Q & A on Treatments
What are the preoperative instructions?
It is recommended to have a light meal before the treatment. Avoid fasting and all alcohol. For a week before the treatment, you should avoid all medications that can thin your blood, like Aspirin and its derivatives. Check with your pharmacist the current list of medication you are taking that may have an impact on your treatment. Finally, wear comfortable clothes. Clean-shave if you are a man and wear minimal make-up if you are a woman. A detailed postoperative list will be given to you the day of the treatment.
Does is hurt during the treatment?
This is the most frequently asked question. In fact, once the area is properly anesthetized (frozen), the treatment is pain free. In most cases, if your eyes are closed, it would be difficult to tell the difference between having a few fillings done, and have periodontal surgery
Does it hurt after the treatment?
When the effect of the anesthesia dissipates, it is normal to feel moderate pain over the treated area. Prescription medication taken for 24 hours will control the pain effectively. After this time, medication is taken only if needed. In the weeks that follow the treatment, teeth may become more sensitive to cold and hot. The duration of this hypersensitivity is variable. Most people who had periodontal surgery can go to work the next day.
How long is each visit?
This depends on what was planned for your appointment. Usually, one area is treated per visit. For one area, the time reserved for you in the periodontist chair is between 1 and 1 1/2 hours. For follow-up visits, expect to spend 15 to 30 minutes in the office.
If I have multiple treatments to do, what is the interval between the treatments?
Theoretically you could do all the treatments the same day. However because treatments are relatively long and to allow you to chew on the opposite side, treatments are done one part of the mouth at a time. In general a rest period of 4 to 8 weeks is suggested between treatments.
What should I do if I am stressed when it comes to dental treatments?
If this is the case, you are most people who need a medical or dental procedure. Fear can be controlled in different ways. One way, is to take 45 minutes before the treatment, a medication to help you relax (sedative). If you take a sedative, you cannot drive or take alcohol until the next day. You could also bring your music player with your favourite music. Furthermore, you should have a normal breakfast or lunch before your treatment. In any case, you should not hesitate to discuss the topic with the periodontist at your first visit.
What is the follow up after treatment?
You have to come back about a week after your treatment to remove the dressing, the sutures and clean the area. This step requires no freezing. Right after you will resume regular oral hygiene in the area. One to two other visits at about 3 weeks interval will be needed to check the progression of the healing and if needed, readjust the method of oral hygiene.
How long does the healing take?
Most of the healing happens during the first week. This first rapid phase of healing is followed by a second much slower phase of healing. Although you can start eating over the treated area about 10 days after the treatment, the final healing can take 8 to 12 weeks. However, for most people this maturation of the gums is not noticeable.
What should I do once the area is healed?
Once the treatment is over, you must do what is required to keep your mouth healthy. You should brush and floss your teeth thoroughly every day, see your dentist/hygienist for maintenance care, and you should not smoke. If you have problems with your gums, it means that your body is more “fragile” at this level and you must see your dentist/hygienist more often for follow-ups and cleanings. A recall interval of 3 months is common for people who have had periodontal disease.
What are the office policies for surgeries?
If you need surgical treatments, a consent form must usually be signed. If you cannot legally give your consent (minor for example), the consent of a parent or tutor is required.