Post- Op Instructions for dental procedures

Patient Instructions After Periodontal Treatment

• For pain or discomfort you may take over-the-counter pain medication.
• It is advisable to eat only soft food for the first 24 hrs, and avoid any hard or spicy foods which could cause irritation.
• Drink plenty of water during the first 24 hrs- at least 8 glasses are recommended.
• Place cold towels or an ice bag to the outside of your face in the treatment area. Apply for 15 min.’s, then remove for 15-min.’s during the first 4-6 hrs.
• On the morning after the treatment, rinse mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teas. salt to a glass of warm water). Repeat this several times.
• Brush teeth gently to help remove plaque that has started to form. We suggest using fluoride, tarter control toothpaste.
• Don’t use floss or other home tooth care products, such as toothpicks or electric brushes, until the day after your treatment. Begin very gently at first.
• Because it is very common for periodontal disease to recur, patients should have regular checkups to monitor progress and prevent recurrence.

Patient Instructions After Extractions

• Place cold towels or an ice bag to your face the first 6-8 hrs. Apply for 15 min.’s, then remove for 15 min.’s.
• Do not rinse mouth until the following day.
• On the morning following surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water(1/2 teas. Salt to a glass of warm water). Repeat this several times.
• Keep fingers and tongue away from socket.
• BLEEDING- this is normal for saliva to be slightly streaked with blood for 1-2 days. If abnormal bleeding occurs, place moist gauze over extraction site and bite down for 30-45 min.’s.
• Following dental surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort. If medication has been prescribed, take as instructed.
• SWELLLING & STIFFNESS- is normal and should not cause alarm. Apply cold towels or ice bag for 15 min.’s of each hour as needed.
• DIET- A liquid or soft diet is advisable during the first 24 hrs. Drink lots of fluids
• Return to the office if undue symptoms develop.

Please follow these home care instructions carefully and call this office if you have any questions or concerns.

Patient Instructions after Fillings

• Your restoration is ready to be used if you had a composite (white) filling placed. If you had an amalgam (silver) filling placed please allow 24 hrs. before chewing or biting on it to allow it to set.
• You can (and should!) brush and floss these restorations just like all of your teeth CAREFULLY.
• You may experience cold sensitivity. This is a normal response a tooth will sometimes have after bonding or adhesive procedures. If it does not gradually go away after 2 weeks, please let us know.
• Your bite was carefully adjusted today, but if you feel that it is not right (high) when you are no longer numb, please let us know. These restorations are extremely sturdy after completely set –up and will not wear down by themselves.
• If you have any lingering discomfort after you are no longer numb, 600mgs. Of Ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, Motrin) every 6 hrs will usually take care of it.
• If you experience any extreme hot or cold sensitivity, aching or throbbing that lasts for more than one day, you need to let us know. This may indicate a problem with the nerve of the tooth.

Please follow these home care instructions carefully and call this office if you have any questions or concerns.

Patient Instructions after Crown or Bridge Treatment

• After your first appointment for a crown or bridge treatment, a temporary crown is usually placed on the tooth or teeth involved. The temporary crown protects while the custom crown is being produced. Temporary cement is used so that it can easily removed at your next appointment.
• Avoid eating on the same side of the mouth that the temporary was place.
• Warm salt water rise one tablespoon to a 8oz glass of warm water.
• If your temporary crown comes off before your next appointment, place the temporary back on your tooth and call our office.
• If your temporary crown and with your permanent crown, you may experience some discomfort due to irritation of the area during the treatment procedures. You may also notice sensitivity to cold or pressure.
• Your new permanent crown will be shaped and shaded especially to your teeth in the color and fit. The temporary crown is made to serve you temporarily, so its color and fit are not a custom-match to your teeth.
• After your new permanent crown is placed you may need a few days to adjust to it. If you feel the bite is not correctly balanced, please call for an appointment and we can adjust it.
• Care for your new permanent crown with proper brushing and flossing. It is especially important to keep the edge of the crown clean at the gumline.

Please follow these home care instructions carefully and call the office if you have any questions or concerns.