism or bruxism, is mania, often unconscious and involuntary, to cringe . This term is also associated with the habit of clenching the jaws . The consequences of bruxism are numerous: wear and abrasion of teeth , headaches , oral and facial pain , jaw pain… In addition, the noise caused by the squeaking may prevent other members of the family from sleeping.
It is estimated that 8% of adults suffer from bruxism , and that 14% of children grind their teeth a few times a week.
The causes can be many - ranging from anxiety and very brief and intense nocturnal awakenings to neurochemical sensitivity - but science is still a long way from solving this mystery. One thing is certain, anxiety is a trigger or amplifier of bruxism.
Here are a few tips :
- Avoid smoking in the evening
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Avoid sleeping on your back
- Avoid noise, computer or television in the bedroom
Products such as Robaxacet , Tylenol Muscle or Flexeril (prescription required) can be taken at bedtime to decrease muscle pain and increase relaxation during periods of intense bruxism. For more severe cases, Rivotril (Clonazepam: prescription required) may be used for a short time.
FLUOR
Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to cavities
During the formation and maturation of teeth, fluoride becomes incorporated into the enamel and dentin of the teeth and makes them more resistant to cavities. But fluoride also works when the tooth has grown by penetrating the top layer of the teeth to form fluorapatite.
The first type of fluoride is administered in tablets or drops, and it is found in drinking water. The second is found in the majority of toothpastes , some mouthwashes and in treatments done by dentists.
The combined effects of these two types of fluoride reduce the incidence of cavities by 60%.
The optimal dose of fluoride for a child
The total daily intake of fluoride from all sources - drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwash, vitamin supplements, and food sources - should not exceed 0.05 to 0.07 mg fluoride / kg body weight.
For children under the age of two , the amount of fluoride toothpaste used should be minimal , as they tend to swallow the excess toothpaste rather than spit it out. For children two years and older , the amount will be that of a tiny pea.
In Quebec , the optimal fluoride concentration to prevent tooth decay is regulated . The General Directorate of Public Health of the Ministry of Health and Social Services has set up a Quebec drinking water fluoridation program in which a number of municipalities participate.
The Ordre des dentistes du Québec supports the judicious use of fluoride to prevent tooth decay . He believes it is one of the most successful prevention measures in the history of dental health care.
CAVITIES IN CHILDREN
How is cavities formed ?
There are several factors that can cause cavities in children, but diet and oral hygiene are key factors. It is important to understand how decay evolves, as well as the various stages. After each meal, food debris sticks to the teeth. If they are not removed by brushing, the bacteria in the mouth will convert the sugars in this debris into acids that attack tooth enamel. This is why parents must quickly instill the principles of oral hygiene in their child and integrate them into the daily routine.
Watch out for snacks !
- Tender bars, dried fruits and juices, even natural ones, also contain sugar. Among other things, parents should limit the consumption of sugary drinks to one per day
- Choose non-sticky and unsweetened snacks, such as cheese, vegetables and fresh fruit.
When all of the primary teeth have grown, the child can start flossing.
It is recommended to use a dash of fluoride toothpaste for children under two years of age and the size of a tiny pea for children two years and older.