Post-Op Instructions
After a Tooth Extraction
After an extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why your dentist will ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after an extraction. If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the gauze pad, place another gauze pad on the area and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it’s important to protect it, especially for the next 24 hours. It’s important to not:
- smoke
- suck through a straw
- rinse your mouth vigorously
- clean the teeth next to the extraction site
These activities could dislodge the clot and slow down healing.
Limit yourself to calm activities for the first 24 hours. This keeps your blood pressure lower, reduces bleeding, and helps the healing process.
After the tooth is extracted, you may feel some pain and have some swelling. You can use an ice bag (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to keep this to a minimum. The swelling usually starts to go down after 48 hours.
To control discomfort, take pain medication as recommended. Don’t take medication on an empty stomach or nausea may result. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone. Also:
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Eat only soft, nutritious foods on the day of the extraction.
- Don’t use alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid hot and spicy foods.
You can begin eating normally the next day, or if not by then, as soon as it’s comfortable. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water three times a day (put a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and then gently rinse, swish, and spit). Also, rinse gently after meals. This helps keep food out of the extraction site.
It’s very important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your breath and mouth fresh. Call your dental office right away if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after two or three days, or a reaction to the medication. After a few days, you’ll be feeling fine and can resume your normal activities.
After a Root Canal
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
After a Crown or Bridge Cementation
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!
After Scaling and Root Planing ( Deep Cleaning )
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.
After a Filling
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.
Filling is High : After the anesthesia has worn off, if you feel that your bite is “off ” or that your filling is high, please call our office immediately so it can be adjusted.
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!
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