POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
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.
Root Canal Therapy
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.
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.
White Fillings (Bonding)
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.
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.
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.
Extractions
After the surgery you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Ice Cream
- Thin Soups
- ...and other food you can eat without chewing.
When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don't feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow up.
CONSCIOUS SEDATION
1. Patient should not drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours after sedation.
2.DO NOT operate any hazardous devices/machinery for 24hours after sedation
3. No heavy lifting
4. Patient should not go up and down stair un-attended, whenever possible, have the patient stay on the first floor until recovered.
5.Patient resume normal eating and drinking after the sedation appointment, unless otherwise instructed by the dentist.
6.Patient needs to drink plenty of water post operatively to prevent the "hang-over" of sedation medications.
7.After leaving the dental office, patients should not be left un-attended, this is very important. Patients may seem normal and recovered, but the effects of the medication can last for several hours after the appointment has ended. Do not allow the patient to make important decisions for the remainder of the day following his/her appointment.
8. Always hold the patient's arm when walking as they may have problems with balance while under the effects of sedative medications.
9. Call the office if you have any questions or concerns. If you feel that your symptoms warrant a physician and you are unable to reach us, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Following most surgical procedures there may or may not be pain. You will be provided with the medication for discomfort that is appropriate for you. In most cases, a non-narcotic pain regimen is recommended consisting of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). These two medications taken together can be as effective as a narcotic without any of the side effects. If a narcotic has been prescribed, follow the directions carefully. If you have any questions about these medications interacting with other medications you are presently taking, please call our office, your physician and/or your pharmacist.
IMPLANTS
-Care after surgery:
1.Keep fingers and tongue away from surgical area.
2.Use ice packs/frozen peas if swelling of the face occurs, for first 12 hours (20 min on, 10 min off).
3.For mild discomfort take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every three to four hours.
4. For severe pain, either take prescription given to you or call the office to recieve prescription.
5. Drink plenty of fluids.
6. If the muscles in the jaw become stiff, use warm washcloth on the side of the face to relax muscles.
7.Diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed or swallowed.
8.A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following the procedure. Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure to the surgical area for 90 min. Then you may eat or drink. If bleeding persists, a moist tea-bag should be placed in the area of bleeding firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood, repeat if necessary. If heavy bleeding continues, contact our office immediately.
9.Please do not smoke for at least 24 hours.
10.You may experience swelling 7-10 days and a fever of 99-100 degrees F.
-A certain amount of bleeding, pain and swelling is normal. Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours. Avoid un-necessary talking, eating or drinking. These activities can hinder healing, especially in the first couple hours. Immediately following procedure, begin taking medication as directed by your doctor to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia wears off and feeling is back to normal.
