Post-Op Instructions

To avoid any complications and to achieve proper healing, it is important to follow instructions after oral surgery. You should always wait for 2 hours after surgery to eat to ensure that the anesthesia is completely worn off. Otherwise, you may damage the soft tissues because you are not able to feel the entire mouth. The instructions below are some guidelines. After the surgery, the doctor or dental assistant will provide full instructions on proper recovery.

Root Canal Therapy 
For a few days you may experience some soreness after a root canal procedure. In order for the temporary fillings to set in properly, you should avoid chewing on the side where the procedure was performed. To cure any remaining infection on the tooth, you may need to take an antibiotic.  If you feel any increase in pain or tenderness, a medication reaction, or loss of temporary filling, call your dentist right away.

Crowns and Bridges 
You will be provided a temporary restoration before you receive your permanent crown or bridge. This is not as strong as a permanent one, so you should be careful during eating and cleaning. Brushing should be gentle and should not pull on the tooth while flossing because the temporary restoration will get dislodged. Avoid any sticky or chewy foods while the temporary restoration is present.
You will experience some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary restoration or permanent crown/bridge is placed. This is normal and will go away after the soft tissue heals.  Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water will help the healing process. If the pain still exists, you can take Advil or Tylenol.
It takes a few days for the mouth to adjust with the crown/bridge, so you may feel uncomfortable during that time. If you feel discomfort during bite, you should let your dentist know. Taking care of a bridge or crown is just like taking care of your own tooth. Brush and floss regularly.

White Fillings (Bonding) 
Your teeth will most likely be sensitive after the anesthesia wears off. Try to avoid hot or cold food or drink for a few days. After that, your treated tooth will feel like a regular tooth. Please continue the normal dental hygiene plan to make sure that the filling last for a long time.

Scaling and Root Planing 
For few days after the procedure, your gum will most likely be sore and irritated. You should rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water ( 1 tsp salt/ 8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. This will reduce pain and cleanse the area where the procedure was done. Brush and floss gently for few days to avoid irritating the area. If there is stiffness or swelling, place an icepack on the area and take some pain medicine if needed. Try not to eat any hard or chewy foods for two to three days after the surgery to ensure proper healing. If the pain or swelling lasts for more than few days, contact your dentist.

Veneers 
You will be provided a temporary restoration before you receive your permanent veneer. This is not as strong as a permanent one, so you should be careful during eating and cleaning. Brushing should be gentle, and do not pull on the tooth while flossing because the temporary restoration will get dislodged. Avoid any sticky or chewy foods while the temporary restoration is present.
You will experience some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary restoration or permanent Veneer is placed. This is normal and will go away after the soft tissue heals.  Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water will help the healing process. If the pain still exists, you can take Advil or Tylenol.
It takes few days for the mouth to adjust to the veneer, so you may feel uncomfortable during that time. If you feel discomfort during bite, you should let your dentist know. Taking care of a veneer is just like taking care of your own tooth. Brush and floss regularly.

Extractions 
Take plenty of rest after the surgery. You need to get help from a friend or family member to drive you home after the anesthesia. Extraction area may continue to bleed after the surgery. Gauze will be applied after the surgery and you will need to change it after it gets soaked. If the bleeding continues for more than 24 hours, you should contact your dentist. Rest when you return home, but try not to lie flat. This could extend the bleeding. Support your head up on a pillow when lying down. If you feel sore, take prescription medication as directed by your dentist. Use icepack to relieve pain if needed. Your dentist may provide you a cleaning solution to clean the extraction area.  

After the completion of the surgery, you will be limited to soft foods only. Some of the suggested foods are:
 Yogurt, Mashed Potatoes, Gelatin, Pudding, Ice Cream, Thin Soups, or
...any other foods that you don’t have to chew.

Do not use a straw when drinking and avoid smoking. The sucking motion affects the surgical joins and slows the clotting process. If you have extended bleeding, irritation, pain or the extraction area does not heal properly; call your doctor for a check up.