The following are simple post-op instructions that will minimize complications and help in the healing process. If you experience any symptoms that are not covered here or have a dental emergency, please contact the office as soon as possible.
Crowns and Bridges
To prevent injury to your soft tissue, do not eat anything for at least two hours after the procedure or until the anesthesia has worn off.
Temporary crowns and bridges: When cleaning around the temporary restoration, it is important to be careful and not loosen the restoration. When brushing, do so gently. It is important to also not chew any hard foods (candy, ice, etc.), as it will damage the restoration. Please call our office if your temporary comes off between appointments, so we can reapply.
Sensitivity: Following the procedure, you can expect some sensitivity to hot and cold liquids and foods. For the first two to three days, do not eat or drink anything that is extremely hot or cold. After the anesthesia wears off, it is normal to have discomfort in the gums. Should you have any discomfort, simply rinse the area with warm salt water. You can also take ibuprofen products, such as Advil or Motrin, or Tylenol if the discomfort persists.
Permanent Crown and Bridge: Your bite may feel a little different once your final restoration is placed. If it still feels not quite right in 2-3 days, you may need to come see us for a slight adjustment. Home Care: With your permanent crown or bridge, we want you to resume regular brushing and flossing immediately. If you have a bridge, be sure to use floss threaders and floss under the bridge. A daily oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing will help increase the longevity of the restoration.
Tooth Colored Fillings (Bonding)
To prevent injury to your soft tissue, do not eat anything until the anesthesia has worn off. Following the procedure, you can expect some sensitivity to hot and cold liquids and foods. For the first two to three days, do not eat or drink anything that is extremely hot or cold. After the anesthesia wears off, it is normal to have discomfort in the gums. Should you have any discomfort, simply rinse the area with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt per eight ounces of water). You can also take ibuprofen products, such as Advil or Motrin, or Tylenol if the discomfort persists. Please call us if the discomfort continues. It is important to resume your regular brushing and flossing immediately. A daily oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing will help increase the longevity of the restoration.
Scaling and Root Planning
After a deep cleaning procedure comprising of scaling and root planning, you should rinse your mouth 2-3 times per day with warm salt water, mixing one teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water. You can start home care immediately, but be very gentle with the treated areas. If you feel discomfort in the gum tissue where you had treatment, ibuprofen products, such as Advil or Motrin, or Tylenol may be taken to relieve this discomfort. The treated areas may be sensitive to hot and cold beverages and food, so refrain from eating any hard or chewy food for the next 48- 72 hours while healing begins. If you experience any swelling, place a cold compress on the area. Please do not smoke for two to three days following this procedure. If you have any symptoms that persist, call us.
Porcelain Veneers
To prevent injury to your soft tissue, do not eat anything until the anesthesia has worn off.
Temporary Veneers: When cleaning around the temporary restoration, it is important to be careful and not loosen the restoration. When brushing, do so gently. It is important to also not chew any hard foods (candy, ice, etc.), as it will damage the restoration. Please call our office if your temporary comes off between appointments, so it can be reapplied.
Following the procedure, you can expect some sensitivity to hot and cold liquids and foods. For the first two to three days, do not eat or drink anything that is extremely hot or cold. After the anesthesia wears off, it is normal to have discomfort in the gums. Should you have any discomfort, simply rinse the area with warm salt water. You can also take ibuprofen products, such as Advil or Motrin, or Tylenol if the discomfort persists.
Permanent Veneers: Your bite may feel a little different once your final restoration is placed. If it still feels not quite right the next day, you may need to come see us for a slight adjustment. Home Care: With your permanent veneer, we want you to resume regular brushing and flossing immediately. Be sure to clean the area between the veneer and the gum line. A daily oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing will help increase the longevity of the restoration
Extractions
Bleeding: For the first 24 hours following your procedure, you can expect some minor bleeding to occur. If heavier bleeding occurs, place a piece of gauze over the site and bite down firmly for at 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues, please give us a call.
During the first 48 hours, it is also important to not suck on the affected area or drink through a straw.
Rinsing: The day of the surgery, do not spit or rinse the surgical area. The day following your surgery, it is okay to gently rinse with warm salt water, but do not spit! After the surgery, you can brush your teeth and your tongue, but be careful around the surgical area.
Eating: The first 24-48 hours after surgery, you should have liquids and very soft food. Once the area begins to heal, you can then resume a normal diet. Please be careful of chewing on hard foods near the surgical area.
Pain and Swelling: With an extraction, it is normal to experience some swelling. If swelling occurs, you can place an ice pack over the affected area for 20-30 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours. After the first 36 hours, do not use ice to alleviate swelling. If you feel discomfort or pain, you can take ibuprofen products, such as Advil or Motrin, or Tylenol. However, please call us if the pain persists.