Post-op Instructions after Tooth Fillings
- Depending on the anesthetic used, patients will typically be numb for a few hours after a filling.
- It is common for the jaw and gums to be sore following filling.
- Sensitivity is a common post-operative symptom especially with deep fillings. This symptoms generally go away in a short period of time.
- Please contact your dentist if symptoms do not resolve after a week or if condition worsens. Often times, re-evaluation of your bite and minor adjustments to the filling can improve the issue.
Post-op Instructions following Crown or Bridgework
- Depending on the anesthetic used, patients will typically be numb for a few hours following crown or bridgework.
- It is common for the jaw and gums to be sore following the procedure.
- Sensitivity is a common post-operative symptom. These symptoms generally go away in a short period of time.
- A temporary crown/bridge is meant to protect the underlying tooth, maintain the space for the permanent crown and prevent the gum tissue from folding over the underlying tooth. If a temporary breaks or comes off, please contact your dentist and try to reapproximate the crown back in position if possible. Toothpaste or denture glue can be used as a temporary adhesive.
- Never use superglue or bite the crown into place in an effort to seat the crown.
- Please avoids sticky foods that may dislodge the temporary crown. Keep the area clean by brushing, modified "pull-through" flossing and using mouthwash daily.
- When flossing, snap the floss through the contacts of the temporary and slide the floss out, pulling it through. Do not floss upwards through the contact. This may dislodge the temporary.
Post-op Instructions following Tooth Extractions
- Depending upon the anesthetic used, patients will typically be numb for a few hours following an extraction procedure. It numbness persists for more than 12 hours, contact your dentist.
- It is common to experience soreness in the jaws and the areas of extractions.
- Do not disrupt the blood clot in the area of extractions. Avoid eating on the side of the surgery, resist exploring the area with your tongue, and brush adjacent teeth carefully.
- Rinsing should be delayed until at least 24 hours after surgery. Rinse your mouth daily with salt water (¼ tsp in 8oz water). After meals is a good rule of thumb.
- Avoid forcefully rinsing your mouth during the healing process. Vigorous swishing may disturb the clot. Please avoid commercial mouth rinses containing alcohol.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol until gums have healed closed. Healing time will be negatively influenced and there is a greater risk of postoperative complications.
- It is common to experience swelling following surgery. Please manage with cold compress for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Cold compression is most valuable for the first day or 24 hours.
- Starting the second day or hours 24-48, warm compresses can used to promote healing.
- Eat soft foods to the first few days following surgery and stay hydrated. Avoid hot food and liquids as this may weaken the clot. Warm foods can be enjoyed 48 hours after surgery.
- Avoid strenuous activity which may raise blood pressure for the first 24 hours.
- If antibiotics were prescribed, please take them as directed throughout the recommended course.
- Please follow up with your dentist for the recommended post-op visits.
- If you suspect that you are having a complication with healing, namely sharp, throbbing pain 36 hours after the procedure, call the office for further instruction.
Post-op Instructions following Denture or Partial Delivery
- To clean a denture or partial, use a plain toothbrush, dish soap and water to clean the denture. Please do not use any abrasives like toothpaste, baking soda or bleach. These items will create scratches in your appliance and degrade the material. Over-the-counter denture cleaner tablets are also useful in maintaining your denture.
- It is common to experience discomfort after delivery of a denture. It is common to need an adjustment to the denture shortly after delivery.
- Please follow up with your dentist for your scheduled post-op visits.
- The night before your po-op denture visit, clean your denture before bed and sleep overnight and wear it for as long as you can the day of your appointment. While it might be uncomfortable, visible sore spots will make adjustments more predictable and therefore successful.
- Your tongue, cheeks, lips will need some time to get used to the denture or partial. Muscle memory takes time and practice to develop.
- Your speech may be different initially following delivery. To help, read aloud several times a day so your mouth can learn to adjust to your new appliance.
- If you had teeth removed the same day a [immediate] denture is delivered, please review "Post-op Instructions following Extractions". Also, keep your new denture or partial in your mouth for 24 hours. If this is not possible, please wear for as long as possible. After 24 hours, please remove and clean.
Post-op Instructions following Occlusal Appliance or Nightguard Delivery
- It is common to experience some discomfort following delivery of appliance.
- Please wear your appliance as directed by your dentist.
- Please clean your appliance with a toothbrush, dish soap and water only. Please do not use toothpaste, baking soda or bleach to clean your appliance. These items will create scratches in your appliance and degrade the material.
- Clean with a denture cleaner once weekly as directed. Your doctor will direct you in best practices.
- Your appliance may need adjustments. Please contact your dentist if you should feel discomfort or have follow-up concerns.
Post-op Instructions following Root Canal Therapy
- Depending on the anesthetic used, patients will typically be numb for a few hours following root canal therapy.
- It is fairly common for the jaw and gums to be sore following the procedure. Please contact your dentist if this soreness is not manageable.
- Healing after root canal therapy is highly dependent upon the condition of the tooth prior to the procedure. Some teeth take longer to heal. Postoperative tooth soreness is common.
- Pain management is a key in the healing process. OTC medications are commonly recommended to help manage pain. Your dentist will advise based upon your specific needs.
