After Care Instructions
After Care Instructions For Certain Dental Procedures
Following your dental procedure, please take a few moments to read these aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
AFTER EXTRACTIONS:
1. Do not chew anything until the anesthetic has worn off.
2. Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal after procedures like extractions. Some bleeding mixed with saliva may look like a lot but If bleeding continues:
Gently bite down on a clean gauze pad for 30-45 minutes. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze and apply constant pressure for another 30-45 minutes
Avoid spitting, sucking, or drinking through straws as this may disturb the blood clot and lead to further bleeding. Don’t disturb the area with your tongue or your hands.
3. Pain Management
4. Swelling and Bruising
Swelling is common after procedures such as extractions or surgery. To minimize swelling:
Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face near the affected area for 15-20 minutes every hour during the first 24 hours. After the first day, you may switch to moist heat.
Keep your head elevated while resting, even while sleeping, to reduce swelling.
5. Diet, Hydration & Multi-Vitamins
Stick to soft foods for the first few days, such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods.
Drink plenty of water, but avoid hot drinks and alcohol for 24-48 hours.
Avoid smoking for at least 48 hours, as it can hinder healing and increase the risk of complications.
Take over the counter multi-vitamins as they help in healing.
6. Oral Hygiene
Brush gently around the treatment area to keep the area clean. Avoid brushing directly at surgical site until it heals completely.
Rinse your mouth gently with salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of warm water) after 24 hours to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they may irritate the treated area.
7. Activity Restrictions
Rest for the first 24 hours after your procedure. Avoid strenuous physical activities such as exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over.
Limit talking and laughing to avoid strain on the treated area.
8. For upper back teeth
Avoid blowing your nose: This is important if the procedure involved the sinus area, such as in upper molar extractions. Blowing your nose can create pressure that may affect the healing of the area near sinus or the extraction site.
Stifling sneezes: If you feel a sneeze coming on, try to sneeze with your mouth open to reduce the pressure on your sinuses and the extraction site.
Decongestants: If prescribed, decongestants can help alleviate sinus congestion, but be cautious and follow your dentist’s or doctor’s instructions, especially if you’re using other medications.
9. Stitches
Dissolving stitches: If dissolvable stitches were used, they typically dissolve on their own in 1-2 weeks. During this time, avoid irritating the area with your tongue or fingers.
Premature removal of stitches: If the stitches do come out prematurely (for example, from irritation), it may interfere with healing. Let your dentist know if you feel they are loosening too early.
Follow-up appointments: If the stitches need to be removed manually, make sure to attend the follow-up visit scheduled by your dentist, typically within 10-14 days after the procedure.
10. Follow-Up Appointment
11. When to Contact Us
Contact our office if you experience Problem breathing or swallowing. An allergic reaction to medication (rash, hives or itching) Severe or prolonged pain that does not respond to medication. Excessive bleeding that cannot be controlled. Signs of infection (fever, increased swelling, or pus discharge). Any unusual reactions or complications.
AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
1.Do not chew anything until the anesthetic has worn off.
2.Continue taking your medications as prescribed
3.Chew on the side of your mouth that didn’t go through the procedure
4.Be careful when brushing the tooth for first few hours
5.Do warm salt water rinses 4-5 times a day to keep the area clean
6.Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling
7. Avoid chewing or biting on the treatment area until your permanent restoration is placed.
When to contact our office
After getting fillings:
1. Do not chew anything until the anesthetic has worn off.
2.Avoid biting down on hard foods or chewing ice for 24 hours.
3.Brush and floss gently around the filled tooth.
4.Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the tooth and prevent future cavities.
5.Monitor for any changes in the filled tooth, such as sensitivity or discomfort.
6.It is normal for a tooth that has gone through deep filling to be sensitive for a while but it should ease away instead of keep getting worse.
When to contact our office
If the sensitivity to cold or hot food persists are getting worse. Spontaneous pain or pain at night time.
You can’t bite down on the treated tooth.
