Instructions

Post Operative Instructions after Root Canal

Pre and postoperative instruction measures are very important, as the complete operative process is dependent on these measures. Following basic rules can make your life easy and in the same way not following them can make it difficult depending on the measures take. The following instructions are worth following:

As anesthetic has been used, parts of your mouth may remain numb for a few hours. Avoid chewing or eating on the side that has been worked upon. Do not consume hot beverages until the numbness has worn off.
As a part of normal course you would experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal. In order to manage control over discomfort, take the pain medication as prescribed by the dentist. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them as directed, even if all signs and symptoms of infection are gone. As a precautionary measure taking ibuprofen before the numbness wears off can greatly reduce post-operative pain.
To protect the tooth and keep the temporary filling in place, avoid eating hard or sticky food that puts pressure on the gums of the effected area, and try to chew on the other side of your mouth. The last step in a root canal is the placement of a crown or permanent filling in the tooth. The crown placed will protect the tooth from breaking in the future.
If you have signs of swelling or increasing pain, or if you have any further discomfort or concerns, do let your dentist know.
Try and avoid smoking for first 24 hours and minimize the number of cigarettes you consume during the healing process as smoking delays the healing. Consuming alcoholic beverages as well should be stopped as long as you can stop for better and fast recovery.

Make sure you avoid crunchy or hard foods which could cause the tooth without a crown to fracture.
Avoid using objects to remove debris within the tooth.
Frequent rinsing with warm salt water for the next two days will help in relieving pain and will be good for oral hygiene.
Keep your facial movements to bare minimum during the first day and refrain from opening your mouth wider.
Normal oral hygiene program of brushing and flossing shall be continued as usual.
Remember even though you feel comfortable; do not forget that follow-up treatment is as necessary as the primary one.
We expect your recovery period to be painless to the most possible extent. However, if any concern does arise regarding your treatment or medication being taken, feel free to contact our office.

Post Operative Instruction After Tooth Extraction

Emergencies

In case of profuse bleeding, uncontrolled pain, persistent nausea or abnormal elevation of temperature,call your dentist immediately and seek help.

Bleeding

Will be under control by the time you leave our office. Some oozing or blood-tinged saliva may persist for up to 24 hours. Should excessive bleeding occur, control it by applying with pressure. Apply a folded gauze pad over the area and bite firmly for 45 minutes. Repeat procedure till bleeding stops.

Pain

Best controlled by the medications recommended by the doctor. They are most effective when taken before the local anesthesia diminishes and normal sensation returns to the area. Do not take pain pills on an empty stomach. Narcotic pain medication such as codeine, oxycodone, or hydrocodone may cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, itching or constipation. If these side effects occur, discontinue the medication. You may take an alternative over the counter pain medication as necessary or call our office for assistance.

Swelling

May occur immediately and increase gradually over 24-48 hours. Swelling from the surgical procedure will maximize at 48-72 hours. Ice packs applied externally to the area at 20 minutes intervals throughout the day of surgery may help control swelling, but only use them if advised to by our office. Sleeping with the head of bed elevated above the level of the heart for the first two post-operative nights may tend to lessen swelling.

Nausea

A result from the general anesthetic or the drugs prescribed for pain. Drinking a small glass of a carbonated beverage will generally control mild nausea.

Diet

Soft foods and liquids will be required for 24-48 hours following surgery. Avoid hot, spicy foods. Do not drink through a straw or smoke (if you do) for at least 48 hours. If you had surgery on only one side of the mouth, favor the other side while chewing for the first few days.

Oral Hygiene

Should not be neglected. Brush your teeth as usual and rinse with warm salt water after each meal beginning gently the night of surgery. Do not brush the surgical area for 4 – 5 days.

Activity

Should be restricted to a minimum for the first 2-3 days. Strenuous work or exercise may promote bleeding. If you have had a general anesthetic or sedation, we must require that you be accompanied home by a responsible adult. Under no circumstances are you to drive a car for at least 24 hours.

Fever

It is normal for the body temperature to be slightly elevated for 24 hours after surgery.

Effects

Such as an ear ache, temporary ache of adjacent teeth, restricted mouth opening, stretching or cracking at the corners of the mouth or discoloration of the skin may occur postoperatively. These temporary
conditions will improve as healing progresses.

Post Operative Instruction after Local Ansthesia

The effect of local anesthesia may be last for up to 1-2 hours after dental treatment.
Try to avoid hot food and drinks until anesthesia wears off.
Make sure you do not bite your cheeks and tongue.
If possible, try to eat from the other side of mouth

Post Operative Instruction After Scaling And Deep Cleaning

You may have received local anesthesia for scaling and root planning procedure. Try not to eat until after the anesthesia wears off.
Your gums might sore for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with warm salty water to relieve pain and for faster healing.
Routine oral hygiene care should be continued from next the day, but brush softly and gently.
If you fill discomfort or pain, use over the counter medication. You can also use the medicine prescribed by your dentist.
If swelling or pain becomes worse, contact our office.

Post Operative Instruction After Implant Placement

Take any over the counter medication, or prescription pain medicine and antibiotic according to dentist’s advice.
Take it easy and try to rest for the next 48-72 hours after implant placement procedure.
Apply ice packs to the side of face where the surgery has been done to reduce swelling.
If you had an implant on top arch do not blow your nose for two weeks.
It is common to experience a little bit of bleeding for about two days after surgery. If bleeding increases or does not cease, contact your dentist.
You may feel little uncomfortable for first two-three days after surgery.
If you have had a bone graft, do not eat directly on the grafted site.

Post Operative Instruction After Filling

You might have had anesthesia to alleviate pain for the filling procedure.
Try not to eat on side of the filling until the anesthesia wears off ; you may bite your tongue or chicks while anesthesia still in effect.
If your bite feels high or uneven, it needs to be readjusted. In such a case, contact our office immediately
You may feel a little sensitivity for first few days after the filling. This is normal and will go away after a few days. If severe pain persists, contact our office immediately.
Start following your daily oral hygiene care procedure like brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouth rinse.
Take care of your filled teeth just like your natural tooth.
If you had the filling just above your gum line, use a soft toothbrush and apply gentle pressure on it whilst brushing teeth.