Patient Post Treatment Instructions
Below Are Our Post Operative Instructions. Please click on type of the procedure to view the instructions.
Post-op Instructions - Tooth Extraction
During the first 24 hours, it is important that a blood clot forms on the extraction site to stop bleeding, reduce pain, and speed healing. To protect the clot and avoid the pain of dry socket, please follow these instructions:
- Bite on a gauze pad firmly for 30–60 minutes. Blood and saliva mix in the mouth and can make it look like there is more bleeding than there really is. Some oozing is normal and may be noticed for the rest of the day after the procedure. You may bite on another gauze pad or a tea bag for another 30 minutes if you feel it is still bleeding.
- Do not spit.
- Do not use a straw to drink liquids.
- Do not suck on candies.
- Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours.
SMOKING:
Smoking should be stopped following surgery. Healing and the success of the surgery will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke chemicals in your body.
Also, the suction created when inhaling cigarettes can dislodge the clot. Smokers are at greater risk of developing a painful dry socket.
PAIN:
Some discomfort is normal after surgery. To minimize pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever to maintain comfort. Take it before the anesthesia wears off.
If prescription pain medication is prescribed, take it as instructed on the label. Don't exceed the dose on the label. Taking it with food or milk will help reduce an upset stomach.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking prescription pain medication. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
NAUSEA:
This is most often caused by taking pain medications on an empty stomach. Reduce nausea by preceding each pain pill with soft food and taking the pill with a large glass of water.
SWELLING:
Applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the first day.
NUMBNESS:
The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area.
Sometimes the extraction causes residual numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.
BRUSHING:
Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After this, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery for 3 days.
RINSING:
Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after extraction. Rinsing can disturb the formation of a healing blood clot, which is essential to proper healing. This could cause bleeding and increase the risk of dry socket.
After 24 hours, you may begin gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon soda + 8 ounces warm water). Avoid commercial mouth rinses.
DIET:
Eat soft foods for the first two days. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Return to normal regular meals as soon as you are able after the first two days.
Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.
ACTIVITY:
After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and aid healing.
ANTIBIOTICS:
If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them as directed until they are gone.
Women: some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birth control methods for two months.
SINUS:
If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose or playing a wind musical instrument for one week. Use of decongestant medications might be recommended.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS:
You may need to return to the office to have sutures removed or just for a brief follow-up healing check.
Please call your dentist if you have:
- Uncontrollable pain
- Excessive or severe bleeding
- Marked fever
- Excessive warm swelling occurring a few days after the procedure
- Reactions to medications, especially rash, itching, or breathing problems
Following these instructions very closely will greatly help your comfort and promote uneventful healing of the area.
If any of the instructions are not followed, you might have significantly more discomfort, and the success of the procedure may be affected.
Caring For Your New Dentures
Quick Cleaning:
Never use alcohol or alcohol-based products to clean your denture. Alcohol will damage your denture and will void the warranty.
- Gently brush your teeth with a toothbrush and warm water every time you remove your denture. Do not brush the denture because it will scratch the shine.
- Never boil your denture.
- Never use bleach on your denture.
Easy Storage
- Always store your denture in a denture container with distilled or tap water. Pets love to chew on dentures, so keep it safe in a container. Keeping it in a container also helps prevent breakage.
- Do not use bleach or alcohol-based products for storage. Mouthwash and denture cleaners almost always contain alcohol and will void the warranty.
- Do not expose your denture to extreme heat or direct sunlight.
Recommended Products
- Stain Away – available at Walgreens
- Retainer Brite – available by calling (800) 866-6884
Post-Op Instructions for a Root Canal
It is difficult to predict which symptoms, if any, you may experience and to what extent. In complicated cases, Doctor may prescribe pain medication and/or antibiotics if necessary.
While severe pain is usually not expected except in extreme circumstances, it is normal to have some discomfort after the procedure. This usually only lasts three days.
If you experience swelling, call our office. It may be necessary to prescribe an antibiotic for you.
If you have an adverse reaction to any medications Doctor prescribed for you, call our office. It may be necessary to change or discontinue your medication.
A temporary filling may be used to seal the tooth between visits.
Be gentle and cautious with the tooth while eating until the final restoration is placed.
During endodontic treatment, the nerve, blood, and nutrient supply to the tooth are removed. This causes the tooth to become brittle and prone to cracking and fracturing. If a fracture does occur, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Therefore, in almost all cases, a post and core build-up and a full-coverage crown restoration are necessary to help prevent this from happening.
