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Post-Op Instructions


Extractions

Ladies smilingAfter a tooth extraction, a blood clot usually forms in the extracted tooth's socket to stop bleeding and to protect the exposed jaw bone. If the clot becomes dislodged or does not form, the site is called a dry socket, which is usually painful. If you have a dry socket, please call our office immediately. Usually, a medicated dressing will be placed on the dry socket by our doctor until the healing process can begin. Pressure should be placed on the gauze pad that has been put over the extraction site for one hour. Applying pressure for this extended period of time should stop the bleeding. If not, contact your dentist immediately. You may experience some pain, bruising and swelling; ice and medication prescribed for you will help to minimize your discomfort.

  • Avoid eating or drinking anything hot on the day of your extraction.
  • Do not rinse your mouth.
  • Do not use a straw for drinking.
  • Do not drink carbonated beverages.
  • Do not brush on the day of the surgery; you can gently resume your brushing and flossing the day after.
  • Do not vigorously exercise after the extraction.
  • Eat only soft foods for about two or three days.

Instructions for various surgical treatments will have some unique directions, which will be supplied to you at the time of your treatment. Call our office if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain or swelling, or if you have any questions or concerns.


Fillings

Several hours after your appointment, your lips and tongue may be numb because of the anesthetic used. Do not eat or drink a hot beverage until all the numbness has subsided so you do not accidentally bite your lip, tongue or cheek.

For a few days, the tooth with the filling will usually have heat, cold and pressure sensitivity. The injection sites for the anesthetic shots will also be sore. To alleviate the pain, we recommend taking ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin as directed on the bottle.

As with any procedure, if your pain or sensitivity persists, or if you have any questions, please call our office.


Crowns & Bridges

Usually it takes more than one appointment to give a patient a crown or bridge. At the first appointment, your mouth is anesthetized so our doctor can prepare and file down your teeth that need the restoration. While the permanent, custom crown or bridge is being made, our doctor will place a temporary crown or bridge in order to protect your teeth. After this first appointment, your lips and tongue will be numb because of the anesthetic used. Do not eat or drink a hot beverage until all the numbness has subsided so you do not accidentally bite your lip, tongue or cheek.

If your temporary crown falls off, please call our office immediately. Bring the temporary crown with you to the office, and we will re-place it on your tooth. To ensure the temporary crown stays on, do not eat sticky or hard foods or chew gum.

For a few days, the tooth with the temporary crown will have heat, cold and pressure sensitivity. These sensitivities should subside a few weeks after the permanent crown is placed. To alleviate the pain in the meantime, we recommend taking ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin as directed on the bottle.

As with any procedure, if your pain or sensitivity persists, or if you have any questions, please call our office.


Root Canal Treatment

After your root canal treatment it will take time to repair the irritated and inflamed tissues that support your tooth in the jawbone. Your tooth will be tender to biting for the first few weeks and you may notice a difference in biting for even a few months.

In order to reduce the inflammatory response and speed up the healing process, it is very helpful to take 600 mg. of Ibuprofen (i.e. 3 tabs of 200 mg. Advil, Motrin, or Ibuprofen) every four hours today, even if the tooth is not sore when the anesthetic wears off. Tomorrow, only take Ibuprofen if necessary. If you're unable to take Ibuprofen or NSAIDS, then substitute two tabs of Tylenol or acetaminophen. Avoid chewing on the tooth until the tenderness is gone.

Your jaw muscles will be sore from keeping your mouth open, and the anesthetic injection site may also be sore. The clamp used around your tooth to secure the rubber dam may also cause an irritation to the gum tissue for a few days. If swelling develops or pain increases, please contact our office.


Teeth Cleaning (Deep Cleaning)

You may experience some cold and heat sensitivity after a deep cleaning. Continue your regular brushing and flossing habits after cleanings. If you experience any excessive bleeding, contact us immediately. Call our office if you have any questions.


Gum Surgery

You may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding after the surgery. Apply ice to your face over the surgical site on the day of surgery for 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off. Take all medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.

  • Do not raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the treated area.
  • Do not brush teeth near the surgical site, but you can brush your other teeth.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Do not use a straw on the day of the surgery.

Should any difficulties occur, do not hesitate to call our office anytime.


Implant Surgery

Although proper oral hygiene is always recommended for maintaining good dental health, it is especially important when a patient has received a dental implant. Bacteria can attack sensitive areas in the mouth when teeth and gums are not properly cleaned, thus causing gums to swell and jaw bones to gradually recede. Recession of the jawbone will weaken implants and eventually make it necessary for the implant to be removed. Patients are advised to visit their dentists at least twice a year to ensure the health of their teeth and implants. Dental implants can last for decades when given proper care.

  • Do not raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the treated area.
  • Don't brush teeth near the surgical site, but you can brush the rest of your mouth.
  • Take all medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.

Denture Delivery

You will experience some discomfort with any new denture for a few days. All new dentures need several adjustments to completely and comfortably fit your mouth. It may be difficult to talk normally with the new dentures for a few days. One way to practice is to read a book or newspaper out loud for a period of time every day. Your tongue and muscles will get used to the new dentures and you will talk normally very soon.

Proper denture care is essential to the durability of your dentures and the overall health of your mouth.

  • Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled tooth brush. (Don't forget to brush your gums and tongue as well.)
  • While not being worn, keep your dentures in denture solution and/or water (not hot) to prevent warping.
  • Handle with care and keep out of the reach of children and pets
  • If your dentures become loose, chip, break or crack, call our office.

Call our office if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or if you have any questions.