Post-Op Instructions

Post-op instructions are put in place for your protection. This is why you need to follow all instructions to ensure complications are kept at bay.

One general rule is that you do not eat before the anesthesia wears off because you could damage the soft tissue in your mouth, as many of the receptors in the mouth are not functioning. This means you could end up hurting yourself without feeling it, so avoid eating for at least two hours.

The instructions below are additional suggestions, but keep in mind that your oral specialist’s suggestions should definitely take precedent.

Root Canal

The root canal procedure stresses the gums and other areas of the mouth. You may feel a little sore and sensitive for a few days, which means the area is susceptible to further irritation. This is why you should avoid chewing on the treated side.

It should be noted that your oral care specialist will be placing a temporary restorative material where he or she worked. Not eating on that side ensures that this material is given enough time to set in.

You will need to take an antibiotic after the procedure. It should eliminate any bacteria that might be lingering in your mouth.

Remember to go to your oral specialist if pain or tenderness increases instead of improving in the passing days. Those who have an allergic reaction to the medication will need to notify their oral specialist. Another thing to keep in mind is the filling. This restorative tool needs to set in correctly, but chewing could loosen its bond.

Crowns and Bridges

You might think you are going to get your permanent crowns or bridges right away, but the truth is that you will get a temporary restoration dental device first. It is definitely not as strong as the permanent version will be.

You will need to be ginger while cleaning your teeth. You want to brush the device carefully. Remember to not pull on the tooth or teeth while flossing because you may accidentally dislodge the placement. You should also be careful when eating, so avoid sticky foods for now.

It is likely that you will feel some sensitivity or even irritation when the temporary placement is attached. This will also be the case when the permanent version is finally placed. Your dentist should confirm this, but it is usually okay to take an Advil or Tylenol if the pain gets a little uncomfortable. Those who want a more natural option can simply rinse with warm salt water instead, which should have similar results in due time.

Some feel awkward after the permanent crown or bridge is finally placed. This feeling lingers for a few days, which is understandable. Your mouth has to get used to a new, foreign tooth, which will take about a week. Of course, an abnormal bite should be reported to your dentist.

Do not worry too much about taking care of your bridge or crown. All you have to do is brush and floss as you normally would. You can also use a mouthwash without any worries.

White Fillings

Some sensitivity could linger for a few days, meaning that you have to work around that.
For one, it is important to stay away from cold or hot foods or drinks. Of course, your teeth will go back to normal after some time, and you can enjoy your ice cream then. Be sure to not forget the hygiene plan that you and your dentist discussed, which likely includes flossing and brushing your teeth. The white filling is meant to last for a long time, but this can change if you do not take care of your teeth as recommended.

Post Scaling and Root Planning

As expected, there will be some gum soreness or even irritation after the procedure. This should not last more than a few days. Of course, you can use one teaspoon of salt and eight ounces of water to deal with the discomfort. You may have to use this blend two to three times a day if necessary.

The sensitivity requires you to brush gingerly because irritating the treated area can elongate the recovery time.

Some experience stiffness or even swelling in the area that was worked. What you want to do is place a cold compress on the area to decrease the swelling and pain. Of course, if you are okay with using medication, you can also take some over-the-counter pain relieving medication.

Be sure to avoid food that is hard, chewy, or even sticky for at least two to three days, just to make sure that you do not mistreat the affected region.

Veneers

A permanent veneer is placed after the temporary restoration, which gives your oral specialist enough time to customize the veneer. It should be noted that the temporary restoration is not a sturdy version of a veneer and could come off. This means you have to be careful when cleaning or eating. Just be sure to brush and floss in a gentle manner, and stay away from sticky or chewy foods.

Many people who go through this procedure feel discomfort after placement of the temporary or the permanent veneer. Of course, you can always use the warm salt water rinse to suppress the pain or over-the-counter pain medication. Be sure to tell your dentist if your bite feels awkward in any way.

Extraction

An extraction is a form of surgery, so you will need to rest. The region that was worked on may bleed a little after the procedure. Do not worry, but keep in mind that a gauze will need to be placed over the wounded region for some time and replaced when full. Be sure to call your dentist if the bleeding does not stop after 24 hours.

Always prop your head up when lying down to make sure you do not encourage bleeding. You may need pain medication, which your dentist will prescribe. Be sure to keep an ice pack nearby just in case you need it. Do not forget to use the cleaning solution to clean the region if this was recommended.

Be sure to stick to the recommended foods like the following:

  • Pudding
  • Gelatin
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Yogurt
  • Thin Soups
  • Ice Cream

Stay away from straws because the sucking motion can slow down the clotting process. This can be applied to smoking, so stay away from that, too. Be sure to schedule a follow-up with your dentist if you suspect the area is not healing properly.

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