Post-operative Instructions
Dentist Hanover Park
Carefully follow all guidelines provided by our doctors and team, and practice good oral hygiene. Additional instructions following various types of treatment are listed below.
In the event of an emergency, please call our office. If you are experiencing a serious or life threatening emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Post-Op Instructions – Extraction
During the first 24 hours…
It is important that a blood clot forms on the extraction site to prevent bleeding, reduce pain and speed healing. To avoid the pain of a dry socket:
- Continue biting the gauze pad for 30-60 minutes following your procedure. If bleeding still occurs, replace with a clean gauze.
- Don’t rinse your mouth, and don’t brush or floss next to the site.
- Don’t spit or suck through a straw.
- Avoid tobacco use for at least 72 hours.
- Avoid drinking hot, carbonated or alcoholic drinks.
- Use an ice bag over the area to minimize swelling.
- Take pain medication to control discomfort.
- Avoid excessive work or play.
- Drink lots of fluids and only eat soft nutritious foods, chewing on the opposite side.
After the first 24 hours…
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours, which includes brushing and flossing your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth very gently with warm salt water. This will help speed healing and keep your mouth fresh and clean.
Begin to eat normally as soon as it’s comfortable. If antibiotics were prescribed, it is important to continue taking them for the indicated length of time.
It is normal to experience discomfort for several days after a tooth extraction. However, please contact us right away if you are experiencing:
- Heavy or increased bleeding
- Increased pain or swelling beyond three days
- A bad taste or odor in your mouth
Click here to print Post-Op Instructions for Extractions.
Post-Op Instructions – Dental Implants
It is important to not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting or touching the wound on the day of surgery.
Bleeding: Bite down on the gauze pads for 30-60 minutes following your procedure. If bleeding still occurs, replace with a clean gauze until bleeding is controlled.
Oral Hygiene: You can brush your teeth the night of surgery, but be gentle around the surgical sites. You can rinse your mouth very gently with warm salt water the following day after surgery.
Swelling: Use an ice bag over the area to minimize swelling.
Activity: Bending, lifting or strenuous activity will result in increased bleeding, swelling and pain. Keep physical activities to a minimum for the first few days after surgery.
Diet: Avoid extremely hot foods and drink plenty of fluids. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as it’s comfortable.
Pain: You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. It is important to continue taking the prescribed medication for the indicated length of time.
It is normal to experience discomfort for several days after surgery. However, please contact us right away if you are experiencing:
- Swelling beyond three days after surgery
- Excessive bleeding after two days
- Increased discomfort
Click here to print Post-Op Instructions for Dental Implants.
Post-Op Instructions – Orthodontics
It is completely normal to experience general soreness within the first couple days after getting your braces on. If you are experiencing any pain on your lips, cheeks, or gums from the braces while your mouth is becoming adjusted, apply some wax on the areas where it is tender. For pain relief, we recommend taking a pain reliever such as Tylenol and eating soft foods such as a smoothie, ice cream, applesauce, or soup. You may also rinse your mouth with salt and water.
Loose Bracket: If the bracket is still attached to the wire place wax on it for needed comfort. If the bracket can be easily removed, place it in a plastic bag and bring it with you to your next appointment.
Loose Appliance: Place wax on parts of the appliance that are poking you.
Loose Wire: First try using a pair of tweezers or pencil eraser to gently push the wire back into place. You can use floss to tie the wire around the bracket in place of the missing o-ring. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, try placing wax on the area to soothe some of your discomfort.
Poking Wire: Try to reposition the wire if it is poking your cheek, tongue or gum using a pencil eraser. If you can’t reposition the wire, cover the end with a small cotton ball or gauze until you can get to our orthodontic office. Never cut the wire by yourself.
Click here to print Post-Op Instructions for Orthodontics.