Post Op Instructions

See below a summary of post-op instructions. Call us if you have any questions.

Post Whitening Care Instructions

Maximize your teeth whitening results for the first 48 hours (two days) following the procedure. Whitening removes an essential tooth layer. 12 to 24 hours are required for the protective
layer to redevelop. Avoid consuming dark, yellow, or other “staining” foods or liquids. For example, avoid it if would stain a white shirt.

Post-Op Care for Your Extraction

  • Avoid disturbing the treatment area.
  • Allow a few days, especially the first 24 hours, for your body to naturally heal and “clot.”
  • Avoid dislodging the clot with swishing, sucking through a straw, and smoking.
  • Prevent toothpicks, eating utensils, or crunchy foods from making contact with the treated area.
  • Chew on the opposite side of your mouth for 24 hours.
  • Control bleeding with gauze and light pressure for 30 minutes after your procedure. Avoid removing the gauze during that time. The appearance of blood is normal for in the hours following your procedure.
  • Avoid smoking after your procedure for at least one week. The suction can dislodge the clot and you may also be susceptible to “dry socket.”.
  • Reduce your pain with over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, non-aspirin pain relievers) every 3 to 4 hours until bedtime.
  • Use prescribed pain medication as needed and with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation.
  • Avoid alcohol if taking any prescribed pain medication.
  • Apply an ice-bag to the facial area of your procedure in 15 minute increments for the first day following your procedure.
  • Expect numbness to last for a few hours following the procedure. Avoid chewing or biting until the anesthesia wears off.
  • Eat soft foods for the first 2 to 4 days, maintain a balanced diet, and drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.
  • Avoid chewing directly on the area of your procedure.

Post-Op Care for Your Scaling and Root Planing Procedure

  • Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. The procedure removes bacterial plaque and tartar from around your teeth and beneath your gum line.
  • The treatment cleans and smooths your teeth and roots. It promotes healing from inflammation and infection associated with gum disease.
  • Avoid eating and chewing on the treated area for two hours following treatment or until your anesthesia wears off.
  • Avoid hard foods such as chips, popcorn, and seeds for several days.
  • Rinse your mouth two to three times per day with a warm salt water mix. Use one teaspoon of salt to three ounces of water.
  • Resume your home oral hygiene routine. Be gentle in the area of your treatment.
  • Avoid smoking for 24 to 48 hours after your procedure.
  • Use a non-aspirin pain reliever (Advil, Tylenol, etc.) according to your medical conditions.
  • Contact your dentist if you have persistent discomfort or swelling following your procedure.

Post-Op Care for Your Dentures

  • Respect the adjustment period for your new dentures.
  • Ease into your daily routines with your new dentures. Eat softer foods first and practice speaking.
  • Be patient with the adjustment period for fit and adapting to your gums.
  • Return to your dentist within a recommended period of days for an adjustment and progress observation. Inform your dentist about any soreness, loose fit, difficulty chewing or speaking.
  • Brush your dentures daily inside and out. Use a soft tooth brush or recommended denture
    brush along with tooth paste or denture paste.
  • Soak your denture occasionally in a cleansing solution.
  • Avoid dropping your dentures while cleaning. Clean them over a sink of water or a soft wash cloth.
  • Schedule annual check-ups with your dentist to check fit, make adjustments, and assure proper gum and bone tissue health.
  • Sleep without your dentures if possible. This helps your gum tissue rest and avoid unnecessary irritation.

Post-Op Care for Your Immediate Denture

  • Do not remove your immediate denture for the first 24 hours following placement. Removal could cause swelling and make replacement difficult or impossible.
  • See your dentist for a check-up after the first 24 hours. You will be provide new care instructions.
  • After your extraction do not rinse, spit, smoke, or suck on a straw. Also avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously and drinking hot or carbonated beverages.
  • Obtain and follow Extraction Post-Op care instructions.
  • Keep your immediate denture in place. The treatment replaces your missing teeth and provides protection for the surgical site throughout your mouth and controls swelling and bleeding.
  • Monitor the fit of your immediate denture. Fit will change as your mouth heals from the extraction and your dental ridges (gum and bone) changes shape by shrinking. Final healing could require a reline or replacement denture.
  • Have your immediate denture adjusted and/or relined to compensate for the changes in your mouth during healing. After your extraction sockets heal you can use a dental adhesive or powder to stabilize your denture.
  • Allow at least six months for your extraction sockets to heal and fill in with new jaw bone tissue. Schedule with your dentist to discuss replacing your immediate denture with a permanent denture or reline.

Post-Op Care for Your Dental Crown and Bridge

  • If you required anesthesia, avoid eating until your mouth is no longer numb.
  • Contact our dental office if your bite feels uneven. Schedule an adjustment to avoid unnecessary pain or discomfort.
  • Floss your permanent crown as you would your natural tooth. Use a floss threader to remove food, etc from beneath your dental bridge.
  • Carefully eat hard food such as nuts, candies, and ice to avoid breaking or damaging your permanent crown.
  • Avoid chewing on anything that could potentially break or damage your crown.
  • Consider the use of a night-guard if you clench or grind your teeth at night during sleep.
  • Schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
  • Expect some hot/cold sensitivity following your crown procedure.

Post-Op Care for Your Root Canal

  • Use an over-the-counter pain reliever within one hour following your procedure. This helps with any discomfort once the anesthesia begins to wear off. For pain relief we recommend ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) at 400mg every six hours for one day. If you must substitute for ibuprofen due to a medical condition, etc., use Tylenol as a substitute. Avoid aspirin and aspirin based products to eliminate the risk of blood thinning if any bleeding occurs.
  • Chew on the opposite side from the treatment area. Continue doing so until your permanent crown or filling is seated to avoid fracturing your weakened tooth.
  • Avoid chewing gum, caramels, or other sticky candy that could dislodge your temporary crown or filling.