Post-Operative Instructions

A patient should expect soreness in the jaw and mouth for a minimum of 2 to 3 days. It is recommended that patients try to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the procedure was performed. This will keep the wound from becoming sore or irritated. Not chewing in the area of the surgery will also ensure that the temporary restorative material is able to set properly. The patient may be prescribed an antibiotic to treat any possible infection. If increased pain or tenderness is experienced, there is a reaction to the medication, or the temporary filling comes loose, call Apopka Smiles immediately.

Before the permanent crown or bridge is placed, the patient will be fitted for a temporary restoration. The temporary crown or bridge will not be as sturdy as the permanent one so patients need to be careful while brushing or eating because the temporary is more apt to come loose. Brush the area gently. When flossing, do not try to pull up on the temporary because it could become dislodged. It is also best to avoid sticky or chewy foods. There will be some sensitivity and irritation in the area where the temporary or permanent appliance is placed. The sensitivity is normal and will subside as the tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and the patient can take Advil or Tylenol to help ease the pain. When the permanent crown or bridge is installed, it will probably feel out of place or awkward for a couple of days. The mouth will need to adjust to the new appliance but it should begin to feel like a natural tooth in about 5 to 6 days. If the patient’s bite is affected or the crown is rubbing against another tooth, let our dentist know immediately. Care of the bridge or crown is no different than caring for your natural teeth. Brush and floss regularly and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash.

Shortly after the anesthesia begins to wear off, the teeth that were treated will be sensitive. Avoid hot and cold food or drink for several hours. After a short time, the teeth will start to feel normal again. Stay consistent with a hygiene plan at home to ensure the fillings last as long as possible.

The gums are likely to be sore and irritated for several days following the procedure. It is important to rinse the mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2 or 3 times a day which will keep the area clean and relieve some of the pain. Brushing and flossing should continue immediately, but brush the area gently to avoid irritating it. If the area swells or is stiff, apply a cold compress and take a pain reliever. Avoid all hard and chewy foods for a minimum of 2 to 3 days. If you experience excessive pain or swelling, check in with our dentist at Apopka Smiles.

Patients will be given a temporary veneer to wear while the permanent veneer is fabricated. As mentioned earlier, the temporary veneer will not be as sturdy as the permanent one, so patients need to be cautious when eating and brushing. Brush gently, and when flossing, do not pull up on the teeth because the veneer could become dislodged. Stay away from sticky or chewy foods when the temporary is being worn. Patients will experience some sensitivity and irritation for a few days after the temporary or permanent is placed. As the tissue heals, the sensitivity and irritation will go away. The area should be rinsed with warm salt water and patients should take Advil or Tylenol if they are in pain. It is normal for the permanent veneer to feel a little awkward for 2 to 3 days after it is placed. Your mouth will quickly adjust to the restoration and the veneer should feel like natural teeth in less than a week. If your bite is abnormal, let our dentist know. A slight adjustment may be necessary. When brushing and flossing, pay attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line.

Rest is a priority following an extraction since most patients need anesthesia during the procedure. Patients will need to be driven home by a friend or family member following the treatment. The extraction site will usually bleed for a short period. A gauze dressing can be applied to the wound, but will need to be changed frequently because it will become saturated with blood and saliva. Notify our dentist if the bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours. A patient should not lie flat while resting because it can prolong the bleeding. Rest your head on a pillow when lying down. If the site is painful, any medication prescribed by our dentist should be taken. An ice pack can be applied to the extraction area if the pain persists. If our dentist gives you a cleaning solution, treat the wound regularly to prevent infection. Only eat soft foods for a few days after the procedure. Foods such as gelatin, pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, ice cream, thin soups, and any other foods that can be consumed without chewing. When drinking, try not to use a straw because the suction could loosen any sutures covering the wound and disrupt clotting. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly, call our dentist at Apopka Smiles immediately.