POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR A RESTORATION

Anesthetic, if used, will usually last 2–4 hours. The more active you are, the faster it will wear off. Be careful not to chew your lips, cheeks, or tongue.

Some hot/cold sensitivity may be experienced. This sensitivity can sometimes last up to 4–6 weeks. Minor discomfort may occur when chewing, but this should not last for more than two days. If this discomfort lasts for more than two days, please contact us. A slight adjustment may be needed.

You may take two Extra Strength Tylenol and two Ibuprofen tablets at the same time every 4–6 hours for discomfort if needed.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call.

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CROWN AND BRIDGE

Anesthetic, if used, will usually last 2–4 hours. The more active you are, the faster it will wear off. Be careful not to chew your lips, cheeks, or tongue.

You may experience some minor sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures or some soreness around the gum line. Minor discomfort can be alleviated by use of two Extra Strength Tylenol and two Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) taken at the same time every 4–6 hours. If persistent, extreme sensitivity to pressure or temperature occurs, please be sure to contact us.

If the crown was not placed today, avoid sticky or chewy foods that might cause the temporary crown to come loose. It your temporary crown becomes loose or dislodged, call our office right away. A loose or dislodged crown may allow the tooth to drift, which might affect the fit of the crown.

You have been given a bottle of antibacterial rinse to use. Please use as directed on the bottle in the morning and evening. Rinse for 30 seconds and then spit out. Make sure that you finish the bottle.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call.

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTRACTIONS AND SURGERY

After extractions, leave the gauze in the mouth for at least 20–30 minutes. Some bleeding is to be expected after extractions or surgery. When mixed with saliva it may look heavy but don’t be alarmed. If necessary wad up and bite down with pressure to slow or minimize bleeding. Pressure should stop the bleeding. If you are out of gauze and bleeding, biting down on a damp tea bag can help.

Try to maintain as normal a diet as possible. Soft foods may be best for the first 24 hours. Do not fast. Fasting can actually make things worse. Maintain a good fluid intake of juices, water, etc. Drink plenty of fluids 2–3 days post-op.

Exercise your mouth. Try to get two fingers between your front teeth. Exercise promotes circulation in and around the extraction or surgery site, and helps decrease swelling. Chewing sugarless gum at intervals also helps with muscle soreness. Exercise promotes faster healing with less discomfort.

Do not forcibly rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. This will allow a hard clot to form which protects the extraction or surgical site. Also, do not drink through a straw. This creates a suction which can dislodge the protective clot. Dislodgment of the clot after extraction can lead to a dry socket. Although not serious, the exposed bone can become inflamed which can cause discomfort, or a dull ache to occur. Attempt to gently clean around the extraction site with your toothbrush. Cleanliness will help speed healing. DO NOT clean the area with a toothpick or attempt to clean inside the socket. Gentle brushing and mild rinsing is adequate.

Smoking is not recommended for the first 48 hours. Smoking depletes your body of Vitamin C which is important in fast healing. Also, the heat and suction created tends to dislodge the protective clot which can lead to an undesirable “dry socket.”

Although swelling does not usually develop after simple extractions, it may occur after more complicated extractions and surgeries. In those cases, application of an ice pack will help to reduce the swelling for the first 24 hours. Apply intermittently every 30 minutes for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Bruising may also occur after any surgery.

If a prescription has been provided to help with discomfort it is wise to fill it in case medication is needed. Directions will be on the label. If an antibiotic is provided take the medication until it is all used up. NEVER take pain medication on an empty stomach; at a minimum take with crackers, juice, etc. It is recommended that you begin taking pain medication well before anesthetic begins to wear off to obtain maximum effectiveness.

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

Anesthetic, if used, will usually last 2–4 hours. The more active you are, the faster it will wear off. Be careful not to chew your lips, cheeks, or tongue.

Minor discomfort may be experienced for a few days. Medications, if prescribed, should be used to relieve any discomfort. The use of pain medication helps reduce inflammation and speed up healing.

Take two Extra Strength Tylenol and two Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) at the same time every 4–6 hours for discomfort.

Hot/Cold sensitivity should NOT be experienced. If temperature sensitivity persists, please contact us.

It is normal for the treated tooth to be somewhat sensitive to pressure. Usually, this disappears after a few days. If extreme pressure sensitivity persists beyond that period of time or if swelling occurs, please contact us.

It is important, to ensure a complete and successful root canal, to follow through the treatment with a crown to prevent fracture, cracking and/or loss of the tooth. Be sure to keep followup visits in order to maintain success of treatment.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call.