LANAP® Therapy Post-Op Instructions
Here are some instructions for Post-Operation procedures if you have had LANAP® therapy.
- Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of tissues following this treatment. Tissues can be grey, yellow, red, blue, or purple. Texture maybe “stringy” this does reflect normal response to laser therapy.
- Reduce activity for several hours following the surgery.
- It is OK to spit, rinse, and wash you r mouth today. Rinse as directed with chlorhexidine morning and night. In between it is OK to rinse gently every 3 hours with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoons of salt dissolved in an 8oz glass of warm water)
- Do not eat spicy or excessively hot foods.
- Try to keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help the healing process. Brush, floss, and follow other home-care measures in all the areas of your mouth except for the treated area.
- Do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the area treated.
- Do not be alarmed if the following occurs; light bleeding, slight swelling, soreness, tenderness, sensitivity, medicinal taste.
- The surgical pack is placed on the area to prevent food, trauma, and/or smoke from irritating the treated tissues. If a piece of the pack falls out, don’t be alarmed.
- Swelling may possibly occur. To keep this at a minimum, gently place an ice pack on the outside of your face for 20 minutes each hour until you retire for sleep that night. Do not continue using the ice pack beyond the day of periodontal surgery.
- Some oozing of blood may occur and will appear to be greatly exaggerated when it dissolves in saliva. Determine the side of oozing and place pressure on this area. If you cannot locate the origin of the bleeding, rinse your mouth gently with iced water and apply a wet tea bag to the general area. If excessive bleeding continues, please call the office ASAP.
- It is very important to maintain a good food, and fluid intake. Try to eat soft but nutritious food such as; eggs, cheese, malts, ice cream etc., until you can comfortably return to a normal diet.
- If medication has been prescribed, please rake exactly as directed
- Please call the office so that we may render further treatment if any of the following occurs; prolonged severe pain, excessive bleeding, considerably elevated or persistent temperature.
- Do not be alarmed that beginning with just 2 weeks after therapy and extending as long as 1 year or more, the teeth may become more sore, tender, or sensitive as the bone and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and become more firm. This is a sign of healing, but also indicates the presence of a bite imbalance that needs to be adjusted.
