Following instructions after oral surgery is important to ensure a good recovery and avoid complications. As a rule, you should always wait two hours after surgery before eating before the anesthesia wears off. So trying to eat too soon can cause soft tissue damage because you can’t feel anything in your mouth. The instructions found below are guidelines. After surgery, the doctor or dental assistant will give you comprehensive instructions on how to recover smoothly from the procedure.
Root Canal Therapy
Pain can be expected several days after the arthrodesis. You should avoid chewing the area of the mouth where the surgery was performed to avoid irritating the area and to ensure proper placement of temporary restorations. You will also need to take antibiotics to treat residual tooth infections. Call your Toronto dentist immediately if you notice increased pain or discomfort, reactions to medications, or loss of temporary teeth (fillings).
Crowns and Bridges
You will first receive a temporary restoration before receiving your permanent crown/bridge. This is not as strong as the permanent one, so be careful when cleaning and feeding. Brush gently and do not pull the tooth as it may dislocate the tooth. The same is true of food. You should temporarily avoid sticky or soft foods.
There may be some emotion and anger after being put away temporarily or permanently. After the soft tissue heals, this is normal and will go away. A warm salt water rinse will help, and if the pain doesn’t go away, you can also take Advil or Tylenol
When a permanent crown or bridge is installed, it can feel a little uneven for a few days. Your mouth will have to adjust to the new tooth, and in less than a week it will look like one of your natural teeth. If your bite is abnormal in any way, you should tell your dentist. Taking care of a bridge or crown is like taking care of your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly.
White Fillings (Bonding)
When the anesthesia wears off, your teeth will become brittle. Hot and cold foods or drinks should be avoided for the next few days. After that initial period, your dentures will feel as good as new. Continue with your regular cleaning routine to ensure the longevity of your packaging.
Scaling and Root Planing
After this procedure, your tooth may be mildly sore and irritated for a few days. You should wash your face with warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. This will reduce the pain and clean the area. Brushing and flossing should be done immediately after surgery, but you should brush gently so as not to irritate the area too much. If you notice swelling or stiffness in one area, you can apply cold compresses to the area and take some painkillers. Avoid hard or soft foods for 2-3 days after surgery to ensure the area heals properly. If you experience constant pain or swelling after a few days, see your dentist.
Veneers
You will first get a temporary restoration before you get your permanent veneer. This is not as strong as the permanent one, so be careful when cleaning and feeding. Brush gently and do not pull the tooth as it may dislocate the tooth. The same is true of food. You should temporarily avoid sticky or soft foods.
There may be some emotion and anger after being put away temporarily or permanently. This is typical and will go away as the soft tissue recovers. A warm salt water rinse will help, and if the pain doesn’t go away, you can also take Advil or Tylenol.
Once the veneer is set, it can feel a little uneven for a few days. Your mouth will have to adjust to the new tooth, and in less than a week it will look like one of your natural teeth. If your bite is abnormal in any way, you should tell your dentist. When brushing and flossing, you should pay close attention to the space between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line.
Extractions
After the surgery you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. 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. 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 prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Ice Cream
- Thin Soups
- …and other food you can eat without chewing.
Make sure not to use straw while drinking. The habit of drinking can weaken your lines and slow down blood clotting. The same is true of smoking. If you have lingering pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t think the extraction site is healing properly, call your dentist for a consultation.
