Post-Op Instructions

It is important to follow instructions after you have dental procedures to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. As a rule of thumb, you should always wait two hours after any procedure 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 procedure, Dr. Wagner or one of the dental assistants will give you full instructions on how to properly recover.

Root Canal Therapy

You can expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few days. You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed so you do not irritate the area and also to ensure that the temporary restorative material properly sets. You will also need to take an antibiotic to treat any remaining infection in your tooth. A painkiller may also be prescribed depending on the severity of the infection. If you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling) call your dentist immediately. A post and crown are a must after all root canal procedures and should be completed within the first few weeks following the root canal procedure.

Crowns and Bridges

Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge, 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. You should brush the area gently and should not floss because the temporary may become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in. If the temporary comes loose, please call and come in ASAP, as the gums can grow over the tooth and cause the permanent crown not to fit! If you cannot come into the office, please use any denture adhesive (Fixodent) to glue the temporary crown on.

There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.

If the pain persists or gets worse — cold or hot sensation that does not go away after 45 seconds or spontaneous pain that wakes you up at night, please call us as the tooth may need root canal therapy.

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, and it should feel like one of your natural teeth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly.

Fillings (Composites)

After the anesthesia wears off, your teeth will likely be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. After that initial period, your treated teeth will feel as good as new. Continue your normal hygiene plan to ensure that your fillings last for a long time.

Scaling and Root Planing

After this 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) 2-3 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 that you do not 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 any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the procedure to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days, contact our office.

Veneers

Before you receive your permanent 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. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in.

When the veneer is placed, it may feel a little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should feel like one of your natural teeth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. When brushing and flossing, you should pay close attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line.

Extractions

After the surgery, you can expect the extraction site to bleed for a little while. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours, you should call your dentist. If you run out of gauze and the extraction site is still bleeding, you can use a black tea bag to bite on and reduce the bleeding. Rest when you return home but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Dr.Wagner will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore, take as directed. You may also be prescribed an antibiotic to take care of any residual infection you may have. You can also use an ice pack for the pain.

You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:

Gelatin
Pudding
Yogurt
Mashed Potatoes
Ice Cream
Thin Soups
…and other food you can eat without chewing.

When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and/or slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, or irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly, call us, and we will be happy to check it out for you!