LANAP™ Post-Op Instructions

Patient Post-Op Instructions & Information Following Laser Periodontal Therapy (LPT™)

Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP™)

• Anti-microbial rinses and antibiotic medications may be prescribed for you. Take any prescribed medications according to directions and continue taking until all meds are gone.
• Reduce physical activity for several hours following surgery.
• Periodontal laser procedures usually result in little or no discomfort following surgery.
• For the first 24 hour period immediately following surgery, take two (2) Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen) every 4-6 hours even if you do not have any pain.
• For the first 24 hour period immediately following surgery, stay on a liquid diet only. For the following 3-7 days after surgery, a soft diet is recommended. Try to eat soft but nutritious foods such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc. Stay away from spicy and “chippy” foods. It is also important to maintain good fluid intake during this period.
• Carefully avoid chewing food in the areas of the mouth where the laser has been used for at least one week following surgery. One of the most important results of laser surgery is the blood clots that form following surgery. It is extremely important not to dislodge the tiny clots that form in and around the gums.
• Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of tissues following laser therapy.  Tissues can be gray, yellow, red, blue, purple, “stringy” and reflect normal response to laser treatments.
• It is OK to spit, rinse, and wash your mouth today.  Rinse as directed with Peridex or Periogard morning and night.  In between, it is OK to rinse gently every three (3) hours with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8oz. glass of warm water).  Do not brush or floss your teeth until instructed to do so (see Treatment and Home Care sequence sheet).
• 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 surgery area.
• Do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the surgery area.
• Do not be alarmed if one of the following occurs:
  • Light bleeding
  • Slight swelling
  • Some soreness, tenderness, or tooth sensitivity
  • Medicinal taste, from Peridex or Periogard
• Please call our office (562) 869-0928 if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:
  • Prolonged or severe pain
  • Prolonged or excessive bleeding
  • Considerably elevated or persistent temperature
• Do not be alarmed that beginning within two weeks after therapy and extending as long as one year or more, the teeth may become sore, tender, or sensitive as the bone and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and become more firm.  This is a sign of healing, but may also indicate the presence of a bite imbalance that may need to be adjusted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us!

John McAllister DDS -  (562) 869-0928 - e-mail: John@johndds.com

Post-Op Instructions

After your periodontal procedure, we recommend that you take the following steps to minimize, and perhaps eliminate, any discomfort. Controlling inflammation is the key to comfortable healing.

• For the first 24 hours, apply ice to the affected cheek. This should be done in
• cycles alternating at 20 minute intervals.
  
• After the first day, repeat the cycle with warm, moist heat.
• Take all antibiotics as prescribed. If analgesic medication (pain-killers) is prescribed, take as needed.
• Do not brush the affected area until directed to by our office. All unaffected areas of the mouth are to be maintained as normal.
• It is important to maintain proper nutrition during healing. A high liquid diet is preferable for the first 24 hours. Then, introduce soft foods for the next 48 hours, until you return to a normal diet.
• Should bleeding occur that will not stop after normal pressure is applied for at least five minutes, place a tea-bag on the site and bite down for 15 minutes. Repeat this cycle if necessary.

It is our hope that you have a positive experience. If you have any questions, we urge you to call our office immediately. If it is after hours, page Dr. McAllister will be located 24 hours by calling (562) 869-0928.