POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
Ensure proper healing and avoid complications by following your dentist’s instructions after you have oral surgery. As a rule, you should 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 dentist or dental assistant will give you full instructions on how to properly recover from surgery.
Expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few days. You should avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the procedure was performed so you do not irritate the area. It will also ensure that the temporary restorative material properly sets. You will also need to take an antibiotic to treat any remaining infection in your tooth. Call you dentist immediately if you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication or the loss of the temporary filling.
Before the permanent crown/bridge is placed, you will receive a temporary restoration. Be careful when cleaning or eating because the temporary crown will not be as sturdy as the permanent version. 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.
The permanent crown or bridge may feel a little awkward for a few days after it is placed. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should feel like a 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.
After the anesthesia wears off, your teeth will likely be sensitive. For a few days, you should avoid hot and cold food or drink. 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.
For several days after this procedure, your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated. You should rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2 or 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 irritate the area. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area, place a cold compress on the area and take a pain reliever. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2 to 3 days after the surgery to ensure the area heals. Contact your dentist if you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days.
Once again, the patient will receive a temporary restoration before the permanent veneer is ready. As mentioned previously, the temporary veneer is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so 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 require anesthesia so you will need to rest after the surgery, and you will also need to be driven home by a friend or family member. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed 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 solution to clean the extraction site.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days. Some recommended foods are:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Ice cream
- Thin soups
- and other food you can eat without chewing.