Post-Op Instructions
It is important to follow instructions after you have oral surgery to ensure
proper healing and to avoid complications. As a rule of thumb, you should
always wait two hours after surgery 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 surgery the doctor or dental assistant will give you
full instructions on how to properly recover from surgery.
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 will 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) call your dentist
immediately.
Crowns and Bridges
Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge 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.
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 or bridge is placed it may feel a little awkward
for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should
feel like one of your natural tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels
abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. Caring for your
bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and
floss regularly.
White Fillings (Bonding)
After the anesthesia wears off your teeth will likely be sensitive. You
should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. After that
initial period, your treated teeth will feel as good as new. Continue your
normal hygiene plan to ensure that your fillings last for a long time.
Scaling and Root Planing
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. 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. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days
contact your dentist.
Veneers
Before you receive your permanent 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.
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 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 feel like one of your
natural tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way,
you should let your dentist know. When brushing and flossing you should pay
close attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum
line.
Extractions
After the surgery you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a
friend or family member because of the anesthesia. 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 your dentist. 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. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore
take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist
might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction
site.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some
recommended foods are:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- 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 your dentist for a follow
up.