Post-Operative Instructions LANAP |
Yorktown Heights, New York

For the first week after LANAP surgery, a very soft diet is recommended

Carefully avoid chewing in the areas of the mouth where the laser has been used. Eat soft but nutritious food such as:

  • Eggs
  • Pasta
  • Yogurt
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Smoothies
  • Ice cream
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Pudding

Anything that can be put in a blender is safe to eat after receiving LANAP treatment.

Stay away from gum, cookies, chops, nuts, seeds or anything  hard or crunchy (raw vegetables or salad). Avoid spicy or very hot (temperature) foods. 

Meat that shreds can lodge under the gum or between teeth.  These can all dislodge tiny clots (scabs) that form in the gums.

Reduce strenuous activity for several hours following surgery.

Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearances of tissues following laser surgery

Tissues can be gray,  yellow, red, purple, white and/or stringy.  Do not touch or dislodge any clots as these are the biological seals that aid in healing. 

Be careful not to apply excessive tongue or cheek  pressure to these areas.

Take all medications according to  Dr. Wetzler’s directions

Anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin/ Advil/Aleve/Anaprox) and antibiotics (Doxycycline/Amoxicillin) -if prescribed- should be started today.

Antimicrobial rinse (Peridex/Chlorhexidine) should be started the day after surgery.

Avoid brushing the areas of the mouth where the laser has been used for one week

Used prescribed rinse as directed to clean these areas. After a week, gently brush the teeth by placing the bristles of the brush on the teeth away from the gum line and roll the bristles toward the biting surface.

You may carefully brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Do not stick the bristles into the gums. Regular brushing can resume 2 weeks after surgery. Avoid flossing these areas for 3 weeks.

Do not be alarmed if one of the following occurs:

  • light bleeding or swelling
  • soreness, tenderness or tooth sensitivity
  • medicinal taste from the  Peridex

Some oozing of blood may occur and will appear to be greatly exaggerated when it dissolves in saliva.

Do not be alarmed if during the healing period (which may be up to a year or more) the teeth become sore, tender or sensitive as the bones and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and become more firm. 

This is a sign of healing, but also may indicate the presence of a bite imbalance which may need to be adjusted.

Some swelling may possibly occur

To keep this at a minimum, gently place an ice pack outside the face for 20 minutes each hour until you retire for sleep at night.

Do not continue to use the ice pack beyond the day of surgery. Swelling may persist for 3 days after surgery.

Please call the office if any of the following occurs:

  • Prolonged or severe pain
  • Prolonged or excessive bleeding
  • Considerable elevated or persistent temperature

Ready to schedule an appointment? We'd love to hear from you!

Call us: 914-245-1550