Oral Surgery & Extractions Post-Op Instructions
Bleeding:
Apply constant firm pressure on the gauze over the surgical site. This acts as a pressure dressing to control any active bleeding. A mild oozing of blood is normal for the first few days. If bleeding is excessive, place a roll of gauze or a moistened tea bag over the surgical site and bite firmly for 45 minutes with constant pressure. Repeat if necessary. Avoid rinsing, spitting, smoking and drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours after surgery, as all of these will disturb the blood clot and reinitiate bleeding. Assume a semi-upright position, using two pillows in bed. If significant bleeding still continues, call the office for advice. Do not eat, drink, or go to sleep with gauze in your mouth.
Swelling:
Swelling and bruising are normal reactions to surgery, and vary from patient to patient and from one surgery to another. Application of ice to the surgical sites during the first 24 hours helps reduce the amount of swelling. Use the ice packs 20 minutes on/ 20 minutes off or alternate from side to side every 20 minutes. After the first 24 hours, the ice will not have much effect on swelling, but may make the surgical site feel better. Do not use ice after the second day.
Swelling usually reaches its maximum about 48 to 72 hours after surgery. It is not unusual to have difficulty opening the mouth due to post-operative swelling in the muscles. This should resolve on its own with time. Application of moist heat 4 to 6 times per day to the surgical sites beginning 72 hours after surgery increases the local blood circulation and helps to take away swelling. Do not apply heat until 3 days after surgery unless the doctor tells you otherwise. Bruising will resolve on its own, but may take up to a week or more.
Infection:
Most oral surgical procedures in healthy patients have a low risk of developing an infection. If the doctor felt that you were at increased risk of infection because of your general health or the nature of the procedure, you will be placed on antibiotic medication. It is important that you follow the directions on the label and take the medication until it is completely gone. An antibiotic oral rinse may also be prescribed. If you develop hives or a rash, discontinue all medication and contact the office immediately.
Diet:
A bland liquid diet is recommended for the day of surgery. Following this, soft food high in vitamins and protein is advised. Avoid crunchy foods, which may irritate the surgical site. You may resume your normal diet as soon you are able.
Oral Hygiene:
Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours following surgery. This will loosen the blood clot and reinitiate bleeding. The day following surgery, the mouth should be rinsed gently with warm salt water(may be mixed with 1/2 strength hydrogen peroxide) solution 5 or 6 times a day (after meals and at bedtime.) If you were given a prescription mouth rinse (such as Peridex) use it as directed in addition to the saltwater rinses. If you were given an irrigating syringe, use it to gently flush out the extraction site with warm salt water 2 to 3 times per day, starting 5 days after surgery. You may brush your teeth beginning the day after surgery, but avoid the area of surgery.
Sutures may have been used to close the surgical wound. They may be of the type that dissolve. If suture removal is necessary, this will be done at your follow-up visit.
It is now appreciated that antibiotics will inactivate most birth control pills. Sexually active women who take birth control pills should use another method of contraception for the remainder of the menstrual cycle if antibiotics are prescribed.
Root Canal Therapy Post-Op Instructions
It is best to refrain from eating for at least 2 hours or until the anesthesia has worn off to prevent possible injury to your soft tissue. This will also allow the temporary restorative material to harden.
Soreness in the area and pain upon chewing is normal during the first few days. It is best to avoid hard and chewy foods. Do not eat on the treated side of your mouth for at least 24 hours. The tenderness should decrease within a week.
If you were prescribed antibiotics, take these on their recommended schedule until gone. If pain medication was prescribed, take as needed. If you notice any of the following symptoms, please contact our office:
Increasing tenderness or swelling in the area surrounding the tooth
A reaction to the medication
Loss of the temporary filling material
Tooth fracture
Crowns & Bridges Post-Op Instructions
It is best to refrain from eating for at least 2 hours or until the anesthesia has worn off to prevent possibly injury to your soft tissue.
Temporary crown: Temporary restorations create an obstacle for cleaning, and great care must be taken when brushing and flossing. When brushing, concentrate on the area where the temporary restoration meets the tooth (around the gum line). When flossing, pop the floss down, gently clean around each tooth, then pull the floss out. Do not pull the floss up because the temporary restoration may come with it. Stay away from hard and sticky foods. Optimal oral hygiene is paramount during this stage. Healthy gums equal easier cementation at your next visit.
If your temporary comes off between appointments, please call our office so that we can reapply it for you.
Sensitivity:
Sensitivity to hot and cold is to be expected following treatment, and it is usually best to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first few days. Discomfort in the gums around the tooth is normal, and a warm salt water rinse is generally helpful. Over-the-counter pain medication may be taken as needed.
Permanent Crown/Bridge:
When the 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.
Home Care:
Brushing and flossing are always important, but extremely important when crowns and bridges are placed. Impeccable oral hygiene will enable your restoration to last for many many years. Ask about our proxy brushes!
Tooth Colored Fillings Post-Op Instructions
It is best to refrain from eating for at least 2 hours or until the anesthesia has worn off to prevent possibly injury to your soft tissue.
Sensitivity:
Sensitivity to hot and cold is very rare buy may occur. You may also feel discomfort in the gums around the tooth, and a warm salt water rinse is generally helpful. Over-the-counter pain medication may be taken as needed.
Home Care:
Brushing and flossing are always important, but extremely important when fillings approximate the gum line. Impeccable oral hygiene will enable your restoration to last for many many years. Ask about our proxy brushes!
Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) Post-Op Instructions
Tenderness is normal after a scaling or root planing procedure (deep cleaning). To reduce tenderness and promote healing, it is best to rinse your mouth 2-3 times per day with warm salt water. One teaspoon salt / 8 oz. water.
Avoid brushing or flossing the treated area for 12 hours. After 12 hours, it is very important that you continue your daily home care. Soft bristle toothbrushes are recommended. You may moisten the brush with warm water if tissues are tender.
Over-the-counter pain medication may be taken as needed.
Highly nutritious foods are necessary for timely healing. Avoid foods that are sticky, crunchy, or require excessive chewing.
Tooth sensitivity is normal and temporary. A desensitizing toothpaste may help.
Lastly, please contact our office should you experience prolonged bleeding or any other problems during the healing process.
Porcelain Veneers Post-Op Instructions
It is best to refrain from eating for at least 2 hours or until the anesthesia has worn off to prevent possibly injury to your soft tissue.
Temporary:
Please be careful when cleaning around the temporary restorations. Do not pull up on the temporary when flossing the area. Make sure to brush this area gently and avoid hard foods.
If your temporary comes off between appointments, please call our office so that we can reapply it for you.
Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot and cold is to be expected following treatment. For the first few days, try to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages. It is normal to have discomfort in the gums around the tooth after the anesthesia wears off. If you feel discomfort in the gum tissue, rinse the area with warm salt water. Over-the-counter pain medication may be taken as needed.
Permanent Veneers:
When the 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.
Home Care:
Brushing and flossing are always important, but extremely important around veneers. Impeccable oral hygiene will enable your restoration to last for many many years.