Post-Op Instructions for a Crown or Bridge
Things you should know about Crown and Bridge Treatment Sensitivity, especially to cold, is common for a few weeks. This sensitivity is usually most noticeable the first couple of days after the anesthetic wears off, and gradually diminishes during the following weeks. The gum tissue may have been irritated during the procedure (especially if the decay went below the gum line) and may be sore for a few days. Also, the anesthetic injection site is normally tender for a day or two. After your first appointment for crown and bridge treatment, a temporary crown or temporary bridge is usually placed on the tooth or teeth involved. The temporary crown restores the tooth while the custom crown is being made especially for you. Temporary crowns are of a universal size and shade and never match the tooth perfectly. Your final restoration will be shaped and shaded better than the temporary to match your other teeth in both color and function. Special cement is used so the temporary crown can be easily removed at your next appointment. It is not uncommon for a temporary crown to dislodge between appointments. If your temporary crown comes off between appointments, slip it back on with denture adhesive, and call the office for an appointment. With your temporary crown and with your permanent crown, you may experience some discomfort due to irritation of the area during the treatment procedures. You may also notice sensitivity to cold or pressure. That sensitivity will diminish with time. Once your permanent custom-made crown is cemented, the gum tissue will return to normal. Keep your temporary crown clean by brushing regularly, but floss very gently and carefully as flossing may inadvertently pull off the temporary crown. Your new permanent crown will be shaped and shaded to match your teeth in color and fit. The temporary crown is made to serve you temporarily, so its color and fit are not custom matched to your teeth After your new permanent crown is in place you may need a few days to adjust to it. If after that time you feel your bite is not correctly balanced, we can simply adjust it. Care for your new crown with proper brushing and flossing. It is especially important to keep your teeth clean using good hygiene to maintain your oral health and prevent tooth decay.
Fixed Implant Supported Restorations - Post Operative Instructions
Care of your mouth after surgery has an important effect on healing. Swelling, discomfort, and restricted jaw function are expected and should not cause alarm. These may be minimized by following the instructions below. Please read them carefully. It is strongly urged that they be followed.
Please note that there is no charge for your post-operative care in this office.
Bleeding
Remove the gauze pack(s) after one hour. Do not rinse, spit, use straws, smoke, or brush your teeth for the first 24 hours. Spitting or sucking causes bleeding to continue.
Slight bleeding is expected for the first day. If bleeding is excessive, place a folded gauze pad or a moistened tea bag over the wound and bite firmly for 30 minutes with constant pressure. Assume a semi-upright position using a couple of pillows.
Pain and Infection
Take your medications as directed on the package. If you develop hives or a rash, discontinue all medications and contact our office.
Do not drive or operate mechanical equipment after taking prescription pain medication.
Swelling
Apply an ice pack — 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off — to the jaw immediately upon returning home and change it frequently. Continue this on and off for 24 hours.
Peak swelling should occur between the second and third day postoperatively and diminish slowly thereafter.
Diet
Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 48 hours. A liquid or non-chew diet is recommended the day of surgery, and then soft foods high in vitamins and protein are recommended for the next several days. Increase your fluid intake. We recommend having protein shakes.
Suggested foods for the first 6 months (remember, no straws allowed):
- Jell-O, pudding, yogurt, and ice cream
- Scrambled eggs, cream of wheat, oatmeal, and pancakes
- Soups, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, fish, and pasta
- Applesauce, milkshakes, popsicles, and smoothies
- Juice, water, and ice chips
Take 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily. Take a multivitamin daily.
Nausea
Do not take narcotic prescription pain medication on an empty stomach! Small sips of a carbonated drink will usually terminate nausea. Follow this with mild tea or clear soup, and then easily digestible foods like toast or Jell-O. Avoid greasy foods and milk products.
Over-the-counter Dramamine® can be taken to reduce nausea. If nausea continues, contact our office.
Oral Hygiene
The day following surgery, the mouth may be rinsed gently with a warm saltwater solution (½ teaspoon salt per half glass of lukewarm water) after each meal and at bedtime. Do not use hydrogen peroxide rinses.
The teeth should be brushed, but avoid the site(s) of surgery.
Please use the Stella Life postoperative kit three times daily:
- Rinse with Stella Life.
- Apply the Stella Life gel to the surgical site using a Q-tip.
- Use the Stella Life mouth spray by spraying one squirt into your mouth.
Please purchase a Waterpik and Super Floss, which you may use one month after surgery. These products can be found on Amazon.
Smoking Following Surgery
Smoking can cause bleeding and delay healing. Smokers are advised not to smoke for days following surgery.
Rest
Avoid overexertion and get adequate rest. Avoiding sports, exercise, and strenuous activity for at least 2–3 days is generally recommended.
Dental Care
It is usually best to avoid routine or elective dental care (hygiene visits) until the dentist clears you.
Once cleared, you should see a professional hygienist at least once every six months to clean the implants and restorations.
Infection
Signs of infection include increased pain and swelling after 3 days, redness, warmth, drainage of pus, foul smell, and fever.
If these occur, contact our office at 410-250-1559.
