Post-Operative Care: Managing Your Recovery with Expert Advice

Deep Cleaning

1- You may experience some cold and heat sensitivity (especially after deep cleaning). 2- If you have received anesthesia do not eat anything until the numbness has worn off.3- Continue your regular brushing and flossing.4- Some bleeding for a day or two after cleaning is normal, but if you experience any excessive bleeding call our office.5- Call our office if you are in pain or if you have any questions.

Denture

1- You will experience some discomfort with any new denture for a few days. All new dentures need several adjustments to completely and comfortably fit your mouth.2- You should take the dentures out every night and keep them in a clean container filled with water or denture cleaning solution. Your gums need to rest and be without the dentures every day for a period of time.3- Clean dentures thoroughly with a brush and water before putting them back in your mouth.4- It may be difficult to talk normally with the new dentures for a few days. One way to practice is to read a book or newspaper out loud for a period of time everyday. Your tongue and muscles will get used to the new dentures and you will talk normally very soon.5- Call our office if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or if you have any questions.

Extraction

1- Pressure should be placed on the gauze pad that has been put over the extraction site for one hour. If the bleeding continues new gauze should be placed and pressure applied for another 45 minutes.2- If you are supervising children who have had an extraction done, make sure they don’t bite on their numb lips or tongue (it can cause serious injury to their soft tissue).3- Avoid eating or drinking anything hot on the day of your extraction. Also, do not rinse your mouth and do not use a straw for drinking. Do not spit and do not drink carbonated beverages. Do not brush on the day of the surgery; you can gently resume your brushing and flossing the day after.4-You may experience some pain, bruising around your lips, and/or some swelling, especially after extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. Ice bag application and medication prescribed for you will help to minimize your discomfort.5- Please take all the medication you have received based on the provided instructions.6- During the first 2-3 days after surgery a diet of soft food and liquids is recommended (soup, yogurt, milkshakes and juice).7- For more complex surgical procedures, including Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction, Implant Surgical Procedures, etc: You will receive an ice wrap which should be worn for the rest of the day until you go to bed on the day of surgery (10 minutes on and 5 minutes off). Instructions for various surgical treatments will have some unique directions, which will be supplied to you at the time of your treatment.8- Call our office if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain or swelling, or if you have any questions or concerns. In case of serious emergencies call 911.

Implants


1- You may experience some discomfort and bleeding the day of the surgery.2- Take all medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.3- Apply an ice bag on your face over the surgical site on the day of surgery for 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off.4- Keep your next appointment on time for removal of sutures and follow up checks.5- DO NOT raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the treated area.6- DO NOT brush teeth near the surgical site. Brush teeth in the rest of your mouth.7- There is often a temporary loss of feeling in the operated area and the tooth may feel loose.8- Do not smoke, spit, or use a straw on the day of the surgery (avoid smoking for a few days after the surgery).9- Should any difficulties occur, do not hesitate to call our office anytime. In case of serious emergencies call 911.

Root Canal

1- You may experience moderate pain and sensitivity to pressure on your tooth. Also, you may feel gum soreness for a few days after your treatment. The healing process may take several days but the pain and discomfort should subside gradually.2- Take any medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.3- Usually a temporary filling has been placed on your tooth; do not bite on the tooth for one hour and while you are numb. Also, until the permanent restoration is placed, be very gentle with the tooth. Try to chew with the opposite side.4- Continue your brushing and flossing.5- Follow up with the placement of your permanent restoration as you have been advised. Any unnecessary delay in placement of final restoration may damage the tooth permanently.6- Call our office if you are in severe pain or experience swelling, or if you have any questions.

Whitening

  • The next 48 hours are important in enhancing and maximizing your whitening results for long-lasting, bright and healthy smile.
  • For next 48 hours, dark staining substances should be avoided, such as:
  • Coffee and/or tea
  • Tobacco products
  • Mustard or ketchup
  • Cola
  • Red wine
  • Soy sauce
  • Berry pie
  • Red sauce
  • Additional ways to maintain your sparkling smile:
  • Avoid staining related habits.
  • Use an automated toothbrush.
  • Seek regular professional dental hygiene care to maintain oral health, keep stains to a minimum and determine the need for whitening touch – ups.
  • Practice good oral hygiene including through tooth brushing, flossing to remove debris from between the teeth, and tongue cleaning. Your dental professional will assist you in selecting the products to maintain not only a white smile, but a healthy one as well!