Post-OP Instructions
This section contains general post-op instructions. If you experience symptoms not covered here, or in the case of an emergency, please contact us at our office.
ROOT CANAL THERAPY
To avoid injury to the mouth’s soft tissue, refrain from eating until both the anesthesia has worn off and at least two hours have passed since your procedure. This time frame permits the restorative material to harden. You will likely feel pressure and soreness in the affected area when you bite down. Because of this, avoid hard and chewy foods. Avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth for at least 24 hours. It will take a week for the soreness to decrease. Any remaining infection in your tooth will be eliminated by taking the antibiotic medication that has been prescribed to you.
Please contact us at our office if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Swelling or increasing tenderness around the tooth
- A reaction to your prescription
- Loss of filling material
- A fracture in the tooth
CROWNS AND BRIDGES
To avoid injury to your soft tissue, refrain from eating for at least two hours and until the anesthesia has worn off. In the case of a temporary restoration, use caution when cleaning around the temporary restoration. When flossing, do not pull up on the temporary. Brush gently and do not chew any hard foods with the restoration.
If your temporary comes off, please call our office at 480-503-5467 to have it re-applied. You can expect to feel sensitivity to heat and cold following treatment. Because of this, avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first few days.
When the anesthesia wears off, be prepared to experience possible discomfort in your gum tissue around the tooth. To alleviate this symptom, rinse the affected area with warm salt water. You may also take Tylenol or Advil to relieve additional discomfort.
After a permanent crown or bridge has been placed, your bite may feel out of the ordinary as your mouth adjusts to the new addition. If the symptoms persist after a few days, please call our office at 480-503-5467 to schedule an adjustment.
Home Care: Resume regular brushing and flossing immediately. To increase your restoration’s longevity, follow a consistent daily home care routine.
WHITE FILLINGS (BONDING)
Wait until the anesthesia has worn off and until at least two hours after your procedure before eating to avoid damage to your mouth’s soft tissue. You can expect to experience sensitivity to heat and cold after your procedure. Avoid extremely hot or extremely cold foods and beverages for a few days. When your anesthesia wears off, you can expect to feel gum discomfort surrounding your tooth.
To help alleviate this symptom, rinse with warm salt water. In addition, you may also use Tylenol or Advil for persisting discomfort.
Home Care: Resume regular brushing and flossing immediately. To increase your restoration’s longevity, follow a consistent daily home care routine.
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
Rinse your mouth two to three times a day with warm salt water after a scaling or root planing is completed. Use one teaspoon of salt and eight ounces of water. Although you need to be gentle with the treated areas, start home care immediately.
You may take Tylenol or Advil if you experience gum tissue discomfort. You may probably experience sensitivity to heat and cold in the treated areas.
Refrain from eating chewy or hard foods for the next 48-72 hours to allow the treated area to heal.
Jaw stiffness and some swelling may occur. In the case of swelling use a cold compress, or in the case of stiffness, use a hot towel.
Do not smoke for at least 48-72 hours after these procedures. If pain or swelling persists contact us at our office.
PORCELAIN VENEERS (LAMINATES)
Your bite may feel a bit different after your porcelain veneers have been placed af your mouth will need to adjust to the final restoration.
If your bite still feels different in a few days, contact us at our office to schedule an adjustment.
Home Care: Resume regular and flossing immediately. It is imperative that you clean the space between the veneer and the tooth at the gumline. A Consistent care routine will increase your restoration’s longevity.
EXTRACTIONS
For the first 24 hours after surgery, you will experience minor bleeding. If more significant bleeding takes place:
1. Use a piece of gauze on the affected area.
2. Bite the gauze firmly for at least 30 minutes, however DO NOT CHEW ON IT.
3. If bleeding persists, call our office at 480-503-5467
4. Do not use a straw or suck on the area of the surgery during the first 48 hours.
Rinsing:
1. Do NOT rinse or spit on the surgical area on the date of your surgery.
2. You may gently rinse with warm salt water the day after your procedure.
3. Brush your teeth and your tongue after surgery. Be careful of the surgical site, however.
Eating:
Start with liquids and soft foods for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. If the area begins feeling better, then you can go to a normal diet. Use caution chewing hard foods near the surgical area.
Pain & Swelling:
You may experience swelling as a normal symptom. If swelling occurs, place ice on your face in 20-30 minute sessions during the first 24 hours, which should help to reduce pain and swelling. After 36 hours, do not use ice on the affected area.
Take Advil or Tylenol to ease discomfort or pain. If your symptoms persist, please contact us at our office.
