Specific Surgical Procedures

Osseous Surgery: begin day AFTER surgery
Brushing: Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth with a soft, manual toothbrush and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste. NOTE: When brushing, use a rolling motion. Never brush up and down or side-to-side. On the upper teeth, place bristles in the fold of the lip and cheek and roll brush down over the gums toward teeth. On the lower teeth, place bristles in the fold of the lip or cheek, and roll brush up over the gums and teeth. Begin flossing gently on day 5.

Medicated rinse: swish with 1 tablespoon twice a day until the doctor advises you to discontinue.

Gingival Grafts: starting the day AFTER surgery
Brushing: Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth with a soft, manual toothbrush and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste. Do not brush the surgery site(s)! Do not floss in these areas!

Medicated Rinse: Gently swish with 1 tablespoon at least two times per day until the doctor advises you to discontinue. If a small amount of bleeding occurs, do not be concerned.

NOTE: There may be plastic protective putty in the roof of your mouth over your incision. This can come loose at any time. Let it fall out naturally as it is entangled with your sutures. Removing it by force can cause excessive bleeding and discomfort.

Extraction with Bone Grafting: starting the day AFTER surgery
Brushing: Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth with a soft, manual toothbrush and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste.  You can expect the temporary plug and minor bone fragments to fall out of the extraction site during the healing process.

Medicated rinse: Gently swish with 1 tablespoon twice a day until the doctor advises you to discontinue.

Sinus Grafts: starting day AFTER surgery
Brushing: Brush normally throughout, avoiding surgery sites, with a soft, manual toothbrush and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste.

Medicated rinse: Gently swish with 1 tablespoon twice a day until the doctor advises you to discontinue.  

Do not blow nose, sneeze with mouth closed, drink with straw or smoke for 7-10 days.

Implants: starting day AFTER surgery
Brushing: Brush normally throughout, avoiding surgery site(s), with a soft, manual toothbrush and Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste.  Carefully avoid chewing or brushing near the surgery site(s) for 4-6 weeks!

Medicated rinse: Gently swish with 1 tablespoon twice a day until the doctor advises you to discontinue.