When using bioabsorbable membranes, absorbable sutures should be used to coronally position the flap. Sutures placed midway on the vertical incisions help relieve tension on the coronal aspect of the flap during interproximal suturing. No mechanical home care should be performed in the area for 3-4 weeks postsurgery. Saline rinses may also be beneficial. After 3-4 weeks, the patient may gently cleanse the area with a cotton swab and chlorhexidine.
Antibiotics are only necessary if signs of systemic or extensive local infection are noted.
The flap sutures may be removed 2 weeks postsurgery if the tissues are stable. The nonabsorbable membranes should be retrieved according to the manufacturer's recommendation. The patient should be seen at least biweekly to assess healing. Membrane exposure occurs frequently. In the event of an exposed nonabsorbable membrane, the area should be evaluated frequently for signs of infection.