- After treatment is completed, depending upon the condition of the tooth, care must be taken to not chew on that tooth prior to final restoration. Root canal therapy is usually the first step to recovery for a tooth in less-than-ideal condition.
- Continue to brush and floss as recommended by your dentist.
- It is important to follow up with your dentist for the final restoration.
Post-op Instructions following Periodontal Therapy
(Scaling and Root Planing/Deep Cleaning)
- Depending on the anesthetic used, patients will typically be numb for a few hours.
- Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical approach to periodontal therapy.
- It is common to experience soreness in the gums and jaws after the procedure.
- Resume home care with brushing and flossing as indicated by your dentist.
- It is fairly common to experience cold sensitivity after the procedure.
- It is common for the teeth to feel “looser” initially. As the gums heal, they may “tighten” up again.
- Avoid hard, crunchy foods and citrus and spices that may further irritate the gums. Expect to have soreness in the treatment area for 72 hours.
- It is important to follow up with your dentist as recommended for maintenance visits.
Do's and Don'ts for Professional Teeth Whitening
Do's:
- Follow Dentist Recommendations: Adhere strictly to your dentist's instructions regarding the professional teeth whitening system.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue with regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash to keep your teeth clean.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your teeth and mouth hydrated.
- Use a Straw: If you consume beverages that can stain teeth (like coffee or red wine), use a straw to minimize contact with your newly whitened teeth.
- Attend Follow-up Appointments: Keep any scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
- Use Desensitizing Products: If you experience sensitivity, consider using desensitizing toothpaste or gel as recommended by your dentist.
- Follow-up as needed: If you experience persistent sensitivity or have concerns, consult your dentist promptly for personalized advice and guidance.
- Consider Maintenance: Ask your dentist about recommended products and techniques to prolong and maintain the results over time.
Don'ts:
- Staining Foods and Drinks: Steer clear of foods and beverages known to cause staining, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tumeric, and dark sauces. For best results, avoid the beforementioned foods for at least a week after the whitening procedure.
- Smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting or at least reducing tobacco use, as it can contribute to staining and compromise the results of teeth whitening.
- Acidic Foods: Limit the consumption of highly acidic foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion. Citrus, tomatoes, drinks with phosphoric or citric acid (re: soda and energy drinks) are best to avoid a week before and after whitening treatment.
- Overusing Whitening Products: Do not overuse over-the-counter whitening products or home remedies, as this may lead to tooth sensitivity or unfavorable results. Discuss your goals with a dentist to find out the product and regimen that will be best for you.
Post-op Instructions after Tooth Fillings
- Depending on the anesthetic used, patients will typically be numb for a few hours after a filling.
- It is common for the jaw and gums to be sore following filling.
- Sensitivity is a common post-operative symptom especially with deep fillings. This symptoms generally go away in a short period of time.
- Please contact your dentist if symptoms do not resolve after a week or if condition worsens. Often times, re-evaluation of your bite and minor adjustments to the filling can improve the issue.
Post-op Instructions following Crown or Bridgework
- Depending on the anesthetic used, patients will typically be numb for a few hours following crown or bridgework.
- It is common for the jaw and gums to be sore following the procedure.
- Sensitivity is a common post-operative symptom. These symptoms generally go away in a short period of time.
- A temporary crown/bridge is meant to protect the underlying tooth, maintain the space for the permanent crown and prevent the gum tissue from folding over the underlying tooth. If a temporary breaks or comes off, please contact your dentist and try to reapproximate the crown back in position if possible. Toothpaste or denture glue can be used as a temporary adhesive.
- Never use superglue or bite the crown into place in an effort to seat the crown.
- Please avoids sticky foods that may dislodge the temporary crown. Keep the area clean by brushing, modified "pull-through" flossing and using mouthwash daily.
- When flossing, snap the floss through the contacts of the temporary and slide the floss out, pulling it through. Do not floss upwards through the contact. This may dislodge the temporary.
Post-op Instructions following Tooth Extractions
- Depending upon the anesthetic used, patients will typically be numb for a few hours following an extraction procedure. It numbness persists for more than 12 hours, contact your dentist.
- It is common to experience soreness in the jaws and the areas of extractions.
- Do not disrupt the blood clot in the area of extractions. Avoid eating on the side of the surgery, resist exploring the area with your tongue, and brush adjacent teeth carefully.
- Rinsing should be delayed until at least 24 hours after surgery. Rinse your mouth daily with salt water (¼ tsp in 8oz water). After meals is a good rule of thumb.
- Avoid forcefully rinsing your mouth during the healing process. Vigorous swishing may disturb the clot. Please avoid commercial mouth rinses containing alcohol.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol until gums have healed closed. Healing time will be negatively influenced and there is a greater risk of postoperative complications.
- It is common to experience swelling following surgery. Please manage with cold compress for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Cold compression is most valuable for the first day or 24 hours.
- Starting the second day or hours 24-48, warm compresses can used to promote healing.
- Eat soft foods to the first few days following surgery and stay hydrated. Avoid hot food and liquids as this may weaken the clot. Warm foods can be enjoyed 48 hours after surgery.
