Post Operative Care

More Information General Checkups Teeth Cleaning Gum Disease Post Operative Care A Word From Our Patients

This section is intended for use by our patients only. Special circumstances may at times require specific instructions. Therefore, it is recommended that patients only adhere to specific instructions given to them by their own dental care provider.

Following Oral Surgery

Post operative care is important following oral surgery and recovery can be delayed if this is neglected. The following information should help to alleviate any concerns you might have and will give you insight in what you may expect as you recover.

The Day of Surgery

BLEEDING

• Some "oozing" of blood and discolored saliva is normal and expected.
• Bite on the gauze pack with firm and consistent pressure until the bleeding stops.
• Do not chew on the gauze or replace the gauze more than one time per hour.
• Keep your head elevated and rest quietly
• If bleeding persists, repeat the above procedures for up to twelve hours.
• If the bleeding continues for more than twelve hours and is excessive, use a tea bag (dry or moist) in place of gauze and bit with pressure for one-hour intervals.

SWELLING

• Swelling is normal. Apply an ice bag to the swollen area for 30 minutes then remove. Repeat for 24 to 48 hours as needed.
• After the first 48 hours, apply heat instead of cold for swelling.

PAIN

• Take the medicine you were prescribed as directed. If you were not given any medication you may take Tylenol or ibuprofen as needed.

DIET

• You should drink plenty of fluids following surgery. Dehydration will increase the amount of prostoperative pain.
• Aviod eating solid foods until after the bleeding has stopped. Once the bleeding has stopped you may eat a normal diet, while avoiding salty or spicy foods.

You MUST NOT SMOKE for a minimum of two days after your surgery. Healing will be faster and less painful if you DO NOT SMOKE. Avoid drinking through a straw or spitting. The use of mouthwash and strenuous exercise should be avoided. Such habits will increase the chance of a "dry socket." This condition can occur following extractions. It is most often characterized as an intense dull ache often felt in the ear. It is normal to have mild discomfort following surgery, but if the pain worsens after 48 hours please call our office.

From the Second Day Until Healing is Complete...

• Brush carefully but thoroughly after meals
• A soft diet is recommended.
• Drink plenty of water
• Continue pain medication as needed.
• If you were given an antibiotic, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you finish the prescription. Do not stop taking the antibiotic until directed to by your doctor or until the bottle is empty.
• If you have stitches, it may be necessary to return for removal. If you are unsure, please call our office.

Following Root Canal

It is normal to experience soreness for several days following endodontic treatment. This may be due to the previous condition of your tooth, or as a result of the dental treatment.

To Aid in Healing

• Take all medicines prescribed by your dentists unless otherwise instructed. Take pain medication as directed for pain. Do not stop taking a prescribed antibiotic until the course of antibiotics is over, even if all visible signs of infection are gone.
• Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon in a large glass of warm water) may be helpful and can help speed healing.
• Avoid chewing on the tooth for several days.
• If there is continued swelling or pain please call the office.
• If temporary filling material was placed to seal the tooth, the next step is a permanent filling. If the temporary material should come out please contact the office.
• If a permanent filling material was placed, the next step is to protect the tooth from fracture. This is accomplished with a crown.
• Be sure to brush and floss as you would normally.

Following Crowns & Bridges

Post Operative Care: Crowns and Bridges

• Crowns and bridges are usually completed in two appointments. After your tooth is prepared, a temporary crown is placed on the tooth for protection. In rare instances the temporary may come off prior to the final cementation appointment. Call our office if your temporary becomes loose or is lost.
• After each of the two appointments you may experience some soreness around the gum line. Rinse with warm salt water to speed healing.
• You may have slight hot, cold or pressure sensitivity. This is common and normal.
• Your bite may feel slightly different, and if after several days your bite continues to feel uneven or high call our office for an adjustment appointment.
• Temporarily avoid eating sticky foods, chewing gum or ice. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
• Be sure to brush and floss your new tooth as you would any of your teeth. With a bridge, you may need a special floss threader or other aids to reach and clean all areas properly.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office.

Following Fillings

Post Operative Care: Fillings

• Do not bite hard or chew on new silver fillings for 24 hours. White fillings set quickly so chewing is permissible right away.
• The gum tissue close to the restoration or at the anesthesia site may be tender for several days. A warm salt water rinse will relieve discomfort and aid healing.
• While numb avoid biting or chewing your tongue, or the inside of your cheeks or lips.
• Immediately after restoration, you may experience some slight sensitivity to hot or cold, this is normal, but should disappear in a few days.
• If your bite feels higher than normal or is bite sensitive, contact our office for a follow-up adjustment appointment.

Following New Dentures

By utilizing the very best known materials and techniques available we have fabricated a superior denture for you. Our job however is not complete. It is going to take great effort and lots of patience from you to accomplish our goal. We will do everything possible to adjust your dentures and achiever optimal esthetics and comfort.

Remember that your front teeth are only for looks and not for biting. It may take several adjustments and possible many days or even months to learn to chew and get used to your new teeth. We find that some patients require very few adjustments after receiving their dentures, however most patients require a series of adjustments. It is crucial that after receiving your dentures you wear them long enough to produce soreness. This is necessary for us to properly adjust them. Not wearing your dentures simply prolongs the process.

When you experience discomfort, remember to use a saline solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm, but not hot water) to rinse with. Hold the solution in your mouth for several minutes before spitting.

Eating will also be more difficult initially so a soft diet is recommended until you feel more comfortable. Remember to avoid crunchy, tough foods and to cut your food into smaller pieces. You may be desensitized to temperature. So, remember to avoid very hot foods until you are better able to judge temperature.

Your old dentures will probably feel more comfortable to you at first, but please be patient and remember your mouth needs time to adjust to your new dentures.

When you need an adjustment, remember to call to schedule an appointment so that we will be available to see you.

After the initial adjustment period it is important to leave your dentures out at night while sleeping, allowing your oral tissues to rest. Remember to brush your gums and tongue and to brush and soak your denture with a denture cleanser.