POST OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
POST WHITENING
Once your whitening procedure is complete, we suggest avoiding dark colored foods and drinks for at least 48 hours to avoid the chance of staining. Food and drinks to avoid include berries, dark sodas, red wine, coffee, tea, ketchup, soy, and other dark sauces. It is also strongly suggested to not smoke during this two-day period.
FOLLOWING A FILLING
We suggest that you do not eat or chew until the numbness from anesthesia has completely worn off. It is advised to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for 24 hours. Please note that warm or cold foods may also cause irritation during the first few days. If you are still experiencing pain a few days after getting a filling with us, we ask that you give us a call.
POST EXTRACTIONS
Should your child need an extraction for any reason, we suggest the following after the procedure:
Maintaining Pressure – It is important to maintain pressure on the area where the extraction was performed to stop bleeding. Although there will be blood, biting down with gauze should stop it considerably. We ask that you continue to replace the gauze until your child stops bleeding.
Supervise Your Child – Make sure to watch them closely while they are applying pressure with the gauze. We want them to avoid biting down on their tongue or lips, which can cause greater problems.
What to Avoid – Make sure to avoid straws, brushing, rinsing, spitting, spicy foods, and carbonated drinks for the first 24 hours. Yogurt and soup are two good options to feed your child.
Restrict Activities – Rest is important for your child after an extraction, so it is key they do not get too excited after sitting in the house all day, causing further injury.
Make Sure to Rinse – We suggest rinsing your mouth with warm salt water after the first 24 hours.
Call our office if your child is experiencing excessive bleeding or swelling or if you have any other concerns. Please note, these instructions also apply to adults after an extraction.
POST IMPLANT(S)
As with many dental procedures, there will be some pain, swelling, and bleeding. We ask that you let it heal without poking or prodding the implants with your tongue or fingers. If bleeding should last for more than two or three days, we ask that you give us a call to discuss your situation.
We suggest acetaminophen or ibuprofen should there be excessive pain and it is important to note that swelling is normal and there is no need to panic. Applying a cold compress to the swelled area will be beneficial. Rinsing with warm saltwater three times a day is also advised.
Make sure to avoid straws, spicy foods, and carbonated drinks for the first 24 hours. Yogurt and soup are two good options to eat. Getting proper rest is essential after an implant procedure, so it is important that you get a good night’s sleep for a few days following.
FOLLOWING CROWN & BRIDGE WORK
Following Tooth Preparation - Sensitivity and tenderness are typical after a tooth has been prepared for restoration. This shouldn’t last longer than a day or two, and we ask that you give us a call if the pain doesn't subside. We do use anesthesia during the preparation, and we ask that you avoid chewing, biting, and eating until the numbness dissipates. Depending on your situation the final restoration placement may occur on the same day or it may be scheduled in the future.
Temporary Restorations – We suggest that you stick to softer foods and make sure to brush and floss around the restoration to not loosen it.
After Final Restoration Placement – Similar to the temporary restoration, we ask that you avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for 24 hours until the cement is completely bonded. You may have a greater sensitivity to hold or cold foods for a few weeks but should contact us if it lasts for more than six weeks.
Ongoing Care – Make sure to brush your teeth after each meal you eat and floss before bed. Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash daily as well to get any extra particles that may have been missed during brushing and flossing.