- Avoid strenuous activity which may raise blood pressure for the first 24 hours.
- If antibiotics were prescribed, please take them as directed throughout the recommended course.
- Please follow up with your dentist for the recommended post-op visits.
- If you suspect that you are having a complication with healing, namely sharp, throbbing pain 36 hours after the procedure, call the office for further instruction.
Post-op Instructions following Denture or Partial Delivery
- To clean a denture or partial, use a plain toothbrush, dish soap and water to clean the denture. Please do not use any abrasives like toothpaste, baking soda or bleach. These items will create scratches in your appliance and degrade the material. Over-the-counter denture cleaner tablets are also useful in maintaining your denture.
- It is common to experience discomfort after delivery of a denture. It is common to need an adjustment to the denture shortly after delivery.
- Please follow up with your dentist for your scheduled post-op visits.
- The night before your po-op denture visit, clean your denture before bed and sleep overnight and wear it for as long as you can the day of your appointment. While it might be uncomfortable, visible sore spots will make adjustments more predictable and therefore successful.
- Your tongue, cheeks, lips will need some time to get used to the denture or partial. Muscle memory takes time and practice to develop.
- Your speech may be different initially following delivery. To help, read aloud several times a day so your mouth can learn to adjust to your new appliance.
- If you had teeth removed the same day a [immediate] denture is delivered, please review "Post-op Instructions following Extractions". Also, keep your new denture or partial in your mouth for 24 hours. If this is not possible, please wear for as long as possible. After 24 hours, please remove and clean.
Post-op Instructions following Occlusal Appliance or Nightguard Delivery
- It is common to experience some discomfort following delivery of appliance.
- Please wear your appliance as directed by your dentist.
- Please clean your appliance with a toothbrush, dish soap and water only. Please do not use toothpaste, baking soda or bleach to clean your appliance. These items will create scratches in your appliance and degrade the material.
- Clean with a denture cleaner once weekly as directed. Your doctor will direct you in best practices.
- Your appliance may need adjustments. Please contact your dentist if you should feel discomfort or have follow-up concerns.
Post-op Instructions following Root Canal Therapy
- Depending on the anesthetic used, patients will typically be numb for a few hours following root canal therapy.
- It is fairly common for the jaw and gums to be sore following the procedure. Please contact your dentist if this soreness is not manageable.
- Healing after root canal therapy is highly dependent upon the condition of the tooth prior to the procedure. Some teeth take longer to heal. Postoperative tooth soreness is common.
- Pain management is a key in the healing process. OTC medications are commonly recommended to help manage pain. Your dentist will advise based upon your specific needs.
- After treatment is completed, depending upon the condition of the tooth, care must be taken to not chew on that tooth prior to final restoration. Root canal therapy is usually the first step to recovery for a tooth in less-than-ideal condition.
- Continue to brush and floss as recommended by your dentist.
- It is important to follow up with your dentist for the final restoration.
Post-op Instructions following Periodontal Therapy
(Scaling and Root Planing/Deep Cleaning)
- Depending on the anesthetic used, patients will typically be numb for a few hours.
- Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical approach to periodontal therapy.
- It is common to experience soreness in the gums and jaws after the procedure.
- Resume home care with brushing and flossing as indicated by your dentist.
- It is fairly common to experience cold sensitivity after the procedure.
- It is common for the teeth to feel “looser” initially. As the gums heal, they may “tighten” up again.
- Avoid hard, crunchy foods and citrus and spices that may further irritate the gums. Expect to have soreness in the treatment area for 72 hours.
- It is important to follow up with your dentist as recommended for maintenance visits.
Do's and Don'ts for Professional Teeth Whitening
Do's:
- Follow Dentist Recommendations: Adhere strictly to your dentist's instructions regarding the professional teeth whitening system.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue with regular oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash to keep your teeth clean.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your teeth and mouth hydrated.
- Use a Straw: If you consume beverages that can stain teeth (like coffee or red wine), use a straw to minimize contact with your newly whitened teeth.
- Attend Follow-up Appointments: Keep any scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
- Use Desensitizing Products: If you experience sensitivity, consider using desensitizing toothpaste or gel as recommended by your dentist.
- Follow-up as needed: If you experience persistent sensitivity or have concerns, consult your dentist promptly for personalized advice and guidance.
- Consider Maintenance: Ask your dentist about recommended products and techniques to prolong and maintain the results over time.
Don'ts:
- Staining Foods and Drinks: Steer clear of foods and beverages known to cause staining, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tumeric, and dark sauces. For best results, avoid the beforementioned foods for at least a week after the whitening procedure.
- Smoking: If you smoke, consider quitting or at least reducing tobacco use, as it can contribute to staining and compromise the results of teeth whitening.
- Acidic Foods: Limit the consumption of highly acidic foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion. Citrus, tomatoes, drinks with phosphoric or citric acid (re: soda and energy drinks) are best to avoid a week before and after whitening treatment.
- Overusing Whitening Products: Do not overuse over-the-counter whitening products or home remedies, as this may lead to tooth sensitivity or unfavorable results. Discuss your goals with a dentist to find out the product and regimen that will be best for you.