Post-Op Instructions

Post-Operative Care Instructions

When you complete any procedure at our office, our dentist and team will provide you with instructions on how to care for the treated area properly and what to expect during your recovery. Below are some general post-op care guidelines. If you have any questions about these instructions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Dental Crowns and Bridges Post-Op Care

After receiving a dental crown or bridge, avoid eating for at least two hours or until the anesthesia has worn off.

If you have a temporary crown or bridge, it is important to avoid chewing on sticky foods like gum or caramels, as they can dislodge the temporary restoration. When flossing, gently pull the floss through to prevent dislodging the temporary. If the temporary comes off, simply place it back and call our office for re-cementing.

Sensitivity to hot or cold foods is normal, and you can manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil, or rinse with warm saltwater. Once your final crown is placed, continue brushing and flossing as usual. If your bite feels off, schedule an appointment for an adjustment.

Dentures Post-Op Care

Initially, your dentures may feel awkward, and your speech might change. These issues will subside as you adjust to wearing your dentures. Most new dentures require a “breaking in” period, which varies by patient.

Care for your dentures by cleaning them after each meal with a soft brush and soapy water. Remove them for at least six hours daily (for example, at night) and store them in water to keep them from drying out. At least once a week, use a denture cleaning solution.

Check your dentures at least annually for adjustments and maintenance. If you encounter any issues, contact our office right away.

Tooth Extractions Post-Op Care

After a tooth extraction, expect an initial healing period of one to two weeks, with possible swelling and discomfort for the first 48 hours.

Follow these recommendations:

• Avoid chewing for at least two hours or until the anesthesia wears off.
• Use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
• Do not touch the extraction site with your fingers or tongue.
• Avoid drinking through a straw or vigorous swishing and spitting.
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco for several days.
• Keep your head elevated and relax for the first 24 hours.
• Stick to a soft diet for 48 hours.

Dental Fillings Post-Op Care

After receiving a dental filling, refrain from eating for at least two hours or until the anesthesia has worn off. You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days.

To alleviate discomfort, avoid hot and cold foods, and rinse with warm saltwater. Resume normal brushing and flossing right away to keep your teeth healthy and to ensure the longevity of your filling.

Dental Veneers Post-Op Care

Since dental veneers often require removal of some tooth structure, it’s essential to care for your teeth between appointments.

After your procedure, avoid eating for at least two hours or until the anesthesia wears off. Tooth sensitivity, especially to cold, is normal, so avoid hot or cold beverages for the first few days. You may use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.

Temporary veneers may be placed initially. Avoid sticky foods and floss gently. If a temporary veneer dislodges, call our office for a replacement.

Once your permanent veneers are placed, it may take several days to adjust to them. If your bite feels unbalanced, contact our office for an adjustment. Resume brushing and flossing as usual to maintain a healthy mouth.

Gum Surgery Post-Op Care

Proper care after gum surgery is essential for successful healing. We recommend:

• Avoid eating for at least three hours after surgery, then maintain a soft diet for two to three days.
• Stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks, and hard or brittle foods.
• Take prescribed antibiotics and pain relievers as directed. If you experience a reaction, contact our office immediately.
• Slight bleeding or oozing is normal for up to 48 hours. Apply moistened gauze or a tea bag to the site if necessary.
• Use an ice pack to reduce swelling.
• Brush your teeth lightly the first night, and avoid irrigation devices until cleared by our office.
• Do not smoke for at least 48 hours to prevent complications.

Scaling and Root Planing Post-Op Care

In the first 24 hours after scaling and root planing, avoid:

• Eating for at least two hours or until the anesthesia wears off.
• Vigorous physical activity.
• Drinking through a straw or other sucking actions.
• Smoking or using tobacco products.
• Alcohol.
• Spicy or extremely hot/cold foods.
• Mouthwashes containing alcohol.

We also recommend:

• Using non-aspirin pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol to alleviate discomfort.
• Maintaining a soft diet and rinsing with warm saltwater three times daily.
• Brushing lightly in the treated area and flossing gently the day after treatment.

Root Canal Treatment Post-Op Care

After root canal therapy, avoid eating for at least two hours or until the anesthesia wears off. Your treated tooth may be sore, so avoid hard or chewy foods until discomfort subsides, typically within 7-10 days.

Take all prescribed medications, and if you experience any issues, such as increasing tenderness, swelling, or if the temporary crown or filling becomes dislodged, contact our office immediately.

Teeth Whitening Post-Op Care

To maintain the best results after professional teeth whitening, avoid consuming staining foods and beverages for the first 48 hours. This includes:

• Red wine, sodas, coffee, tea.
• Berries, tobacco, red sauces.

Additionally:

• Avoid staining habits, use an electric toothbrush, and continue regular dental visits.
• You may experience some sensitivity during the first 24 hours, which should subside soon after.

We recommend using whitening trays for touch-ups as needed.