What you can expect as a result of your gum or implant surgery It is essential that you follow these instructions for at least a week following surgery to ensure maximum prognosis of healing. *Take Motrin every 4-6 hours as prescribed for the first 48 hours whether or not it is needed for pain. *Gently place an ice pack on the outside of the face for at least 10 minutes out of every hour for 24 hours. *Take the antibiotic as directed until complete. We prescribe Amoxicillin 500mg, take two tabs one hour prior to appointment and then starting the day after surgery, take one tab three times a day until complete. If allergic to Amoxicillin, we prescribe Zithromax 250mg(1 Zpack), take two tabs one hour prior to appointment, then starting the day after the surgery, take one tab daily until complete. *In conjunction with using the prescribed Periogard twice daily starting the day after surgery, it is also helpful to rinse the area three times a day with warm salt water (1 tsp. salt to an 8oz. glass of warm water) for three days following the surgery to keep it clean. PLEASE... DO NOT chew on the side of the mouth that has had surgery. DO NOT smoke for 48 hours after surgery. DO NOT brush the area on which the work was performed. DO NOT eat spicy or excessivley hot food. DO NOT eat hard, crunchy, or seeded foods to prevent debris from entering surgical site. DO NOT be alarmed if any of the following occur: ***Slight bleeding ***Slight to moderate swelling ***Slight to moderate discomfort ***A medicinal taste DO NOT be alarmed if the pink periodontal packing falls out whether it is the same day as the surgery or a few days after. Feel free to contact our office with any further questions or concerns and remember to continue your home care procedures for the rest of your mouth, but avoid contact with the surgical site.