Dr. Karapetian and all of the staff are great at what they do. I have been a client for many years.
Proper aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself. Below you’ll find recovery instructions for the treatments we perform, from gum surgery to dental implant placement. If you have any questions during your recovery, call us at (571) 569-7540.
Hello, and welcome to Washington Periodontics. I’m Dr. Karapetian, and today I want to share some important post-operative care tips to help you recover smoothly and comfortably after your procedure.
Whether you’re a resident of Burke, Virginia, or the surrounding areas, these guidelines are designed to ensure your healing process is as seamless as possible.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to let the anesthetic wear off before you eat or drink anything hot. This helps prevent accidental burns or bites while your mouth is still numb.
For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing, spitting, drinking through a straw, or smoking. These actions can disrupt the healing process and should be avoided to ensure optimal recovery. Additionally, steer clear of alcohol during this time.
When it comes to your diet, opt for softer foods and avoid anything crunchy, crusty, hard, or spicy. Foods with seeds should also be avoided. If your treatment was on one side of your mouth, try to chew on the opposite side. For procedures involving the front teeth, it’s best to cut your food into smaller pieces and chew with your back teeth.
It’s also important to avoid touching or pulling on your lips to inspect the surgical area. This can cause unnecessary tension and potentially damage the site. Trust the healing process and give your body the time it needs to recover.
Make sure to complete your course of antibiotics and take any prescribed pain medication as directed. It’s best to start your medication on the morning of your procedure, ideally on a full stomach, unless I’ve advised otherwise.
To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face. Use it for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, continuing this routine for about 24 to 36 hours.
Starting the day after your procedure, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water two or three times a day. Additionally, begin swabbing the surgical area gently with Chlorhexidine Gluconate, the blue solution, two to three times daily. Remember, do not rinse with the Chlorhexidine.
You should continue brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally would, but be sure to avoid the surgical area until further instructions are given.
If you experience any bleeding, do not spit. Instead, wet a tea bag and place it gently on the surgical area with light pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. This can help control the bleeding. If you have any concerns, please call me immediately.
These instructions are designed to help you heal comfortably and effectively. If you have any questions or face an emergency, my cell phone number is on the bottom of the post-operative directions provided to you in the goodie bag.
Thank you for choosing Washington Periodontics. We’re here to support you on your journey to better oral health. Take care and heal well.
Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue in some instances.
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a moist tea bag for 15 minutes (repeat this three times). If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.
Find us at 9004 Crownwood Ct Ste A, Burke, VA 22015, USA or by searching “Washington Periodontics” in your favorite map app. We’re just off Braddock Rd. If you have any questions about how to reach us or where we are located, give us a call at (571) 569-7540.
We are a periodontal and implant dentistry specialist clinic in Burke. Our services include gum disease maintenance, gum grafting, bone grafting, dental implant placement, crown lengthening, and implant maintenance. Learn more about what we offer on our Services page.
We do accept dental insurance at our office, but coverage depends on your specific plan’s details. Our team does all we can to help you understand and make the most of your benefits. Additionally, we are also happy to discuss how health savings accounts and financing can help keep your care expenses within your monthly budget.
We are happy to take referrals from general dentists, but you can also schedule a consultation on your own accord. Booking a visit is simple; just call our New Patient number at (571) 569-7540 during our business hours. You can alternatively use our online booking portal to schedule your appointment through our website.
Gum disease is not always noticeable in its earliest stages, but you may notice swelling, bleeding, redness, and tenderness. If your gums exhibit changes in color or feel, book an appointment for a gum exam right away by calling (571) 569-7540.
Gum disease is not always noticeable in its earliest stages, but you may notice swelling, bleeding, redness, and tenderness. If your gums exhibit changes in color or feel, book an appointment for a gum exam right away by calling (571) 569-7540.
Begin your journey to better oral health at Washington Periodontics. Our periodontic specialist clinic is located at 9004 Crownwood Ct Ste A, Burke, VA 22015 and is open Monday 9:00 am- 3:00 pm and Tuesday through Thursday from 7:00 am- 4:00 pm.
If your gums require intervention or you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with our team today by calling (571) 569-7540 or booking an appointment online.
The best way to preview the quality of care we offer at Washington Periodontics is to listen to what real patients have to say. Check out their reviews below!
Dr. Karapetian and all of the staff are great at what they do. I have been a client for many years.
Marilyn Lund
Personal attention,makes you feel at ease, and professional and helpful staff.
karen fink
Superb service as always, very professional !
Ron Mahaffey
Everything went well. You all are great. It is always nice to visit.
Richard D. Hamly
Great Visit at Washington Periodontics! Complete, professional, friendly, efficient, and painless!
Robert Leininger
We love Dr K and her staff!
Cyndi N
Our patients’ results speak for themselves. Read what they have to say about their experience with Dr. Karapetian and the Washington Periodontics team.
Dr. Karapetian works alongside your practice to provide periodontal and implant care, then returns your patient to you for their ongoing hygiene and restorative needs — with clear communication at every step.
We work as an extension of your team — treating the periodontal and surgical side so you can stay focused on your patient's overall care.
Routine referrals within 5 business days. Urgent or infected cases seen same or next day. (pending Dr. Karapetian confirmation)
Consult letter, post-op note, healing update, and restorative-ready notice — sent automatically. (pending confirmation this is a live process)
Tell us your restorative plan and we'll place to it. Call our direct line to discuss a case first.
