Post-Operative Instructions

Temporary Crown or Bridge
Avoid extremely hard or sticky foods. Call us if your temporary crown or bridge comes off. Save the temporary so we can recement it.  You will return to our office in approximately two weeks for your permanent crown or bridge to be placed.

Permanent Crown
Now that we've placed your permanent crown or bridge, it's important to call our office if your bite feels uneven, you have persistent sensitivity or discomfort, or if you have any questions or concerns. Brush and floss as usual. If a bridge was placed, use a floss threader following the instructions you were given at the placement of the bridge.

Root Canal
 A temporary filling or crown is placed to protect the tooth between appointments.  Some slight sensitivity is some times common for a few days, but should subside rather soon.  If you have any swelling, burning, or effects you feel are not common, please call our office.  There are a small number of times that swelling and pain can accompany root canal treatment.  We are normally able to treat that with medicine and resolve it in 3-4 days.  We want to hear from you if you're havign these concerns.   You will need to return to our office in 1-2 weeks for a permanent restoration.

Fillings
If we used anesthetic, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid chewing anything until the numbness has completely worn off.  It's normal to experience some hot or cold sensitivity, but this should subside in just a few days. If you feel any "high" spots, or your bite does not feel normal, call our office.

Extractions
The initial healing period usually takes one to two weeks, and you may experience some swelling for the first 48 hours. An ice pack placed on the outside of the face 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the day of surgery will help minimize the swelling.  Before the procedure began, you were given an anesthetic to ensure your comfort.  If you were given a pain medication, or directed to take an over the counter medication, you may want to take this medication before your anesthetic wears off.  

You left our office with a guaze pack in place.  Continue to bite on the gauze. The pressure will help stop the bleeding.  Change the gauze after 1 hour, or as needed. Tea Bags can also help stop bleeding. It has Tannic Acid in it which helps stop bleeding. 

It is very important that you do not rinse your mouth, smoke cigarettes, spit, or drink through a straw for 24 hours after the extraction.  You should also avoid hot or carbonated beverages, as well as alcohol. 

Avoid strenous exercise or activity, especially the day of the extraction.  Rest, you've just had a surgical procedure.  

After the first day, rinsing with warm salt water can help healing and keep the area clean.  You can do this 2-3 times a day.  

Always feel free to contact us with any post-operative questions you might have.