Post-Op Visits
If you have been given an appointment for post-operative care, please return to the office as scheduled.
If you are experiencing problems or have questions, we can usually arrange a postoperative visit on short notice.
Please note that there are no additional charges for post-operative care visits.
If emergency care is necessary after normal office hours, please call our office and leave a detailed message including your name and phone number, and the doctor will return your call.
Bone Graft - Post Operative Instructions
Where conflicting information may be noted, these instructions supersede all other instructions.
Hey, where’s the gauze?!
There is no gauze! We intentionally did NOT place gauze over your graft site. This was very intentional and not a mistake or oversight.
We do NOT want you to use gauze on your bone graft site. Why? Because your graft site is delicate and can be irreparably harmed by gauze going on and off of the site.
DO NOT PUT GAUZE ON YOUR GRAFT SITE!
So what do I do if it’s bleeding?
If it is oozing blood, please do the following:
- Sit and relax; keep your heart rate low.
- Use iced compresses to your face.
- Sip icy-cool liquids.
- Minimize talking, as motion at the surgery site may prolong oozing.
If the oozing doesn’t slow to a small trickle after 1 hour of following the above instructions, please contact our office.
I have this bad taste coming from my graft. What is that?
We have infused your graft with antibiotics. We do this so that any bacteria left in the site prior to the graft, or any bacteria that may try to get into the site, will encounter the antibiotic and die.
This is done as a preventative measure to help keep your graft from becoming infected. The antibiotic may slowly leach out and give you a bad taste.
If this happens, gently rinse your mouth with salt water.
What is this weird thing I just pulled out of my mouth? Is this a graft particle? Is my graft failing?
Your graft is comprised of hundreds and hundreds (possibly thousands) of very small bone graft particles. They are condensed tightly into the surgery site.
The particles closest to the surface of the graft are the least tightly packed (they have nothing above them but membrane!). It is common, normal, and even expected that your graft may exfoliate 2, 3, or 4 particles here and there.
These are particles that have not been incorporated into the main, clotted body of the graft. If they did not exfoliate, they would become trapped in the gum tissue as it heals. So it is actually desirable for those loose particles to come out.
If you notice a significant number of graft particles all at once (i.e. “it feels like there’s a pile of sand in my mouth…”), please contact our office.
What do I do with the rinses that I have?
For the first 48 hours after your graft has been placed, please rinse with salt water only!
Rinses should be done after meals and before bed. Do not use the prescription rinses for the first 48 hours.
AFTER the first 48 hours, please resume (or start) using your prescription rinses. Remember, always do the blue rinse first.
What about brushing?
Wait 24 hours after surgery to brush your teeth (yes, all of them)!
After the first 24 hours, you may brush your teeth, but do not brush near your surgery site until 48 hours after the surgery.
When you do brush your teeth near the surgery site, stay on the tops of the nearby teeth and do not brush your actual surgery site. Let the mouth rinses accomplish the cleansing of the site.
What about flossing?
Don’t floss the site. Don’t WaterPik the site.
I have an irrigating syringe. Should I use it on my graft site?
No. Do not use an irrigating syringe on your graft site. Let the mouth rinses accomplish the cleansing of the site.
How do I know if my graft is infected?
It is very rare for these grafts to actually become infected.
Signs of infection include reddish swelling of the tissues beyond normal post-operative swelling accompanied by new pain.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, especially if it’s post-operative day 5 or later, please call our office.
Sinus Augmentation - Post Operative Instructions
Sinus augmentation, also known as a sinus lift, is a surgical procedure that involves adding bone to the upper jaw in the area of the molars and premolars to make room for dental implants.
After the procedure, it is important to follow proper aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize the risk of complications.
1. Take Prescribed Medication
Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe pain medication, antibiotics, or other medications to help manage pain and prevent infection. Be sure to take these medications as directed.
2. Apply Ice Packs
To reduce swelling and bruising, apply ice packs to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, with 20-minute breaks in between.
3. Rest
It is important to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous physical activity for several days after the procedure.
4. Avoid Smoking
Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It is important to avoid smoking or using tobacco products for at least several days after the procedure.
5. Avoid Using a Straw
Using a straw to drink liquids can create negative pressure in the mouth and dislodge the blood clot, which can delay the healing process.
It is important to avoid using a straw for at least several days after the procedure.
6. Follow a Soft Food Diet
After the procedure, it is important to eat soft, nutritious foods that do not require a lot of chewing.
Avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods, as well as hard, crunchy, or sticky foods.
7. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
After the procedure, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
8. Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Your dentist or oral surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and remove any stitches, if necessary.
Be sure to attend all scheduled appointments and follow any additional instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.
By following these aftercare instructions, you can help ensure a smooth recovery after sinus augmentation and promote the long-term success of your dental implants.