Post-Op Instructions

Root Canal Therapy

You can expect soreness/ discomfort in the area for the first 24-48 hrs. Continue with the antibiotics and pain medication if prescribed. Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp in 8 oz of water). Gently brush the area and keep it clean. If you continue to have pain in the area after 24-48 hrs or your temporary restoration is coming off please call the office at 281 565 1800.

Crowns and Bridges

The temporary restoration is not as strong as the final restoration, so brush gently around the area. Make sure you don’t pull the temporary crown off while flossing.

There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent is placed. Slight soreness in that area is expected. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.

When the permanent crown or bridge is placed it may feel a little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should feel like one of your natural tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. Continue brushing/flossing around the crown or bridge just like your natural teeth for their longevity.

White Fillings (Bonding)

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing or hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.It is normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) (one to two tablets every 6 hours as needed for pain) works well to alleviate the tenderness. If your bite feels off or your fillings are extremely sensitive to cold, please call the office at 281-565-1800.

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off since they are fully set when you leave the office. Avoid extreme hot/cold foods for next few days. Continue normal hygiene so your fillings last for a long time.

Scaling and Root Planing

Your gums can be sore/irritated for few days. Rinse with warm salt water (1tsp salt/ 8 oz of water) 2-3 times a day. You can use 400mg of Advil/Motrin every 6-8 hrs for the first day. If you continue to have pain or bleeding doe not stop, please call the office at 281-565-1800.

Veneers

Before you receive your permanent veneer you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in.

There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.

When the veneer is placed it may feel a little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should feel like one of your natural tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. When brushing and flossing you should pay close attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line.

Extractions

After the surgery you will need to rest. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery. We want you to continue biting on the gause so the clot forms well. Do not spit frequently in the first 24 hours. You will need to change gauze with clean hands when it becomes soaked. Prefer using slightly moist gauze so I does not stick to the sutures. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call us at 281 565 1800. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Continue with antibiotics and pain medication as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain.

You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:

• Pudding
• Yogurt
• Mashed Potatoes
• Ice Cream
• Thin Soups
• …and other food you can eat without chewing.

When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly call us for follow up.