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 sooner could result in soft tissue damage because you're not able to feel the surfaces 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 for a few days following a root canal procedure. You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed. You'll want to avoid irritating the area and you'll want to allow the temporary restorative material to properly set. An antibiotic might be needed 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), give us a call right away.

Crowns and Bridges

Before we install your permanent crown or bridge, we may give you a temporary restoration. These are not as sturdy as the permanent versions, so you should be careful when cleaning your teeth and eating. Brush the area gently and don't pull up on the tooth while flossing. 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 and permanent crown or bridge is placed. This is normal, and the pain will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help. 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. It should feel like one of your natural teeth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, please let us 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. Avoid hot and cold foods or drinks 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. 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 resumed right after the procedure, but 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. If pain or swelling continues after a few days, give us a call.

Veneers

While you're waiting for your permanent veneers, you'll likely wear temporary restorations. These are not as sturdy as the permanent versions, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. Brush the area gently and don't pull on the tooth when flossing. 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 either the temporary or permanent veneers are placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help. You can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.

When the permanent veneer is installed, it may feel a little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth. Be patient! It should feel like one of your natural tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, please let us know. When brushing and flossing, take extra care in the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line.

Extractions

After the surgery, you will need to rest. You will need to be driven home by a friend or family member while you recover from the anesthesia.

You can expect 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 pain medication, so if you become sore, take it as directed. You can also use an ice pack to relieve pain and swelling.

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 us for a follow-up.