After tooth extraction, it is important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process.
Firmly bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes following the procedure.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot, especially for the first 24 hours. Do not smoke, suck through a straw, rinse vigorously, or brush near the extraction site for one day.
To reduce swelling, place an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas to the area. Swelling usually should subside after 48 hours.
After 24 hours, you may gently rinse your mouth with salt water three times a day (one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water, rinse-swish-spit). Rinsing after meals will help in preventing food from accumulating in the extraction site.
If sutures (stitches) were placed, please be sure to keep your follow-up appointment for removal.
Contact us at the dental clinic immediately if you have heavy uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after two to three days, or a reaction to the medications prescribed.
Post-Op Instructions for New Partial or Complete Dentures
New dentures always require a period of adjustment. Speech may be altered, and may require adaptation of the tongue and lips.
For the first few days, you should wear your dentures for as long as possible, and chew soft food in small bites.
Remember, dentures do not have the same chewing efficiency as natural teeth and may affect your taste of food.
If your bite feels uneven after several days, we can adjust the way your teeth contact at follow-up visits.
It is not unusual for sore spots to develop in isolated areas of the mouth. These areas can be relieved easily at follow-up appointments.
Proper cleaning of your denture is important to prevent stains and germs from accumulating on your appliance.
Do not wear your complete or partial dentures to bed.
An annual check of your tissues and dentures is recommended.
Post-Op Instructions after Scaling Root Planing
It is not unusual for the teeth to be more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, and/or sweets. This occurs as the gum tissue heals and shrinks in size.
For a few days, a soft diet is recommended, chewing on the opposite side.
Consistent and thorough daily oral hygiene is essential to the proper healing of your gum tissues. Brushing, flossing and rinsing with recommended products are critical.
Post-Op Instructions for Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges usually take two to three appointments to complete. At the first visit, the teeth are prepared and measurements taken for the crown or bridge.
Your tooth may feel sensitive to temperature, sweets, or biting. This is normal and should subside in a few days.
After cementation, do not eat anything sticky, hard or chewy as this may pull the crown or bridges off or break it.
If your crown or bridge becomes dislodged please bring it to our dental clinic for recementation.
Post-Op Instructions after Root Canal Treatment
The tooth and surrounding tissues may be tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment, and due to the previous condition of your tooth. This is a perfectly normal and expected reaction. For a few days you may experience mild to moderate discomfort when eating. Avoid chewing on the tooth as much as possible.
If a temporary filling was placed to seal the tooth, avoid flossing in the area. It is not uncommon for a small portion of the filling to wear down or chip. If the entire filling breaks or falls out, please contact the dental clinic to have it replaced.
To control discomfort, take prescribed pain medications
If swelling occurs, place an ice pack on the affected area.
A permanent restoration, either a filling or crown must be placed to protect the root canal tooth from fracture or decay.
If you experience uncontrollable pain or swelling, or if your bite feels uneven, please contact the dental clinic.
Post-Op Instructions after Composite (white) Fillings
When anesthesia has been used, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your appointment.
Your new composite fillings are fully hardened before you even leave the office; however, it is wise to chew on the opposite side from the location of the newly placed filling(s).
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please contact our dental clinic immediately to obtain help or advice