Post-op Instructions

Extractions:

Numbness & Initial Care

While your mouth is numb, avoid biting your cheek, lips, or tongue. Mild bleeding is normal. To support clot formation, place a damp piece of gauze over the extraction site and bite gently for 15–30 minutes. Repeat as needed. The blood clot is critical for healing, especially within the first 24 hours. 

Protecting the Blood Clot (First 24–48 Hours) 

  • Avoid sucking, using straws, forceful rinsing, or spitting. 
  • Do not smoke. 
  • Minimize disturbance to the surgical area. 

Foods & Beverages to Avoid (First 48 Hours) 

  • Alcohol 
  • Carbonated beverages 
  • Hot foods or liquids 
  • Hard, crunchy, or spicy foods 

Pain & Swelling Management 

 Use an ice pack for up to 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed. If you experience nausea, take medications with a small amount of food. 

Oral Hygiene 

 Begin gentle brushing and flossing the day after the procedure, avoiding the extraction site. You may brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Rinse very gently with warm saltwater (1 tsp salt in 8 oz water) starting the day after surgery. 

Healing Timeline 

 Soft tissue generally heals within 10 days to several weeks. Bone healing may take 6–8 weeks. 

Dry Socket Awareness 

 Loss of the blood clot can result in a dry socket, which may cause deep, persistent pain at the extraction site. This condition will heal but may require additional treatment for comfort.  

PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS 

Root Canal:

As the anesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience mild tenderness and some jaw soreness. These symptoms typically improve with over‑the‑counter pain relievers, though your provider may prescribe stronger medication if necessary. Follow all medication instructions carefully. If you were prescribed narcotics, be aware that they may cause drowsiness—avoid driving or operating machinery while taking them. 

When to Call Us

Contact our office promptly if you experience any of the following: 

  • Severe pain or pressure lasting more than a few days 
  • Swelling inside or outside the mouth 
  • Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, itching) 
  • An uneven bite 
  • A temporary filling or crown falling out (minor surface shedding is normal) 
  • A return of symptoms experienced before treatment 

Caring for Your Tooth After Treatment

Be gentle with the treated tooth for the first few weeks, or until the final restoration is placed. Maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine, taking extra care around the area. Avoid chewing hard foods or placing excessive pressure on the treated side until advised otherwise. 

Helpful Guidelines

  • Do not eat or drink for the first hour after treatment. 
  • Avoid touching the treated tooth with your tongue to allow the temporary filling to set. 
  • Avoid smoking, as it can slow healing. 
  • Take all medications as directed. If no prescription was given, ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used unless contraindicated. 
  • Use a cold compress for up to 20 minutes at a time, with 20‑minute breaks between applications. 
  • Avoid chewing on the treated side until the permanent restoration is placed; temporary materials can break under pressure from hard foods. 
  • Cold sensitivity is common until the final restoration is complete. Schedule the crown placement promptly to prevent fracture or decay. 
  • Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing, and flossing gently around the area. 
  • If a temporary filling loosens or falls out, contact us as soon as possible. Over‑the‑counter temporary filling materials—such as DenTek Temparin or Dentemp—may be used if this occurs after hours. 

Mild discomfort for 2–4 days is expected, though some tenderness may persist slightly longer. 

Important

Flare‑ups occur in approximately 5% of cases and may cause significant discomfort. They are more common in teeth that were severely irritated, infected, or previously treated, but can also occur in routine cases. Symptoms may include moderate to severe pain, swelling, or throbbing. If a flare‑up occurs, contact our office immediately, as additional medication or in‑office care may be necessary. 

Although rare, flare‑ups can occur even after previously uncomplicated treatments. If you notice increasing pain, swelling, or general discomfort, notify our office right away. Further evaluation, medication—such as antibiotics—or additional treatment may be required. 

Composite Restorations:

Composite (resin) restorations are durable but can still be susceptible to damage. To maintain their longevity: 

  • Avoid biting directly into hard foods such as apples, raw carrots, or corn on the cob; cut them into smaller pieces instead. 
  • Do not chew ice, as it may fracture the restoration. 
  • Avoid using your teeth as tools (e.g., opening bottles or packages). 

Post-Treatment Sensitivity & Care

  • Mild sensitivity—especially cold—is common for the first few days after the anesthetic wears off. 
  • Minor gum or injection‑site soreness may occur and should resolve within a few days. 
  • The filling is fully set when you leave the office. Take care while numb to avoid biting your lips, cheeks, or tongue. 
  • Monitor children until numbness has completely resolved. 
  • The restoration may feel slightly unusual at first; this typically improves as you adjust. 
  • If your bite feels uneven after one to two weeks, please contact our office for a quick adjustment. 

Local Anesthesia:

After having local anesthesia, you will be numb for one (1) hour or longer. Please be aware that numbness may feel funny, and you may tend to rub, suck, chew or bite lip/cheek/tongue. PLEASE watch out and do not do this, as it will cause injury and/or discomfort. If you do happen to bite yourself, it may swell and you may notice a white area in the center of the affected area. The white area is an oral scab. This will heal on its own in 5-7 days. You may administer Tylenol/Motrin as needed to help with the swelling and discomfort.

