Post Operative Instructions
Crowns and Bridges
To prevent cheek and tongue trauma from accidental biting, avoid eating until the local anesthesia has subsided.
Temporary crowns and bridges
A temporary restoration is placed on the prepared tooth while the dental lab prepares the permanent crown or bridge. It protects the tooth from plaque and bacteria, and prevents it from shifting.
Cleaning a temporary is very similar to cleaning a natural tooth. Brush it as if it were a regular tooth, but when flossing, pull the floss forwards through the contact instead of up and out.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is very common for a short period after a crown or bridge is placed.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Any over-the-counter analgesic such as Tylenol or Advil should help eliminate the discomfort
Final Crown or Bridge
It may take a few days to adjust to the feel of the new crown or bridge. Your bite should feel balanced and completely normal. If it feels off balance, schedule a dental visit for a bite adjustment.
Home Care
Even though your tooth is now protected by a crown or bridge, it is still susceptible to tooth decay. Proper brushing and flossing is necessary for a healthy restoration life. Your dentist will instruct you on how to brush and floss this new restoration.
Extractions
Avoiding eating until the local anesthetic has worn off.
- Healing – The initial swelling will only last for the first 48 hours, but complete healing will take one to two weeks.
- General Discomfort – This is very normal for the first 48 hours.
- Medication – Follow your dentist’s instructions for all prescribed medications
- Swelling – Apply ice packs to the swollen area 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
- Eating and Drinking – Eat soft foods for the first 48 hours and avoiding drinking out of a straw
- Smoking and Alcohol – Avoid smoking and drinking for the duration of the healing process.
- Rinsing – Rinse your mouth out with warm salt water 24 hours after the surgery
- Elevation – Keep your head elevated during sleep
Dentures
The following suggestions will help you to adjust to your new set of dentures. If you had any teeth removed recently, please follow the extraction instructions.
Breaking In Period
Most dentures require a breaking in period before they are comfortable to wear and use. This period varies in length and depends on the individual’s perseverance and determination.
What to expect
It is normal to feel awkward and uncoordinated when first wearing your dentures. Activities such as speaking and eating may be more difficult, but time and patience will give you added confidence and ease of use.
Looseness
If your dentures feel loose, your dentist may put a temporary liner inside for added stability. Denture adhesives may also help. When your gums have become accustomed to the denture, your dentist will put a permanent liner inside them.
Sore spots
Sore spots on your gums or palate are normal if this is your very first pair of dentures. If they persist, schedule a dental appointment to have the denture adjusted.
Eating
Begin on a diet of soft foods. Take small bites and cut food into small pieces. Then slowly add hard foods and soon you will be able to bite into apples and chew larger pieces of steak. Have patience, because the process can be slow and quite challenging.
Speaking
Learning to speak properly with your denture requires perseverance. To improve your enunciation, you could read a book out loud. Careful practice and repetition are the most effective ways to hasten this speaking process.
Mouth and Denture Hygiene
It is very important to clean your denture, because bacteria and plaque build up can cause infection under it. Take it out after eating, brush it thoroughly with a denture brush, and soak it in a denture solution or antibacterial mouth wash. Moisten a wash cloth and wipe your cheeks, gums, and tongue thoroughly. Your denture should be removed for at least two hours per day to give the gums time to breathe and rest.
Be sure to schedule dental visits twice a year to allow your dentist to check the fit and position of your denture. Careful maintenance of it will ensure a long lasting fit.
Fillings
Avoiding eating until the anesthetic has worn off, which will usually take about two hours.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity in the teeth to hot or cold is normal directly after a filling has been placed, and the gums may be sore too. Avoid food and drink that may increase sensitivity.
To help relieve this discomfort swish with warm salt water. If this doesn’t help, any over-the-counter painkiller, such as Advil or Tylenol, should do the trick.
The New Filling
It may take a few days to become accustomed to the shape of the filling. If it feels rough or your bite feels off balance, please call and schedule a simple adjustment appointment.
