Post-Op Instructions

If you have had a recent surgery from Dr. Francie Naval, you will no doubt have received postoperative instructions for your procedure. Even so, our periodontist and team have provided instructions here for your convenience if you need them. If you have more specific questions regarding your periodontal or implant treatment in Santa Barbara, California, give us a call at 805-563-4404.

Dental Implant Post-Op Care

To help you recover quickly and avoid complications in your healing process following implant placement, our periodontist and team recommend that you follow your post-op care instructions as closely as possible.

  • Do not rinse your mouth for the rest of the day after your procedure.
  • On the day following your procedure, begin rinsing with warm saltwater every two to three hours. (Use a half-teaspoon of salt per eight ounces of water). Do this for several days. Then rinse after meals and at bedtime for two weeks.
  • Use prescribed medications, antibiotics and mouth rinses as directed.
  • Use mild pain relievers, such as Tylenol, Advil or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.
  • You may begin brushing your teeth the day after your procedure, but be sure to avoid the surgical site for several days.
  • If a temporary crown was placed, do not bite down until given permission to do so.
  • Do not wear your denture, partial denture or other oral appliance until given permission to do so.
  • You will likely experience some swelling. Apply ice or cold compresses to the side of your face at 15-minute intervals for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, switch to heat instead, and continue applying heat until the swelling diminishes.
  • Keep your lips moist with lip balm or Vaseline to prevent cracking.
  • Do not operate machinery for at least 12 hours following your procedure.
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products — they can cause your implants to fail.
  • If the cover screw or healing abutment of your implant falls out, call our office so that we can replace it. Bring the loosened component with you to this appointment.
  • If you use oral contraceptives and have been prescribed an antibiotic, use an alternate method of birth control until you have completed your course of antibiotics.

Gum Surgery Post-Op Care

Caring for your mouth properly following gum surgery is critical to the success of your procedure. After your treatment we recommend that you:

  • Do not eat for about three hours after your treatment, then maintain a soft diet for two to three days. Avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks, and hard or brittle foods that could injure the surgical site. Be sure to stay hydrated.
  • Take all prescribed antibiotics and medications as directed. You may use a non-aspirin pain reliever as needed. If you have a reaction to a medication (nausea, a skin rash, etc.), stop taking the medication immediately and contact our office.
  • Slight bleeding and oozing after gum surgery is normal and may occur for up to 48 hours after your procedure. If bleeding persists, you may apply a moistened gauze pad or tea bag to the site at 20-minute intervals. Keep your head elevated. If bleeding does not stop, please call our office.
  • Use an ice pack or cold compress to help reduce swelling.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth very lightly the first night. You may resume flossing gently again the next day. Do not use any irrigation devices (such as a Waterpik®) until you are cleared to do so.
  • Do not smoke for at least 48 hours. Smoking can cause significant delays in the healing process.

Be sure to contact our office at 805-563-4404 if you have any questions about your upcoming periodontal or implant treatment.

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Hours

Monday

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Thursday

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Friday

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

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