POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
It is important to follow instructions after you have dental work to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. As a rule of thumb, you should always wait before eating to let the anesthesia wear off. Trying to eat before this could result in soft tissue damage because you are not able to feel all of your mouth. The instructions found below are guidelines. After your procedure the doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions on how to properly recover from your visit.
Caring for your crown/bridge/venerr is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly.
White Fillings (Bonding)
After the anesthesia wears off your teeth may be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. Some teeth may remain sensitive for an extended period of time. This is normal. Continue your normal hygiene plan to ensure that your fillings last for a long time.
Extractions
You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call our office. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. We will prescribe you pain medication, so take it as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain.
After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day BUT NOT ON THE DAY OF THE SURGERY. This will relieve the pain and cleanse the area. Brushing and flossing should be continued right after the procedure, but you should brush gently so that you do not further irritate the area. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area you can place a cold compress on the area and take some pain relieving medicine. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes/Pasta
- Ice Cream
- Thin Soups
- ...and other food you can eat without chewing.
When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don't feel that the extraction site is healing properly call our office for a follow up.
Root Canal Therapy
You can expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few days. You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed so you do not irritate the area and also to ensure that the temporary restorative material properly sets. You may also need to take an antibiotic to treat any remaining infection in your tooth. If you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling), please call us immediately.
Crowns/Bridges/Veneers
Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge/veneer you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in. If it does happen to come off or break please call us immediately.
There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.
When the permanent crown/bridge/veneer is placed it may feel a little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should eventually feel like one of your natural teeth. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let us know.
