It is essential to follow instructions after you have oral surgery to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. As a rule of thumb, you should always wait two hours after surgery before eating to let the anesthesia wear off, and trying to eat before this could result in soft tissue damage because you cannot feel all of your mouth. The instructions found below are guidelines. After your surgery, the doctor or dental assistant will give you complete instructions on recovering properly.
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 done so you do not irritate the area, and ensure that the temporary restorative material is properly set. You will also need to take an antibiotic to treat any remaining infection in your tooth. Call your dentist immediately if you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling).
Crowns and Bridges
You will need a temporary restoration before you receive your permanent crown/bridge. Temporayrs are 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 permanent crown or bridge is placed, it may feel awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should feel like one of your natural teeth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your teeth. You should brush and floss regularly.
White Fillings (Bonding)
After the anesthesia wears off, your teeth will likely be sensitive. For the next few days, you should avoid hot and cold food and drink. After that initial period, your treated teeth will feel as good as new. Continue your normal hygiene plan to ensure that your fillings last a long time.
Scaling and Root Planing
After this procedure, your gums will 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 daily. Rinses will relieve the pain and cleanse the area. Continue to brush & floss right after the procedure, but you should brush your teeth gently, not further to irritate the area. If you experience swelling or stiffness in the area, you can place a cold compress on it and take pain-relieving medicine. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 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
You will need a temporary restoration before you receive your permanent veneer. However, 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, which 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 teeth 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
After the surgery, you will need to rest. Because of the anesthesia, you must be driven home by a friend or family member. You can expect the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. We apply gauze after the surgery; you must 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, which could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe pain medication, so if you become sore, take it as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site. You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after surgery. Some recommended foods are:
- Gelatin
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Ice Cream
- Thin Soups
- Any food you can eat without chewing
When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. Call your dentist for a follow-up if you have prolonged pain, bleeding, or irritation or don't feel the extraction site is healing properly.