Post Operative Instructions

After Tooth Extraction

To ensure proper healing after a tooth extraction, follow these important steps:

Place firm pressure on the gauze pad over the extraction site for 1 hour. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and apply pressure for another 45 minutes.
Supervise children carefully. Ensure they do not bite their numb lips or tongue to prevent soft tissue injury.
Avoid eating or drinking hot foods and beverages on the day of the extraction.
Do not rinse your mouth, use a straw, spit forcefully, or consume carbonated drinks on the day of surgery.
Avoid brushing the area on the day of surgery. Gently resume brushing and flossing the following day.

Pain and Swelling

Some discomfort, bruising around the lips, or swelling is normal, especially after impacted wisdom tooth extraction.
Use ice packs as instructed (10 minutes on, 5 minutes off) to reduce swelling.
Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed to minimize pain and prevent infection.

Diet Recommendations

Stick to soft foods and liquids during the first 2–3 days post-surgery (e.g., soups, yogurt, milkshakes, juice).
Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods until healing is complete.

Special Procedures

For complex surgeries, including impacted wisdom tooth removal or dental implant procedures:

You will receive specific ice pack instructions to use throughout the day.
Follow all unique post-operative directions provided by your dentist for your specific treatment.

When to Contact Your Dentist

Call immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, or unusual swelling.
For any questions, concerns, or emergencies, contact your dental office promptly.

Avoid eating on your new filling for at least 1 hour or until the numbness has completely worn off.
Supervise children closely to ensure they do not bite their numb lips or tongue, which can cause injury.
Do not chew hard foods or bite on silver amalgam fillings for 24 hours to allow them to set properly.

What to Expect

Some sensitivity to cold or heat and minor gum soreness is normal and usually subsides within a few days.
If discomfort or pain persists beyond a few days, contact your dentist promptly for advice.

Questions or Concerns

For any questions, concerns, or unusual symptoms after your filling, please call our office immediately. Proper care ensures long-lasting results.

Appointments Overview

Crowns and bridges usually require 2-3 visits to complete. During the first visit, your tooth or teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed. Some sensitivity, gum soreness, and minor discomfort are normal and should subside after the permanent crown is placed.

After Anesthesia

Avoid chewing on your teeth until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent accidental injury.

Temporary Crowns

Temporary crowns are made of plastic-based material or soft metal and can break under excessive pressure.
If a temporary crown comes off, save it and contact the dental office immediately for replacement.
To protect the temporary, avoid sticky or hard foods (like chewing gum or ice) and chew on the opposite side whenever possible.
Continue normal brushing, but floss gently around the temporary. If flossing is difficult, wait until the permanent crown is placed.

Permanent Crown or Bridge

After your permanent restoration is placed, you may feel slight pressure for a few days. Your bite may feel different initially. If discomfort persists beyond 2-3 days or the bite feels uneven, contact our office promptly. Delaying adjustments may damage the tooth permanently.

Questions & Concerns

Call our office if you experience pain, have concerns, or need guidance regarding your crown or bridge care. Proper care ensures longevity and comfort.

You may experience moderate pain, sensitivity to pressure, and some gum soreness for a few days following your treatment. Healing may take several days, but discomfort should gradually subside. Take any prescribed medication exactly as directed.

Temporary Filling

A temporary filling may have been placed. Avoid biting on the treated tooth for at least one hour or while numb.
Until your permanent restoration is placed, be gentle with the treated tooth and try to chew on the opposite side.
Continue your normal brushing and flossing carefully, avoiding excessive pressure on the treated area.
Follow up promptly for the placement of your permanent restoration; delays may risk permanent damage to the tooth.

When to Call

Contact our office if you experience severe pain, swelling, or have any questions about your post-treatment care.

You may experience temporary cold or heat sensitivity, especially after deep cleaning. This usually subsides within a few days.
If you received anesthesia, avoid eating or drinking until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent injury.
Continue your regular brushing and flossing carefully, avoiding excessive pressure on sensitive areas.
Some bleeding for a day or two after cleaning is normal. If you notice excessive bleeding, contact our office immediately.
Call our office if you experience pain, prolonged sensitivity, or have any questions regarding your post-cleaning care.

Placement of Orthodontics & Braces

You may experience pressure or mild discomfort on your teeth after braces placement. This is normal and usually subsides within a few days.
Be gentle with your braces and avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage the brackets or wires.
Brushing and flossing around braces can be challenging, but it is essential for oral hygiene and preventing decay.
Use any orthodontic tools (floss threaders, interdental brushes) recommended by your dentist for thorough cleaning.
Call our office if you experience persistent pain, broken brackets, or loose wires, or if you have any questions regarding your braces care.

You may experience discomfort and minor bleeding on the day of surgery. This is normal and should subside gradually.
Take all prescribed medications exactly as instructed by your dentist.
Apply an ice bag over the surgical area for 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off to minimize swelling.
Keep your follow-up appointments for suture removal and post-operative checks.
Do not raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the treated area or brush near the surgical site; brush only the rest of your mouth.
Temporary loss of feeling in the operated area is normal, and the tooth may feel slightly loose.
Avoid smoking, spitting, or using a straw on the day of surgery; continue to avoid smoking for a few days after.
If you experience any complications or have concerns, call our office immediately. In case of serious emergencies, call emergency services.

You may experience discomfort with any new denture for a few days as your mouth adjusts.
All new dentures require several adjustments to ensure a comfortable and proper fit.
Remove your dentures every night and store them in a clean container filled with water or denture cleaning solution to give your gums time to rest.
Clean your dentures thoroughly with a brush and water before reinserting them.
It may be difficult to speak normally at first; practice by reading out loud daily to help your tongue and muscles adapt.
Call our office if you experience pain, persistent discomfort, or have any questions about your dentures.

You may experience swelling, minor pain, and temporary skin discoloration following the procedure.
To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack for 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off during the first few hours after surgery.
From the next day, rinse the treated area with lukewarm water after each meal for the first 3 days.
Eat only soft foods and avoid hard or chewy foods. Maintain proper nutrition and hydration with liquids like fruit juices, soup, and milk. Vitamin supplements can be used if desired.
Avoid sleeping on the operated side for 2-3 days to reduce pressure on the surgical site.
DO NOT raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the area, and DO NOT brush near the surgical site. You may brush the rest of your mouth normally.
Temporary loss of feeling or slight looseness of the tooth in the operated area is normal.
Take all prescribed medications exactly as instructed.
If you experience any difficulties, contact our office immediately. For serious emergencies, call us without delay.