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Post-Operative Care Instructions

After a dental procedure, following proper post-op care is essential for healing, comfort, and preventing complications. Below, you'll find detailed instructions tailored to each type of treatment. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance.

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Extractions
Immediate Dentures
Fillings
Crowns and Bridges
Root Canals
Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing)

Extractions

After a tooth extraction, following these guidelines will help promote healing and reduce discomfort:

  1. Bleeding Control: Bite down on gauze for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding. Replace with a new gauze if needed, but avoid excessive spitting or rinsing to help the clot form.
  2. Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your dentist, and apply a cold pack on the outside of the cheek for 10-minute intervals within the first 24 hours.
  3. Diet: Stick to soft, cool foods (e.g., yogurt, applesauce) and avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods for a few days.
  4. Activity: Rest for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Avoid physical exertion to prevent dislodging the clot.
  5. Oral Hygiene: Do not brush or rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. Resume gentle rinsing with warm salt water after meals starting the next day.

Immediate Dentures

With new dentures, some adjustments are necessary as your mouth heals. Follow these instructions:

  1. Initial Wear: Wear your dentures as directed, even if slightly uncomfortable. This helps control swelling and aids in healing.
  2. Soreness: It’s common to experience sore spots. Your dentist may need to make adjustments to improve comfort.
  3. Diet: Begin with soft foods and gradually reintroduce more solid foods as you become comfortable.
  4. Cleaning: Remove and clean dentures daily using a denture brush. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe the gums.

Fillings

To help your new filling settle in and minimize discomfort, keep the following in mind:

  1. Sensitivity: Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal after a filling. It typically resolves in a few days.
  2. Avoid Chewing: Wait until the anesthesia fully wears off before eating to prevent biting your cheek or tongue.
  3. Diet: Avoid sticky or hard foods for the first day, especially if the filling was deep.
  4. Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing as usual, taking extra care around the treated area.

Crowns and Bridges

After a crown or bridge placement, it’s important to take special care with the temporary crown until your permanent restoration is ready.

  1. Avoid Sticky Foods: Chewing gum or sticky foods can dislodge the temporary crown.
  2. Chewing: Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to prevent undue pressure on the temporary crown.
  3. Sensitivity: Mild sensitivity is normal. Use sensitivity toothpaste and avoid extreme temperatures in food and drink.
  4. Oral Hygiene: Gently floss around the temporary crown and avoid pulling up on the floss; instead, slide it out to avoid dislodging.

Root Canals

Root canals relieve pain and infection, but after-care is essential for healing:

  1. Pain Relief: Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to manage any residual soreness.
  2. Avoid Biting: Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed, as it can be fragile.
  3. Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing carefully, but be gentle around the treated area.
  4. Follow-Up: Attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and the placement of a permanent crown if needed.

Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing)

Scaling and root planing help treat gum disease. Post-treatment care includes the following:

  1. Sensitivity: It’s normal to experience sensitivity, especially to cold. Use a desensitizing toothpaste if recommended by your dentist.
  2. Bleeding: Minor bleeding can occur for a few days. Rinse gently with warm salt water to soothe the gums.
  3. Diet: Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for a few days to give your gums time to heal.
  4. Oral Hygiene: Maintain a gentle brushing and flossing routine to prevent plaque build-up, especially along the gumline.
  5. Follow-Up: Regular cleanings will support long-term gum health. Schedule follow-ups as advised by your dentist.
*Note: Always follow specific recommendations provided by your dental professional. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or any unusual symptoms, please contact our office immediately.