Post Op Instructions
POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
To avoid complications and ensure healing, it is crucial to follow all instructions following an oral surgery. To allow the anesthesia to wear off, it is best to wait at least two hours before you eat. You may cause soft tissue damage if you try to eat before the anesthesia wears off. These are only guidelines. The doctor or assistant will provide you with detailed instructions at Anderson Dental Professionals on how to recover from surgery after your procedure.
After a root canal procedure, you can expect some soreness for several days. To avoid irritation to the area where the root canal procedure was performed, you should not chew on it. This is to prevent the temporary restorative material from settling in your mouth. To treat any infection that remains in your tooth, you will need to take antibiotics. You should immediately call your dentist if you feel any discomfort or pain.
A temporary restoration will be required before you can receive your permanent crown/bridge. The temporary restoration is not as strong as the permanent one so be careful when eating and cleaning. Brush the tooth gently, and don't pull on it when flossing. This is also true for eating. Sticky or chewy foods should be avoided while you are temporarily in.
After the permanent or temporary placement, there may be some sensitivity. This is normal and will go away once the soft tissue heals. If the pain persists, a warm saltwater rinse can be helpful. Tylenol or Advil may also help.
It may feel awkward for a few days after the permanent crown or bridge has been placed. It will take a few days for your mouth to adjust to the permanent crown or bridge. In a matter of weeks, it should feel just like if you had a natural tooth. Your dentist should be notified if your bite is unusual. Your dentist will take care of your crown or bridge just as you would your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are important.
White Fillings (Bonding).
Your teeth may become sensitive after the anesthesia has worn off. For the next few days, you should avoid eating or drinking hot or cold foods. Your treated teeth will feel like new after the initial period. To ensure your fillings last a long time, you should continue your regular hygiene routine.
Scaling and root planning
Your gums may feel irritated and slightly reddened for a few days after the procedure. Warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8oz water) should be used to rinse your mouth 2-3 times per day. This will soothe the pain and clean the area. You can continue flossing and brushing right after the procedure. However, you need to brush gently so as not to further inflame the area. You can apply a cold compress to the affected area, and then take pain relief medication. To ensure a proper healing process, avoid eating hard or chewy food for at least two days. If the swelling or pain persists after a few days, contact your dentist.
A temporary restoration will be required before you can receive your permanent veneer. The temporary restoration is not as strong as the permanent one, so be careful when eating and cleaning. Brush the area gently, and don't pull on the tooth while flossing. This is also true for eating. Sticky or chewy foods should be avoided while you are temporarily in.
After the permanent or temporary placement, there may be some sensitivity. This is normal and will go away once the soft tissue heals. If the pain persists, a warm saltwater rinse can be helpful. Tylenol or Advil may also help.
It may feel awkward for a few days after the veneer has been placed. The new tooth will take a few days to get used to in your mouth. It should feel just like a natural tooth within a week. Your dentist should be notified if your bite is unusual. You should pay attention to the area between your veneer and the tooth at your gum line when flossing.
You will need to rest after the surgery. Because of the anesthesia, you will need to be driven home with a friend or relative. The area will bleed for a few days after surgery. Gauze will be applied after the surgery is completed. You will need to replace it if it gets soaked. Your dentist should be notified if bleeding persists for more than 24 hours. You can rest when you get back home but don't lie down. This can prolong the bleeding. When you lie down, prop your head on a pillow. If you feel sore, your dentist will give you pain medication. For pain relief, you can use an icepack. You might be offered a cleaning solution by your dentist to clean the area.
For a few days, you will only be able to eat soft foods after surgery. These are some of the recommended foods:
Gelatin
Pudding
Yogurt
Mashed Potatoes
Ice cream
Thin soups
…and other foods you can eat with no chewing
Use a straw when drinking. Sucking can cause your sutures to become loosen and slow down the clotting process. Smoking is also a problem. Your dentist should be contacted if you experience prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation or if the site doesn't heal properly.