LASER PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE THERAPY (LANAP)

  1. Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of tissues following laser therapy. Tissues can be white, gray, tan, yellow, red, blue, purple, and “stringy”. These changes reflect normal responses to laser treatments. Do not disturb this area.
  2. No physical activity for 2 – 3 days following the surgery. This doesn’t include returning to your place of employment unless you are a marathon runner or bodybuilder.  Please avoid physical activities such as basketball, running, heavy lifting, Zumba, etc.  Please ask about your specific situation.
  3. It is OK to spit, rinse, and wash your mouth GENTLY starting tomorrow. Rinse as directed with the prescribed rinse morning and night. In between it is helpful to rinse gently every three (3) hours with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 oz. glass of warm water).
  4. Do not chew on the side of your mouth which has been treated until you are advised. Do not eat spicy or excessively hot foods.
  5. 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 NOT treated by surgery.
  6. Do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the surgery site.
  7. Do not be alarmed if one of the following occurs:
    • Light Bleeding
    • Slight Swelling
    • Some Soreness
    • Unusual taste from prescription mouthwash and possible staining of teeth.
  8. Avoid smoking for a minimum of three days (preferably two weeks) following surgery.
  9. In some circumstances, a surgical pack is placed on the area to prevent food, trauma, and/or smoke from irritating the tissues. If a piece of the pack falls out or if the entire pack loosens or falls out, do not be alarmed; but do call and let us know.
  10. Swelling may occur. To keep this at a minimum, gently place an ice pack on the outside of the face in intervals of up to 10 minutes as needed the day of the surgery.
  11. Some oozing of blood may occur and will appear to be greatly exaggerated when it dissolves in saliva. Determine the site 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.
  12. It is very important to maintain good food and fluid intake. Eat soft but nutritious foods, following LANAP diet instructions. You can return to a normal diet as soon as you are advised.
  13. DO NOT suck through a straw. Sucking will disturb the area.
  14. If medication has been prescribed, please take it exactly as directed.
  15. For up to a year or more following treatment, 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 also indicates the presence of a small bite imbalance that needs to be adjusted. Minor occlusal adjustments are an ongoing part of your care and maintenance.
  16. Please call the Drake Periodontics & Implantology office at Drake Perio Phone Number 503-385-8821, so that we may render further treatment if any of the following occurs:
  • Severe pain
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Considerably elevated or persistent temperature

Diet Instructions

  • The first three days following laser therapy, follow ONLY a liquid-like diet to allow healing. Anything that could be put into a blender to drink is ideal. The purpose of this is to protect the clot that is acting as a “band-aid” between the gum and the teeth. DO NOT drink through a straw, as this creates a vacuum in your mouth that can disturb the “band-aid.” Take daily vitamins.
  • Four to seven days after treatment, eat food with a “mushy” consistency.
  • Seven to ten days after treatment, allowable soft foods may have the consistency of pasta, fish, chicken, or steamed vegetables. You may then gradually add back your regular diet choices.
  • Please remember that even after ten days, healing is not complete. The first month following treatment, you should continue to make smart food choices. Softer foods are better.

If you have any questions or concerns please that are not answered by these instructions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Drake at our office phone number during normal office hours if you have any additional questions.  If you feel you are having a dental emergency, listen to the prompts on our office voicemail to get a call back after office hours. This includes any excessive bleeding, swelling, persistent or severe pain, fever, or reaction to the medication. IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY CALL 911.