Post-Op Instructions

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.

Before you receive your permanent crown, bridge, or 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. While maintaining good oral hygiene is extremely important in this phase of treatment, you should brush the area gently and not “pull up” on the tooth when flossing because it could dislodge the temporary restoration. Avoid sticky or chewy foods as well so as not to dislodge the temporary restoration.

There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent restoration is placed. This is normal and will subside after the gum heals. A warm saltwater rinse will help.

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, but it should feel natural in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. Remember, caring for your new custom-made crown, bridge, or veneer is just like caring for your own teeth: you should brush and floss regularly

After the surgery you will need to rest. You can expect the extraction site to bleed for a little while after surgery. Gauze will be applied upon completion of surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If significant bleeding continues for more than 24 hours, you should call your dentist.

Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. You can also use an ice pack for the pain and swelling applied in 20-minute increments. Limit your diet to mild soft foods such as mashed potatoes, thin soups, and yogurt. Avoid smoking, sucking through a straw, spitting, or aggressively rinsing so as not to dislodge the newly formed blood clot. Take any prescribed pain medication as directed.

You can expect for symptoms to persist for 2-3 days, but symptoms should improve after. For these first few days, try to follow the post-surgery instructions as much as possible to minimize any potential complications.

For dental implant patients, make sure not to chew on the sites of any bone grafts as well.

You can expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few days. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to minimize irritation and ensure that the temporary restorative material sets properly. Please take the prescribed antibiotic as directed and complete the entire regiment. If you experience increased pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling) call your dentist immediately.

Your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated for a few days after this procedure. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. This will help ease the pain and cleanse the area. Brushing and flossing should continue, but try to brush gently initially to avoid irritating the area further. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area, you can place a cold compress on the area and take some pain medicine.

Depending on the size and depth of the initial cavity, you may experience some tooth sensitivity. Avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. Make sure to continue to brush and floss regularly to ensure a healthy smile.