post-op instructions
how to optimize recovery from your surgery
Once oral surgery is complete, it is crucial that patients follow our post-operative instructions to ensure the simplest, most successful healing process possible. As a general rule, plan to not eat anything for up to two hours following your procedure. This is important because the anesthesia will not have worn off yet, and any chewing may lead to serious soft tissue damage because you cannot feel all of your mouth.
The following instructions are basic guidelines for a variety of different services. Dr. Kiani will provide a full, detailed set of rules to follow after your visit is complete.
Root Canal Therapy
Following root canal therapy, patients can expect to experience some general oral soreness for a few days. Try to avoid using the side of the mouth where the procedure was performed to avoid irritation and help the restorative material settle. Our team will also expect you to take your prescribed antibiotics in order to eradicate any remaining infection.
Are you noticing any significant tenderness or pain? Has the temporary restoration fallen out? Contact us in Falls Church immediately.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Before your permanent dental crown and/or bridge is ready, a temporary one will be cemented in its place. This restoration is NOT as sturdy as the finished version, so please exercise plenty of caution while chewing food, brushing, and flossing. In particular, don’t pull up on the tooth when flossing because you could dislodge the restoration. Additionally, don’t eat any overly sticky foods.
Patients may experience some mild sensitivity and irritation following the placement of a temporary crown or bridge. This should subside quickly after the oral tissue has fully healed. In the meantime, patients can take Advil or Tylenol to control the discomfort. Warm salt water rinses may also help.
Once we’ve removed the temporary restoration and cemented the permanent dental crown or bridge in place, you may experience a general feeling of awkwardness for a couple of days. Your mouth will need time to adjust to the brand-new “tooth,” and this feeling should dissipate soon enough. If your bite ever feels overly strange, please alert us. Otherwise, care for your brand-new restoration as you would any other tooth with proper oral hygiene.
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White Fillings (Bonding)
Once your anesthesia wears off, tooth sensitivity is likely following the placement of bonding material. For the next few days, do your best to avoid overly hot or cold foods/drinks. Your treated tooth will feel good as new before too long! Plan to continue a diligent oral hygiene routine at home so that your filling stands the test of time.
Scaling and Root Planing
After this procedure is complete, the gum tissue will likely feel sore and irritated for a handful of days. We strongly recommend rinsing your mouth with warmed salt water at least two or three times a day. You can create this simple concoction by combining 1 tsp of salt with 8 oz of water. This will help relieve any discomfort and thoroughly cleanse the treated areas.
Patients should plan to brush and floss immediately following scaling and root planing, but gentleness is very important. You don’t want to cause further irritation! If you experience any oral swelling or strange stiffness, apply a cold compress to the area and take painkillers. Additionally, avoiding overly hard and/or chewy foods is important for proper healing. If these post-operative symptoms are still present after a few days have gone by, please contact Purple Plum Dentistry for further assistance.
Porcelain Veneers
Before your brand-new porcelain veneer is finished, a temporary version will need to be placed. This restoration won’t be as strong as the permanent veneer, so it’s important to exercise caution when eating and practicing oral hygiene. Don’t consume any foods that are excessively chewy and sticky, and do NOT pull up on the tooth with dental floss.
Some general irritation and sensitivity are likely after the placement of both the temporary veneer and the permanent veneer. This is normal, and patients can expect the sensations to disappear once the soft tissue has successfully healed. In the meantime, you can take painkillers (such as Tylenol and Advil) or use a warm salt water rinse.
It is likely that the new, permanent veneer will feel awkward in the mouth at first. Your mouth needs time to adjust to this new addition, after all! After a week has gone by, it should seem like just another part of your confident smile. However, if your bite feels excessively abnormal, please let us know.
When brushing and flossing with a veneer, it’s important to pay special attention to the area between the veneer and the natural tooth along the gum line.
After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Following wisdom tooth extraction, patients will need to undergo post-operative care in order to reduce the chances of infection and other complications. Once the surgery is complete, our team members will apply a gauze pad to the extraction site. This pad should be held firmly in place for at least 45 minutes and then promptly discarded.
It’s important that patients refrain from rinsing their mouth or drinking liquids through a straw right away. These actions can dislodge the blood clot that needs to form over the extraction site. The day of the surgery, refrain from any strenuous physical activities – they can be resumed the next day. Also, take your prescribed pain medication to reduce discomfort once the anesthesia has worn off.
After Dental Implant Surgery
After dental implant surgery, we strongly recommend that patients plan to limit any physical activity for the next 48 to 72 hours. Focus on resting – it will accelerate the healing process and reduce oral bleeding! Drink fluids but avoid anything that’s particularly cold. It may be necessary to hold an ice pack against the face in 20-minute intervals for the first two days.
Were your implants placed in the upper region of the mouth? It’s crucial to refrain from blowing your nose for the first two weeks.
Patients are likely to experience light bleeding for the first couple of days after their surgery, as well as general discomfort. The third day will most likely be much better! Also, don’t worry if your resting bodily temperature increases by one to two degrees during this time.
While it safe to eat when you are hungry, take care to not chew directly on any areas that have undergone bone grafting.
After Impacted Tooth
Impaction occurs when there isn’t enough room in the patient’s mouth to accommodate a tooth’s emergence. After undergoing surgery to remove an impacted tooth, patients will likely experience some oral discomfort and swelling. This is simply part of the healing process and shouldn’t be cause for concern. We encourage you to use a cold compress to alleviate these symptoms, and our doctors can also prescribe pain medication. For the first few days after the procedure, please modify your diet accordingly to allow for proper healing.
Tooth Extractions
Once your extraction procedure is complete, rest is important. You will need to be driven home by a trusted escort because of the anesthesia’s effects. Oral bleeding is also likely for some time following the surgery. Our team will apply gauze to the site, and patients will need to change it once it becomes soaked. If steady bleeding is still occurring after 24 hours go by, please contact our practice immediately.
Upon arriving home, plan to rest but do not lie completely flat. This could encourage further bleeding. Instead, prop your head up on a pillow and take your prescribed pain medication so that you do not feel overly sore once the anesthesia wears off. An ice pack may also help relieve pain. In some cases, our team may provide a special cleaning solution to use for the extraction site.
It’s important to limit your diet to soft foods for the first few days after the surgery. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Soup
- Ice Cream
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Gelatin
When drinking liquids, do not use a straw. Prolonged sucking motions can loosen any sutures and remove blood clots. It’s also important to refrain from smoking. If it doesn’t seem like the extraction site is healing properly at any point, contact Purple Plum Dentistry to schedule a follow-up appointment.
