Our top periodontist serving in Philadelphia will work hard to make sure that your procedure is a success. However, it is important for you to take the right steps after your surgery. The following is a list of the do’s and don’ts of recovering from dental surgery.

Do’s

Rest

Proper rest is one of the keys to recovering from any type of procedure. You should keep your head propped up while you lie down. This will help reduce swelling. It will also help stimulate blood flow to your head and reduce the risk of bleeding.

Apply Ice to Your Face

Our top periodontist serving in Philadelphia recommends that you use ice in order to reduce the swelling. You should wrap ice in a towel and apply it to your face for 15 minutes at a time. Do this several times throughout the day.

Take Your Medication

Our periodontist will likely give you pain medication after your surgery. It is important for you to take this medication as recommended even if you are not feeling any pain. You should also avoid skipping doses. If you happen to forget to take a dose, then you should take it as soon as you remember to.

Eat Soft Foods

You should eat soft foods for a few days after your surgery. It is easier for you to chew soft foods, so you will be able to give your mouth a break. Yogurt, soup and mashed potatoes are some of the foods that you can eat.

Keep Your Mouth Clean

You shouldn’t rinse your mouth out for 24 hours after surgery. However, you should start rinsing your mouth out as soon as the periodontist tells you it is okay to do so. Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth out.

Don’ts 

Exercise

You do not want to exercise or do any strenuous activity for a few days after surgery. Ask our periodontist when it is okay for you to rinse out your mouth. Physical activity can increase your risk of bleeding.

Smoking

Smoking is another activity that can increase your risk of bleeding. You should avoid smoking for one or two days after your surgery.

Drink Through a Straw

You do not want to drink through a straw for 24 hours. Sucking can cause the blood clot to loosen, which can lead to a painful condition called a dry socket. You should also avoid sucking on candy because it can cause the same problem.

If you are looking for the top periodontist serving in Philadelphia, then you can call Dr. Barry Levin. There are a variety of services that you can get, including gum grafting, scaling and root planing, bone augmentation and cosmetic periodontal procedures.