Post Surgery Instructions

Here are some general tips for post dental-surgery recovery:

Any gauze packs in mouth should be removed 30 minutes after patient is settled at home.
Patient should have frequent intake of cold liquids and/or soft foods. Patient should avoid vigorous rinsing of mouth for first 24 hours to prevent loss of blood clots in extraction sockets.
Cold packs should be applied to face in extraction areas for 20 minutes at a time several times in first 12 hours post-op to prevent swelling.
Patient should take medications as prescribed, but not on an empty stomach.
If sutures were placed, patient will need to return at appointed time for suture removal.
Patient should not smoke or use tobacco products for 24 hours.
Patient should not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
Continue normal tooth brushing with care around surgical areas.

After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires some post-operative care to reduce the chance of infection or other complications. A gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site, which should not be removed for at least 45 minutes. Refrain from drinking from a straw or rinsing the mouth to ensure that you do not dislodge the blood clot. Limit your activities that day and resume regular activities the following day. Take pain medication as prescribed to reduce discomfort after the local anesthetic wears off.

Sedation Patients: A responsible adult should stay with the patient for at least 8 hours post-operatively, and make sure the patient is comfortable, breathing normally, and not having excessive bleeding.

After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, it is recommended that you take it easy for 48-72 hours. Resting assists the healing process and limits after surgery bleeding. Drink plenty of fluids, but nothing too cold. You may need to apply an ice pack to your face in twenty-minute intervals for the 2 days following surgery. If you received upper implants, do not blow your nose for two weeks. It is common to experience slight bleeding for about two days after surgery. An increase in temperature of about 1 to 2 degrees is to be expected and is not a cause for concern.

After Impacted Tooth Surgery

A tooth becomes impacted when there is not enough room to accommodate the space in the dental arch and growth becomes impossible. After surgery to remove an impacted tooth, mild discomfort and some swelling is expected. You may use cold compresses to alleviate the swelling. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication, which should be taken as directed. Patients are also advised to favor the extraction area and modify their diet for a few days to allow for healing.

After Multiple Tooth Extractions

Extracting multiple teeth requires that the jawbone be shaped and removed to prepare for a denture. Within two days, you will experience the maximum swelling both inside the mouth and possibly around the eye. The area around your eye may also become discolored, which may be alleviated by a warm compress. The muscles near the extraction site may become sore after surgery, causing a sore throat. In most cases, you will have a follow up appointment with your dentist within 48 hours after surgery.

It is very important to follow instructions after you have oral surgery to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. As a rule of thumb, you should always wait two hours after surgery before eating to let the anesthesia wear off.

Root Canal Therapy

You can expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few days. You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed so you do not irritate the area and also to ensure that the temporary restorative material properly sets. You will also need to take an antibiotic to treat any remaining infection in your tooth. If you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration, call your dentist immediately.

Crowns and Bridges

Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should 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. 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 permanent crown or bridge 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 teeth 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.

White Fillings (Bonding)

After the anesthesia wears off your teeth will likely be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. 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.

Scaling and Root Planing

After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 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 further irritate the area. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area you can place a cold compress on the area and take some pain relieving medicine. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly.

Veneers

Before you receive your permanent veneer you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should 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. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in.

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 teeth 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.