Home Care
Although your tooth has been restored from decay and is protected with a composite resin, it is still susceptible to decay. It is important to practice proper brushing and flossing to future prevent decay.
Gum Surgery
Avoiding eating until the anesthetic has worn off, which will usually take about two hours.
Diet
For the next two or three days eat only soft foods, or foods requiring minimal chewing. Avoid carbonated liquids, alcohol, and sharp foods that may do damage to the area. Remember to drink lots of water and eat healthy foods. This will help expedite healing.
Medications
You may experience slight discomfort as the anesthesia starts to subside, so follow the recommendation of your dentist for any prescribed medication. Any over-the-counter analgesic such as Ibuprofen or Advil will help reduce your discomfort.
Bleeding Control
You may notice slight bleeding for the first 24 hours, and this is normal. Avoid spitting or rinsing your mouth, as this may prolong the bleeding. If it persists, bite on a folded piece of gauze and keep a steady pressure until it eases off.
Swelling
Slight swelling is common in the healing process. To assist in swelling control, place ice bags on the site for 15 minute intervals.
Oral Hygiene
To avoid infection and expedite healing, it is vitally important to keep your mouth as clean as possible after surgery. Brush lightly in the affected area and avoid flossing until the next day. Flossing should be done very gently. Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol and any high force or high power irrigation devices.
No Smoking
Avoid smoking throughout the healing process.
porcelain Veneers
Avoiding eating until the anesthetic has worn off, which will usually take about two hours.
Temporary veneers
A temporary veneer, secured with temporary cement, is placed on the tooth until the permanent one returns from the dental lab. It protects the exposed tooth from bacteria, and prevents tooth movement. Avoid chewing sticky or hard foods, as this may cause the temporary veneer to fall off. Brush as usual, but floss very gently. When flossing pull the floss forward through the space instead of up and out.
If your temporary falls off
If your temporary falls off, place a small amount of Vaseline or denture adhesive on the inside and slip it back on. Make sure to call the office and schedule an appointment so we can recement it for you.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity in the teeth to hot or cold is normal directly after a filling has been placed, and the gums may be sore too. Avoid food and drink that may increase sensitivity.
To help relieve this discomfort swish with warm salt water. If this doesn’t help, any over-the-counter painkiller, such as Advil or Tylenol, should do the trick.
Your New Smile
It may take a few days to get used to the look and feel of the new veneers. Your bite may feel different as well. If it feels off balance, be sure to call and schedule a simple bite adjustment.
Home Care
Remember that your teeth beneath the dental veneers are still susceptible to decay. Proper brushing and flossing are imperative for the longevity of dental veneers. In brushing, pay special attention to the gumline where the tooth and veneers meet.
Root Canal
To prevent any cheek or lip biting, voiding eating until the anesthetic has worn off, usually two hours. This will allow the temporary filling to harden and set properly.
Expect slight discomfort or soreness in chewing for the next 7-10 days. Please avoid foods that require excessive chewing.
Be sure to follow any instructions that your dentist has given you in regard to antibiotics or pain medication.
Scaling and Root Planing
Avoiding eating until the anesthetic has worn off, which will usually take about two hours.
Things to Avoid for the first 24 hours
- Exercise – avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
- Straws – do not drink fluids through a straw
- Smoking – refrain for at least 48 hours
- Alcohol – avoid for the duration of the healing process
- Mouthwashes – avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol
- Spicy Foods – avoid for the duration of the healing process
Things to Do
- Pain Medication – if you experience pain or discomfort, please take an Advil, Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
- Eat Soft Foods – try to avoid chewing on the sore side. Avoid hard crunchy food, and stick to a soft diet.
- Rinse with Warm Salt Water – rinse with a warm solution of salt water three times per day.
- Signs of Healing – several days will pass before you notice the gum swelling subsides and the gums return to healthy shade of pink.
Brush your teeth very lightly in the treated area the first night. Then begin flossing lightly the next day.
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