Post-op Instructions

Be sure to inform the dentist of any dental ailments you may suffer from especially any bleeding disorders, blood thinners or advanced liver disease.

After extraction, make sure you don’t spit or rinse, suck on a straw or smoke. If you have bleeding after extraction, place a gauze or tea bag on the area with pressure for 10 minutes and swallow your saliva. If bleeding persists, you may need to see your dentist. Limit vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after extraction. If bleeding persists, you may need to see your dentist.

You may feel some pain and swelling after extractions. This may be relieved with pain medication. It may take up to 48 hours for the swelling to subside.

Ensure that if antibiotics are prescribed, to take them for the indicated time even if symptoms of pain are relieved.

It is recommended that you have a cold, soft diet for the first 24 hours after an extraction and start warm saline rinses after 24 hours. It is important to resume your regular dental hygiene measures after 24 hours to minimize food lodgement in the area and speed healing. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, persistent swelling or a reaction to medication, see the dentist immediately.

Crowns and bridges usually take 2-3 appointments. The first appointment consists of shaping the tooth and taking a mold of the tooth. A temporary crown is then placed on the tooth to protect it and prevent space loss. It is temporarily cemented and comes off occasionally. It is important to contact the office and bring the crown with you so that it may be recemented. Also avoid eating hard, sticky food and floss by pulling the floss across the side of the tooth rather than pulling it up. You may have mild pain and sensitivity after a crown is placed.

Do not eat or chew on your new crown for the first 24 hours. If your bite feels high, you may need minor adjustment. It is important to floss around a crown and you may need a floss threader under a bridge. If your gums are irritated you may need to rinse with warm salt water and may need to take a mild pain reliever.