Instructions Following Pinhole Surgical Technique

FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX WEEKS


  1. NO BRUSHING OVER SURGICAL SITE(S) (Do not use cotton swabs, cloth or any soft or hard object to clean area.)
  1. NO FLOSSING (Water-pik ONLY from tongue side on low setting.)
  1. NO TOUCHING: with finger or any other device or object.
  1. DO NOT LICK SURGICAL AREA.
  1. Do not sleep with hands under the cheek where surgery was done.
  1. No facial massages for 3 weeks or massage that area of the face for any reason.
  1. NO LOOKING: Do not obsess over or question the doctor about appearance of gums for 6 weeks. You cannot look with pulling cheek.
  1. RINSE ONLY WITH LIPS APART: SLOSHING ONLY (no chipmunk cheek when you rinse).
  1. Do not play wind instruments for 3 weeks.
  1. No sucking on foods/objects or spitting.
  1. Do not blow balloons.
  1. No mints over surgical area.
  1. No smoking, chewing tobacco, cigar or pipe for at least 6 months. Please consult your doctor if you use marijuana for medical purposes.
  1. Check with your doctor if you wear any other appliances (e.g. retainers, Invisalign, Perio-Protect, occlusal guard, etc.)
  1. No clenching or grinding of the teeth. (No heavy lifting/weight lifting that requires clenching of the teeth.)
  1. No heavy aerobics, vigorous exercising/dancing or physical activity for 3 weeks. (Walking or non-strenuous activities are ok.)
  1. No facial device such as snorkeling or CPAP for 2 months.
  1. ICE OVER AREA at 10 minute intervals for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling.
  1. DO NOT BE ALARMED ABOUT SOFT SWELLING OR BRUISING FOR THE FIRST WEEK.
  1. DO NOT EAT crunchy or sticky food (like bread) that can get stuck on or in between your teeth.
  1. No scalding hot drinks (tea, coffee, water or hot soups).
  1. No triclosan, hydrogen peroxide, bleach or any non-FDA-approved concoctions (coconut oil [oil pulling], holistic mouth rinses, homeopathic remedies).
  1. EXPECT cold sensitivity for 6 weeks or longer. DO REPORT sensitivity during check-up appointments.
  1. PAIN CONTROL - Take medications as directed
  1. CALL DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE UNEXPECTED PAIN, CONTINUOUS BLEEDING, OR HEAT FROM SURGICAL SITE.
  1. Patient MUST return to our office 1 week after surgery and 6 weeks after surgery.
  1. After the 6th week you may brush surgical area with special extra, extra soft brush dispensed or ordered by this office for 6 MONTHS.

REFER TO SOFT FOOD SUGGESTIONS PAGE IN PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you should have any questions or concerns, contact our office. Thank you.