Post-Operative Instructions
Post-Operative Instructions
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Post-Operative Instructions for Implant Surgery
Physical Activity:
Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 2-3 days after your procedure.
Medications:
Start any prescribed medications as instructed. Some pain medications may cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or perform tasks requiring full attention. Avoid such activities while on these medications and refrain from consuming alcohol. Taking medications with food can help alleviate stomach discomfort.
If antibiotics were prescribed, take them as directed for the full prescribed duration.
Diet:
- Refrain from carbonated beverages for the next 2 days.
- Avoid drinking through a straw.
- Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids during the recovery process.
- Stick to soft foods until you are ready to resume your regular diet.
Swelling:
Apply a cold compress to the surgical side of your face for 20 minutes intermittently while awake during the first 2-3 days to minimize swelling.
Oral Hygiene:
If prescribed, use the antibacterial mouth rinse twice daily. Avoid eating, drinking, or rinsing for 20 minutes after using the rinse.
If sutures were placed, follow the care instructions you were given. These may vary based on whether they are dissolvable or non-dissolvable (the latter will need removal in 1-2 weeks).
If you have any questions, please contact us at (215) 515-2393.
Extraction Post-Operative Instructions
It is important for a blood clot to form at the extraction site to stop bleeding and promote healing. Bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes immediately after the extraction. If bleeding continues after removing the pad, replace it with a fresh gauze pad and bite for another 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this several times.
Once the clot forms, protect it for at least the next 24 hours by avoiding the following activities: smoking, drinking alcohol, eating spicy foods, using a straw, rinsing vigorously, or brushing the teeth near the extraction site. These actions may dislodge the clot and delay healing.
Limit physical activity for the first 24 hours to reduce blood pressure, control bleeding, and promote healing. Take pain medications as prescribed. If antibiotics were given, continue taking them for the full prescribed duration.
Some swelling or discomfort is normal after an extraction. You may apply an ice pack to the affected area for the first 48 hours. Use the ice pack in 30-minute intervals (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) while awake.
Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a soft, nutritious diet for the next day. You may gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water up to three times a day (1 tsp salt in 1 cup of warm water).
After 24 hours, you can resume your regular dental routine, including brushing and flossing.
Contact us if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, persistent swelling after 2-3 days, or an adverse reaction to the medication.
If sutures were placed, follow the care instructions given. Depending on the type of suture used (dissolvable or non-dissolvable), you may need to return in 1-2 weeks for suture removal.
If you have any questions, please contact us at (215) 515-2393.
Bridges, Crowns, and Veneers Post-Operative Instructions
These procedures typically require multiple appointments. The first visit prepares the teeth, and temporary restorations are placed to protect them while your custom restoration is being made.
Expect numbness to last for a few hours after the appointment.
Avoid chewing and be cautious with hot beverages until the numbness has fully worn off.
Avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Continue brushing as usual, but floss gently and remove the floss from the side of the tooth. We recommend avoiding the use of a Sonicare toothbrush around the temporary restoration, as this may dislodge it. You may continue to use a Waterpik.
If your temporary comes off, contact us immediately so it can be re-cemented. Keeping the temporary in place is essential for the proper fit of your final restoration. If you are unable to come to the office right away, you can use a small amount of denture adhesive to hold the temporary in place.
Some temperature or pressure sensitivity is normal in the days following your appointment. Sensitivity may vary depending on the depth of the restoration or the severity of any cavities treated.
Your gums may be sore after the procedure. To soothe the area, rinse with warm salt water up to three times a day (1 tsp of salt mixed with 1 cup of warm water).
For any discomfort, you may take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
If advanced tooth decay or cracks are detected during treatment, these can introduce bacteria to the tooth nerve, potentially leading to infection or nerve death. In such cases, a root canal may be necessary. Symptoms of this issue include persistent or throbbing pain that intensifies, severe sensitivity to biting, pain radiating to the side of your face, or pain that wakes you up at night.
If you have any questions, please contact us at (215) 515-2393.
CEREC Crown Post-Operative Instructions
A CEREC crown is a quick and effective restoration completed in just one visit to our office using advanced technology. To ensure the best results and maintain your new crown, please follow these instructions:
Tooth Sensitivity: It is common to experience mild tooth sensitivity, especially to cold, after placing any bonded dental restoration. This sensitivity will gradually decrease over the next few days.
Avoid Chewing & Hot Drinks: Refrain from chewing in the area of the crown or consuming hot beverages until the numbness completely wears off to prevent any accidental injury.
Gum Irritation: Gum sensitivity or irritation can occur from the anesthetic injection or the crown preparation process. If necessary, rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water) to soothe the area.
Bite Adjustments: We make adjustments to your bite after placing the crown, but sometimes numbness may prevent us from refining it fully. If you feel any discomfort or unevenness when biting, please contact us for a follow-up appointment to make adjustments.
Root Canal Concerns: If we detect advanced tooth decay or cracks during treatment, this can sometimes affect the tooth’s nerve. If the nerve becomes infected or damaged, you may require a root canal. Symptoms of this include persistent or throbbing pain, severe bite sensitivity, pain radiating to your face, or waking up with pain. If you experience any of these, please contact us immediately.
Maintenance: To keep your CEREC crown in optimal condition, it is important to brush and floss regularly and maintain routine dental checkups. Proper oral hygiene is key to the longevity of your restoration.
If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (215) 515-2393.
At Alpha Dental Excellence, we welcome you just as you are. No matter your smile’s current state, we’re here to support you on your journey to better dental health. After assessing your needs, we’ll craft a personalized plan to give you the confident, radiant smile you deserve
