Surgical Instructions

General Post Operative Instructions

The following information is prescription information and general recommendations after having a surgical procedure with South Jersey Dental Implants & Periodontics. Every case is different , and Dr. Shah will go over your specific recommendations at your appointment.

Golden Rules

  • No BITING or CHEWING in the area of the surgery until cleared to do so by Dr. Shah.
    • Biting in the area can cause infection and failure of the procedure.
  • No SMOKING or ALCOHOL for at least 2 weeks.
    • Both smoking and alcohol delay the healing process and predisposes you to infection, which can result in failure of the procedure.
    • The longer you go without smoking, the better chances of ideal healing.
  • Apply ice pack to outside of face, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for 24 hours.
    • This reduces swelling and discomfort
  • DO NOT BRUSH near the surgical area until cleared to do so by Dr. Shah.
    • Brushing can inadvertendy bump the surgical site and disrupt the healing. Brush and floss everywhere else as normal.
  • DO NOT WEAR any temporary teeth / flipper / partial denture while eating until cleared to do so by Dr. Shah. They are for esthetics only.
  • Avoid using a straw for 48 hours.
  • No strenous activity for the next 48 hours.
  • Elevate your head when you sleep for the next 48 hours.

The Healing Process

  • Slight bleeding after surgery is normal for the first 24 hours.
    • If bleeding persists, it may be controlled by applying firm pressure on a moist piece of gauze for 30 minutes without looking to see if it has stopped bleeding. Repeat as necessary.
    • Avoid spitting and heavy rinsing mouth, as this will aggravate the site and increase bleeding.
  • Swelling and discomfort normally peaks at 2-3 days post surgery .
  • As the gums begin to heal, sutures may loosen and/or start to come out. All remaining sutures will be removed at your follow-up visit.
  • If you develop symptoms such as soreness, pus, a ‘bubble,’ or bad taste from the area after the first 2 weeks of healing, call our office to schedule an appointment for a follow-up.

Eating / Diet

  • Eat only soft, nutritious food during the healing process
    • Fork soft food- eggs, oatmeal, pasta, soft ground meat, mashed potatoes, ice cream, yogurt
    • No sandwiches, potato chips, large pieces of meats
    • Chew on the opposite side

Prescription Medications

  • Take medication with food to reduce nausea
  • Yogurt and/or probiotic pill in the morning with help avoid nausea.

Pain

  • Ibuprofen 600mg: every 4-6 hours for the first 3-4 days, then as needed
    • Supplement with Tylenol 500mg as needed.
  • Vicodin (Lortab) or Percocet: as needed, but at night for sound sleep ( NO DRIVING )
  • Tylenol 3 (w/ codeine): every 4-6 hours as needed for pain.

Antibiotic

  • Clindamycin 300mg OR Amoxicillin: 3 times/day (morning, midday & night) for 7 days

Antibacterial Mouth Rinse

  • Peridex Mouth Rinse: 2 gentle rinses (morning & night) for 14 days

Anti-Swelling

  • Medrol Dose Pack: 6 tabs at once day one, 5 tabs spread out day two, 4 tabs spread out day three, 3 tabs spread out day four, 2 tabs spread out day five, 1 tab day six

If you have questions or concerns after normal business hours, please call our Egg Harbor Township office at 609-646-8443 ext 5 for emergency voicemail, leave your name and number & I will return your call.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Linwood, NJ

Monday - Wednesday:

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Friday - Sunday:

Closed

Cape May Court House

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday:

Closed

Wednesday:

8:00 am - 6:00 pm