Post-Operative Instructions

Extraction

• After having a tooth extracted, it’s important for a blood clot to form so as to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If bleeding persists, use another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. This can be repeated additional times, if necessary.
• In order to preserve the blood clot, do not rinse your mouth, drink through a straw, or spit for the first 24 hours after surgery. Do not brush on the day of surgery. However, you may resume gentle brushing and flossing the next day.
• Only eat soft foods and liquids on the day of your surgery; it is recommended that you sustain this diet for 2-3 days afterwards as well. Avoid hot items and carbonated beverages, if at all possible.
• If swelling and pain occur after the extraction, apply an ice bag or pack to the affected area. Take prescribed medication as directed.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid smoking completely, as it tends to delay healing and the regeneration of tissue.

Resin-Composite Fillings

• If local anesthetic was used to numb the treated area, that numbness might last for several hours after the procedure. Avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn if at all possible, as you can cause accidental damage to your tongue and lips this way. Once you’ve recovered, feel free to chew normally.
• You may experience some sensitivity to heat, cold, and pressure after your procedure. Your gums may also be sore. These are normal conditions and should subside over time.

Crown Placement and/or Bridge Placement

• Crowns and bridges usually take 2 or 3 appointments to complete. Before you receive you permanent restorations, you’ll be fitted for temporary ones. These may break if too much pressure is placed on them. If this happens, save the temporary piece and call our office immediately so it can be replaced as soon as possible. To avoid this, do not eat foods that are sticky or hard and try to chew food away from the temporary if possible.
• When wearing temporaries, it’s all right to continue your normal brushing routine. However, be careful when flossing, as it can sometimes be difficult to maneuver it between a temporary piece and surrounding teeth.
• You may experience sensitivity and soreness in the gums after the procedure. This should subside after a few days.
• After the permanent restoration is placed, your bite may feel strange for a few days. You might also feel some slight pressure. If these symptoms don’t subside after three days, call our office at once; delaying adjustments may damage your teeth.

Periodontal Scaling

• If local anesthetic was used during the procedure, as sense of numbness might last for several hours afterwards. Avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn if at all possible, as you can cause accidental damage to your tongue and lips this way.
• Be aware that as the gum tissue heals, teeth are often more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, as well as excessively sweet foods.
• A diet of soft foods and liquids is recommended for the first couple of days following the procedure.
• Remember that to ensure the continued health of your gum tissue, consistent and thorough oral hygiene needs to be practiced, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing.