post-op care
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 before this could result in soft tissue damage because you are not able to feel all 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.
- Because it is a temporary crown, it is not as strong as a permanent crown and can possibly break or become dislodged. Avoid chewing anything sticky or hard on the temporary crown.
- Brush the area gently and avoid flossing the temporary crown. If you must floss, pull the floss out through the side rather than going straight up to help prevent dislodgment.
- You may feel some sensitivity to temperature while wearing your temporary crown.
Proper care following extractions will hasten recovery and prevent complications.
- Do not rinse mouth today: Tomorrow rinse gently every 3 to 4 hours (especially after meals) using one-quarter teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Continue rinsing for several days. While brushing teeth, stay away from extraction site for several days.
- Bleeding: Following extractions, some bleeding is to be expected for several hours. If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pads over bleeding area and bite down firmly 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary or place moist tea bag over area and apply pressure. Rotate gauze every 15 minutes until bleeding has subsided.
- Swelling: To prevent swelling, an ice pack or crushed ice wrapped in a towel can be applied to area rotating 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off for 4 hours.
- Pain Management: 3 Advil (600mg Ibuprofen), 1 Extra-Strength Tylenol (500mg acetaminophen) - Take both medications simultaneous every 4-6 hours as needed for pain.
- DO NOT SMOKE!!!
- Food: A soft diet is advisable during the first 24 hours, chew on opposite side for several days following extraction. Take care to keep extraction site clean and free of food.
- DO NOT USE A STRAW!!!
- Bony Edges: Small, sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots; if these become painful, return for their simple removal.
- IF SEVERE SWELLING OCCURS, CALL THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.
Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because 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 or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and 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, and it should feel like one of your natural teeth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly.
After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated for a few days. You should 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 continued right after the procedure, but you should 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 to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days contact your dentist.
Before you receive your permanent veneer you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because 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 or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.
When the veneer is placed it may feel a little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should feel like one of your natural tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. When brushing and flossing you should pay close attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line.