Dental Implants:

The first 2 weeks after surgery are very important. Healing of the bone around the implants takes 4–6 months.

Diet

A soft, mild, and nutritionally balanced diet should be consumed for 2–4 days (or longer if necessary) after your surgery. You should chew food on the opposite side of where the implant was placed for 2 weeks (if possible). As the tissue around the implant heals, you can return to your normal eating routine.

Swelling

Swelling from oral surgery is normal and reaches its maximum in 48 hours. Keeping the head elevated with 2 pillows when lying down can minimize facial swelling. Swelling can also be minimized by applying cold compresses to your face (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, warm compresses will help reduce the swelling. These should be continued (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) until the swelling has subsided.

Rinsing

Avoid rinsing the mouth for 24 hours after surgery. It may disturb the clot. If you have been given a prescription for chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex™), saturate a gauze pad and place over the surgical site for 1 minute, twice daily, for 7–10 days.

Brushing

If an implant protrudes through the gums, the metal must be kept clean. Use a cotton-tipped applicator or soft toothbrush and gently clean the implant and adjacent tooth surfaces. Be careful around the sutures.

Denture or Flipper

On the day of your surgery, you will be given specific instructions regarding when you should wear your denture or flipper. Possible options may include:

  • Leave denture or flipper out of your mouth until you are instructed to wear it. It must be realigned before wearing it.
  • Leave your denture or flipper in place for 48 hours then remove it. Wear the denture only as instructed by your doctor.
  • Wear your denture or flipper as instructed.

General precautions include:

  • If any sores or swelling develop around or under your denture, leave them out of your mouth and call the office.
  • If you cannot place your dentures back in your mouth, leave them out and call the office.

Bruising

Sometimes bruising may occur 24 or 48 hours after surgery has been performed. Application of warm compresses to the involved area (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) will expedite the healing process.

Bleeding

If you experience heavy bleeding, it usually means that the gauze pads are being clenched between your teeth rather than pressing on the surgical area. Try repositioning fresh pads so that pressure is directly on the surgical area, and your remaining teeth are kept apart slightly by the pad.

Pain

Unfortunately, most oral surgery procedures are accompanied by some degree of discomfort. There are many good strategies to get you through the process, though. Some form of pain reliever should be taken before the numbness goes away. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or aspirin are adequate if there are no allergies, they have been tolerated in the past, and they do not interfere with any other medications.

Antibiotics

You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections. If so, take all of the medication as directed. If you experience any adverse reactions, such as nausea, rash, or itching, discontinue the medication. A rash or itching may indicate an allergic reaction to a medication. Antihistamines (Benadryl®) will usually counteract the hives, rash, and itching. Swelling of the lips or tongue or difficulty breathing may represent a more severe allergic reaction, and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Infection

Although antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent an infection, a wound infection may occur a day or several days after surgery. You may be suspicious of an infection if there is a sudden increase in swelling, throbbing pain, or a foul-tasting drainage from the wound. If you suspect infection, call the office as soon as possible.

Smoking and Alcohol

Tobacco and alcohol should be eliminated during the first 2 weeks after surgery.

Removable Prosthetics; Dentures, Partials, Immediate denture:

Removable appliances (retainers/aligners) should be worn 24/7, removed only for cleaning, eating, or contact sports. Clean daily with a toothbrush and mild soap/toothpaste, avoiding hot water. Keep them in a case when not worn to prevent loss/pet damage and bring them to all appointments. 

Wearing and Care Instructions

  • Initial Usage: Wear your appliance constantly (including while sleeping) to achieve faster treatment results.
  • Removal: Take the appliance out only for meals, brushing/flossing, and contact sports/swimming.
  • Cleaning: Brush the appliance with a toothbrush and toothpaste daily. Daily cleaning reduces plaque.
  • Safe Storage: When not in your mouth, always place the appliance in a hard container/case. Avoid wrapping in napkins, which leads to accidental disposal.
  • Handling: Remove by pulling on the body of the appliance, not the wires.
  • Deep Cleaning: Soak in denture cleaner (like Polident or Retainer Brite) weekly to remove odors and tartar.

Important Precautions

  • Do Not Use Heat: Avoid hot water and high temperatures, which can warp the acrylic.
  • Protect Your Appliance: Keep out of reach of pets, who are attracted to the saliva and will chew them.
  • Avoid Damages: Do not flip the appliance with your tongue.
  • Dietary Restrictions: Avoid eating sticky, chewy, or very hard foods while wearing the appliance to prevent damage.

Troubleshooting

  • Sore Spots: If the appliance causes soreness, contact your dentist for an adjustment.
  • Broken Appliance: If damaged, stop wearing it and call the office immediately for a repair.
  • Speech: Speech may be affected initially but usually returns to normal in 2–3 days.