Post-Op Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS AFTER  TOOTH  EXTRACTION

  • BLEEDING: AFTER AN EXTRACTION, A PIECE OF GAUZE IS PLACED OVER THE EXTRACTION SITE TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE BLEEDING AND TO PROMOTE THE HEALING OF THE CLOT KEEP  PRESSURE ON IT FOR 30-45 MINTUES AND REPLACE IF BLEEDING CONTITUNES. SLIGHT BLEEDING  MAY OCCUR FOR UP TO 2 DAYS. AVOID ACTIVITY THAT COULD APPLY SUCTION TO THE BLOOD CLOT SUCH AS SMOKING OR SUCKING  FROM A STRAW.  
  • RINSING: DO NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH TODAY. TOMORROW YOU CAN RINSE GENTLY WITH A GLASS OF WARM WATER  MIXED WITH 1\2 TSP OF SALT. YOU CAN DO THIS EVERY 3-4 HOURS A DAY ESPECIALLY AFTER MEALS.  
  • SWELLING: FOLLOWING AN EXTRACTION, SOME SWELLING AND SKIN BRUSING MAY OCCUR. A COLD MOIST CLOTH OR AN ICE BAG APPLIED TO THE CHEEK WILL KEEP IT AT A MINIMUM. PLACE ON AFFECTED AREA FOR ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES EVERY HOUR FOR THE NEXT 6 HOURS.  
  • MEDICATIONS: IF NON-ASPRIN MEDICATION. DOES NOT RELIEVE THE DISCOMFORT YOU MAY EXPERIENCE,A STRONGER MEDICATION MAY BE PERSCRIBED. BE SURE TO USE THE MEDICATION AS DIRECTED.  
  • FOOD: A LIGHT DIET WITH PLENTY OF FLUIDS IS RECOMMENDED FOR TODAY. AVOID CARBONATED OR HOT BEVERAGES. CHEWING SHOULD BE DONE AWAY FROM THE EXTRACTION SITE.  
  • ORAL HYGIENE: CONTITUNE BRUSHING AND FLOSSING BEING EXTRA GENTLE NEAR THE EXTRACTION SITE.  
  • SHOULD YOU HAVEANY FURTHER QUESTIONS,  PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AT (954) 524-6595.

It is 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. 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 doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions on how to properly recover from surgery. 

INSTRUCTIONS AFTER  ROOT CANAL

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 (filling) call your dentist immediately. 

INSTRUCTIONS AFTER  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. 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 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 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. 

INSTRUCTIONS AFTER  WHITE FILLINGS (BONDINGS)

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. 

INSTRUCTIONS AFTER  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. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days contact your dentist. 

INSTRUCTIONS AFTER  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. 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.


INSTRUCTIONS AFTER WHITENING 

Everyone's teeth have a protective layer called the "acquired pellicle." This layer contains surface dental stains and is removed during a regular dental cleaning and the whitening process. It takes twelve to twenty-four hours for the barrier to fully develop again. During this period we ask that you avoid the items listed below.

  • Red wine
  • Milk, water, clear soda
  • Coffee
  • Bananas, apples (no peel)
  • Dark colas
  • White bread, flour tortillas
  • Red sauces
  • Oatmeal, cream of wheat
  • Mustard or ketchup
  • Plain yogurt, white cheese, sour cream,
  • Soy sauce, A-1 sauce
  • Or anything that would stain a white shirt

YOU MAY CONSUME WHITE AND CLEAR FOODS like: 

  • White rice, baked potato
  • Plain pasta and white sauce

You may also experience some tooth sensitivity during this period.
If you do have any sensitivity symptoms, you may take 200mg of Advil.

  • Whitening works best on yellow stained teeth. Gray teeth are more difficult to whiten, or may not respond to treatment. Such cases may require porcelain veneers to achieve the desired result
  • Long term results vary from patient to patient. This can depend on many factors including habits such as coffee, tea, wine, or cola consumption and smoking.
  • At-home whitening trays will be needed to maintain your new color. This could be once a month or once every six months. Depending on your habits (smoking, coffee, etc). Touch-ups should require only wearing the trays once or twice to bring back the brightness.



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