Post Surgical Care

We have included some general post operative instructions for some of the most common procedures in our office. If you are having symptoms that are not listed here or feel you are having a dental emergency, please contact our office directly.

Crowns and Bridges

It is best to refrain from eating at least 2 hours before treatment and until the anesthesia has worn off to prevent possible injury to your soft tissue.

Temporary Restoration: Be careful when cleaning on or around the temporary restoration. Do not pull up on the temporary when flossing this area. Make sure to brush this area gently. Do not to chew any hard foods on the restoration. If your temporary comes out before your next appointments, call our office so that we can reapply it for you.

Permanent Crown / Bridge: When your final restoration is placed, your bite may feel somewhat different. This is just your body adjusting to the new material. If after a few days it still feels off, please call the office for a slight adjustment.

Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot and cold is to expected following treatment. For the first few days, try to avoid overly hot or cold foods and beverages. It is normal to have soreness in the gums around the tooth after the anesthesia wears off. If you feel soreness in the gum tissue, rinse the area with warm salt water. You may also take an Advil or Tylenol if the discomfort persists.

At Home Care: Resume regular brushing and flossing as soon as possible. This is very important. A consistent daily routine will increase the longevity of the restoration.

Scaling and Root Planning

After your scaling or root planning, please rinse your mouth 2-3 times per day with warm salt water. Make the salt water solution with one teaspoon salt in one 8 oz. glass of water. You should start immediately. Be gentle with the treated areas.
If you feel soreness in the gum tissue where you had treatment, an Advil or Tylenol may be taken to relieve this feeling. The treated areas will probably be sensitive to hot and cold.

It is best to refrain from eating any hard or chewy foods for the next 48-72 hours while the treated area begins to heal.
You may also experience some swelling or jaw stiffness. If this occurs, place a cold compress on the swollen area. If you have stiffness a hot compress can be placed on the area
.
Smoking must be terminated for 48-72 hours following the procedure. Please contact the office if the pain or swelling persists.

White Fillings (Bonding)

It is best to refrain from eating for at least 2 hours and until the anesthesia has worn off to prevent possible injury to your soft tissue.

Home Care: Resume regular brushing and flossing immediately. Thoroughly clean the area between the veneer and the tooth at or near the gumline. Daily home care will increase the longevity of the restoration.

Porcelain Veneers (Laminates)

It is best to refrain from eating for at least 2 hours and until the anesthesia has worn off to prevent possible injury to your soft tissue.

Temporary: Please be careful when cleaning around the temporary restorations. Do not pull up the temporary when flossing. Make sure to brush area gently. Do not chew any hard foods on the restoration. If your temporary comes off before your next appointments, please call our office so that we may reapply it for you.

Permanent Veneers: When your final restoration is placed, your bite may feel a little different. This is just your mouth adjusting to the new addition. If it still feels off in a few days, please call the office for a slight adjustment.

Extractions

Bleeding: It is normal for minor bleeding to occur for the first 24 hours following surgery.

If slightly heavier bleeding occurs:

Place a piece of gauze over the area.
Bite firmly on the gauze for at least 30 minutes. DO NOT chew on it.
If the bleeding continues, call the office.
Do not suck on area where surgery occurred
Do not drink through a straw during the first 48 hours.

Rinsing your mouth: Don't spit or rinse the surgical area the day of the surgery. The day following surgery you may rinse gently with warm salt water, and brush your teeth and your tongue. Be careful of the surgical site.

Eating: It's important to start with liquids and very soft foods for the first 24-48 hours following the surgery. As the area starts to feel a little better, you can move on to a more normal diet. Be careful not to chew hard foods near the surgical area for a few days.

Root Canal Treatment

It is best to refrain from eating at least 2 hours before treatment and until the anesthesia has worn off to prevent possible injury to your soft tissue. This will allow the temporary material to harden. It is very likely that you will feel soreness as well as pressure when you bite down. Therefore, you should avoid hard and chewy foods. Do not eat on the treated side of your mouth for at least 24 hours. The soreness in yoru mouth should decrease within a week.

Take antibiotic medication prescribed by the doctor, this will eliminate any remaining infection in the tooth.

If you notice any of the following symptoms please contact our office:

Increasing soreness or swelling in the area surrounding the area
Any reaction to the medication
Loss or displacement of the temporary filling material
Tooth fracture

Pain & Swelling: It is normal to experience some degree of swelling.
If you do experience swelling, you can place ice over your face for 20-30 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours. This should help to reduce pain and swelling. Do not ice after the first 36 hours.
If you feel discomfort, it is recommended that you take an Advil or Tylenol to ease the pain. If the pain persists, please contact the office.