Post-Operative Instructions Tacoma

Making Sure Recovery is a Success

Recovery after a dental procedure can often be the most difficult part. Depending on the type of treatment required, your days spent at home may include antibiotics and rest or a soft food diet, over-the-counter pain relievers, and cold compresses to reduce swelling. As you will see, essential aftercare instructions are provided below, but do not be afraid to call our office if you have additional questions.

Crown & Bridge, Crowns, Inlays, or Onlays

  • You will wear temporary restorations until your permanent restoration is made.
  • Try to refrain from eating extremely sticky or hard foods on your temporary crown.
  • Sensitivity to cold and heat, as well as any soreness, should go away in a few days.
  • Your gum tissue around the temporary restoration may be tender initially. Brush gently and floss carefully for the first few days.
  • If your temporary falls off or breaks, save the pieces and call our office. Do not chew on that side to avoid biting your lips and cheeks, or scraping your gums.

Deep Teeth Cleaning

  • Sensitivity to cold and heat will subside over the next couple of days – a fluoride rinse such as ACT or a fluoride prescription may be recommended by the hygienist.
  • Do not chew or eat until numbness subsides.
  • Brush and floss as usual. Your gums may bleed a bit for a few days.

Denture Delivery

  • It is normal to experience some discomfort and speech problems while getting used to your new dentures. New dentures need several adjustments to fit comfortably. To help with speech, read aloud for a few minutes every day. Your mouth will adjust, and your speech will improve.
  • Remove your dentures every night to allow your gums to rest. Keep the denture in a container of water or denture cleaner.
  • Thoroughly brush your dentures with water before wearing them.

Extractions

  • For an hour after surgery, you should place pressure on the gauze pad covering the extraction site. If bleeding continues, apply new gauze and apply pressure for an additional 45 minutes.
  • After surgery, place a cold compress on your face near the extraction site for 10 minutes. Remove for 5 minutes. Repeat.
  • Do not eat or drink hot foods and beverages after surgery.
  • Do not rinse your mouth.
  • Do not use a straw.
  • Do not spit.
  • Do not drink carbonated beverages.
  • Do not brush your teeth on the day of the surgery. Then resume normal home care, gently brushing and flossing.
  • Bruising, swelling, and pain are normal – particularly if you have had a wisdom tooth extraction. Take your prescribed medication and use a cold compress on your face.
  • Plan to eat soft foods, such as soups, milkshakes, fruit juice, and yogurt, for 2-3 days.
  • Do not bite your lips or cheeks, or scrape your gums. Children should be watched carefully to make sure they don’t do this. It will damage soft tissues and result in pain.
  • Avoid smoking the first week following your procedure.

Fillings

  • For an hour following your visit, do not chew. Wait until the numbness subsides before eating. If you had amalgam fillings placed, do not chew for 24 hours.
  • Do not bite your lips or cheeks, or scrape your gums. Children should be watched carefully to make sure they don’t do this. It will damage soft tissues and result in pain.
  • Sensitivity to cold and heat, as well as any soreness, is typical but should resolve as the healing progresses.
  • Please call our office if your bite feels uncomfortable once the numbness subsides.