Melvin Matsuda, DDS, PC
Michael Matsuda, DDS
Laser Post-Op Instructions
1. Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of tissues following laser therapy.
Tissues can be gray, yellow, red, blue, purple, “stringy” & reflect normal response to laser
treatments
2. Reduce activity for several hours following the surgery.
3. DO NOT spit at any time or swish rinse in your mouth- Simply let the rinse pool in areas treated
by surgery. Doing this or anything else that creates suction, like smoking cigarettes can dislodge
blood clots that have formed around the necks of your teeth. Rinse as directed with Peridex
several times daily. In between it is OK let warm salt water (1/2 teaspoons of salt dissolved in an
8 oz. glass of warm water) pool in areas treated every three hours. Do not chew on the side of
your mouth that has been treated.
4. Do not eat spicy or excessively hot foods. ALL FOODS MUST BE SOFT (scrambled eggs, mashed
potatoes, or mac & cheese) or LIQUIDS (soup, smoothies, yogurt) if directed.
5. Try to keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help the healing process. Brush, floss &
follow other home-care measures in all the areas of your mouth except for the surgerized area.
6. Do not apply excessive tongue pressure to the surgerized area.
7. Oral Hygiene Instructions:
a. Manual brush (ultra soft brush ONLY) at 10 days post-op
b. Floss at 4 weeks post-op (DO NOT extend floss below gum-line)
c. Resume brushing as normal at 4 weeks post-op or when instructed by doctor
8. Do not be alarmed if one of the following occurs:
a. Light bleeding
b. Slight swelling
c. Some soreness, tenderness, or tooth sensitivity
d. Medicinal taste from Peridex
9. Swelling may possibly occur. To keep this at a minimum, gently place and ice pack on the
outside of the face for 20 minutes each hour until you retire for sleep that night. Do not
continue using the ice pack beyond 24 hours post-surgery.
Melvin Matsuda, DDS, PC
Michael Matsuda, DDS
10. Some oozing of blood may occur and will appear to be greatly exaggerated when it dissolves in
saliva. Determine the side of oozing and place pressure on this area. If you cannot locate the
origin of the bleeding, rinse your mouth gently (DON’T SWISH) with iced water and apply a wet
tea bag to the general area. If excessive bleeding continues, please call Dr. Mel or Dr. Michael
Matsuda .
11. There may some yellow or grayish looking tissue around the necks of the teeth. This is a
completely normal transition of the blood clot & is important to be kept in place to allow for
regeneration. DO NOT wipe this tissue away! This can cause problems with sensitivity & reduce
possible regeneration. This tissue will naturally mature or fall off at about 10-14 days post-op.
12. It is very important to maintain a good food and fluid intake. Try to eat soft but nutritious food
such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc., until you can comfortably return to
a normal diet.
13. Please take prescribed medication exactly as directed
14. Please call the office so that we may render further treatment if any of the following occurs:
a. Prolonged or severe pain
b. Prolonged or excessive bleeding
c. Considerably elevated or persistent temperature
15. Do not be alarmed that beginning with just 2 weeks after therapy & extending as long as 1 year
or more, the teeth may become sore and tender as the bone & ligaments around the teeth
regenerate & become more firm. This is a sign of healing, but also indicates the presence of a
bite imbalance that needs to be adjusted. If it feels like you bite is off, please contact our office
or alert the doctor/hygienist during your post-op appointments or cleanings.
16. “Spaces” between your teeth can result from reduction of inflammation, swelling, and the
removal of diseased tissue after the LANAP treatment. These spaces usually fill in over time, &
again, bite adjustment is critical to making sure the teeth & the “papilla” is not traumatized &
can regrow
*If you have any questions or concerns that are not answered by these instructions, please do not
hesitate to call*
Dr. Mel Matsuda: 503-640-1313 (work), 503-645-1315 (home), 503-317-6730 (cell)
Dr Michael Matsuda: 503-640-1313 (work), 503-317-4250 (cell)