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. If you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling), call the dentist immediately.
CROWN AND BRIDGEWORK
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 pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky, chewy foods and very hot liquids while you have the temporary in.
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 over the counter medication if the pain does not go away.
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 tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let the dentist know. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You will be instructed on how to floss under your bridge.
COMPOSITE FILLINGS & BONDING–AIR ABRASION
After the anesthesia wears off, your teeth may be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next day or so. 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.
DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY
After dental implant surgery, it is recommended that you take at easy for 48-72 hours. Resting assists the healing process and limits after-surgery bleeding. Drink plenty of fluids, but nothing too cold. You may need to apply an ice pack to your face in twenty-minute intervals for the 2 days following surgery. If you received upper implants, do not blow your nose for two weeks. It is common to experience slight bleeding for about two days after surgery. You will feel slightly uncomfortable the first two days following surgery, but the third day is generally better. An increase in temperature of about 1 to 2 degrees is to be expected and is not a cause for concern. Finally, while you can eat when you are hungry, do not chew directly onto the bone graft.
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. Also hydrogen peroxide mixed half and half with water is another alternative to salt water.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 1-2 days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days, contact your dentist.
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.
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.
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 tooth 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
Extractions can range from a single tooth, to removing all four wisdom teeth at once. Immediately after surgery, a gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site, which should not be removed for at least 45 minutes, and then discarded after that. After surgery to remove a tooth, mild discomfort and some swelling is expected. You may use cold compresses to alleviate the swelling. Refrain from drinking from a straw or rinsing the mouth to ensure that you do not dislodge the blood clot that has formed. Limit your activities that day. You can resume your regular activities the following day. Take the pain medication as prescribed to reduce the amount of discomfort you feel after the local anesthetic wears off.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires some extra post-operative care to reduce the chance of infection or other complications.
For impacted wisdom teeth, the patient needs to take it easy and not do any heavy lifting for 24 hours. You usually need to be driven home by a friend or family. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. 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. Refrain from smoking the first 24 hours. If you have sutures, they will dissolve on their own, unless we advise you otherwise. 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. Your dentist will usually prescribe you pain medication to take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain and swelling. Patients are also advised to favor the extraction area and modify their diet for a few days to allow for healing. After the extraction, a liquid diet is advised the first day. When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. 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
- Other foods you can eat without chewing.
If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly, call your dentist for a follow up. Keep area as clean as possible for healing to occur.
