The Importance of Post-Op Instructions
It’s important to follow instructions after you have oral surgery to ensure proper healing and 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 aren’t able to feel all your mouth.
The instructions found below are guidelines. After your surgery, our Jupiter, FL, dentist, Dr. Albert Villalobos, or dental assistant will give you instructions on how to properly recover from surgery.
Root Canal Therapy
After your root canal treatment, Dr. Villalobos will provide you with root canal therapy aftercare instructions to follow for successful healing:
- Expect soreness for a few days after the root canal procedure.
- Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed to prevent irritation and ensure the temporary restorative material sets properly.
- Take the prescribed antibiotic to treat any remaining infection in your tooth.
- If you experience an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, react to the medication, or lose the temporary restoration (filling), contact your dentist immediately.
Crowns and Bridges
Here are the post-op instructions for patients who have received dental crowns and bridges:
- Before receiving your permanent crown or bridge, you will receive a temporary restoration. The temporary isn’t as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating.
- Brush the area gently and avoid pulling up on the tooth when flossing, as it could become dislodged. Additionally, avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in.
- Some sensitivity and irritation may occur after the temporary or permanent restoration is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. Rinse with warm salt water and take Advil or Tylenol if the pain persists.
- After placing your permanent crown or bridge, it may feel awkward for a few days as your mouth adjusts to the new tooth. It should feel like one of your natural teeth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal, inform your dentist.
- Caring for your crown or bridge is like caring for your teeth. Brush and floss regularly.
White Fillings (Bonding)
After the white fillings (bonding) treatment, the anesthesia will wear off and your teeth will likely be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. After the initial period, your treated teeth will feel as good as new. Continue your normal hygiene plan to ensure your fillings last for a long time.
Scaling and Root Planing
After your scaling and root planing 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) two to three 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 you don’t 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 hard or chewy foods for two to three days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days, contact our Jupiter, FL dentist.
Porcelain Veneers
After your porcelain veneers treatment, Dr. Villalobos will provide you with the post-op instructions to follow:
- Before receiving your permanent veneer, you’ll receive a temporary restoration. The temporary isn’t as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating.
- Brush the area gently and avoid pulling up on the tooth when flossing, as it could become dislodged. Additionally, avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in.
- Some sensitivity and irritation may occur after the temporary or permanent veneer is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. You can rinse with warm salt water and take Advil or Tylenol if the pain persists.
- When the veneer is placed, it may feel awkward for a few days as your mouth adjusts to the new tooth. It should feel like one of your natural teeth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal, inform your dentist.
- When brushing and flossing, pay close attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line.
Extractions
Here are some concise post-op instructions for patients who have undergone a tooth extraction:
- Rest after the surgery and arrange for someone to drive you home. The extraction site may bleed for a little while, so change the gauze when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for more than 24 hours, contact your dentist.
- Keep your head elevated with a pillow when lying down, and limit yourself to soft foods for a few days after the surgery. Avoid using a straw or smoking, as these can slow the clotting process.
- Take the prescribed pain medication and use an ice pack to alleviate any discomfort. Your dentist may also provide a cleaning solution to keep the extraction site clean.
If you experience prolonged pain, bleeding, or irritation or feel the extraction site isn’t healing properly, contact your dentist for a follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Due to the large number of bacteria and germs in the oral cavity, an infection can sometimes occur following oral surgery. Fortunately, they’re easily treatable and rarely reappear.
To avoid further complications or problems, it’s imperative to follow these guidelines:
- Take any antibiotic pills as directed by your dentist and don’t discontinue them until the prescription is finished or until directed otherwise.
- Applying heat over the swollen area can be beneficial for both pain relief and proper healing.
- Warm salt water rinses are helpful throughout the recovery process.
- Ensure you keep up with any follow-up appointments and report any significant changes in swelling or discomfort to us right away.
- It’s not unusual to run a low-grade temperature. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids during recovery. If you experience a higher-than-normal temperature, contact your dentist’s office right away.
It’s important to understand not taking proper care of your surgical site after your procedure can result in serious complications. Your dentist will answer any questions you may have to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Following any dental procedure, your dentist will provide you with specific instructions to help you remain comfortable during your healing process. You can also take basic steps to speed up your recovery.
To reduce swelling, apply ice packs to your face at 15-minute intervals. Eat only soft foods for a day or so, or until the sensitivity in your mouth reduces. Take extra care to brush and floss your teeth, paying close attention to the surgical site. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your dentist.
You’ll be limited to soft foods for a few days after your extraction surgery. Some recommended foods are:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Ice Cream
- Thin Soups
- Other food you can eat without chewing.
When drinking, make sure you don’t use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, or irritation, or don’t feel the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow-up.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of dental treatment and your healing process. In general, you should expect to feel sore for a few days after your procedure and gradually return to your normal activities within a week or two. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you specific post-op instructions and let you know what to expect during your recovery.
Your Smooth and Comfortable Recovery
We want you to feel as comfortable as possible following any dental procedure. It’s vital to follow any instructions given to you by Dr. Villalobos and our team to ensure you heal quickly and comfortably. To learn more about dental procedures and the recovery process, contact our Jupiter office by calling (561) 744-0677.
You can also get in touch by filling out our online contact form. We’re proud to provide services to patients in Jupiter and the surrounding areas like Hobe Sound, Limestone Creek, and Tequesta, FL.