David A. Najar, DDS
1514 North Walker Street | Princeton, WV 24740
Ph: 304-487-3711 | Fax: 304-487-3736
Care Credit Logo

Post-Op Instructions

Dental Post-Op Instructions

What To Do After A Dental Operation

It is important to follow instructions after you have oral surgery to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. As a rule of thumb, you should always wait two hours after surgery before eating to let the anesthesia wear off. Trying to eat before this could result in soft tissue damage because you are not able to feel all of your mouth. The instructions found below are guidelines. After your surgery the doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions on how to properly recover from surgery. 

Veneers

Before you receive your veneer you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the final 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 final 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. 

Crowns and Bridges

Before you receive your crown/bridge 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 final 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 final 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. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly. 

Implant/Bone Graft Surgery

1. If you were sedated you should go home upon discharge from our office lie down and follow the instructions given for sedation. Please do not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours.
2. Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, and blood-tinged saliva may be present for 24 hours or longer following your surgery. Change the gauze over the surgical area every hour for the next 2 to 4 hours if needed.
3. Oral Hygiene and Care: Keep your mouth clean. When the numbness has worn off, begin holding warm salt-water (1/2 teaspoon with 1/2 cup of water) in your mouth and swishing gently after each meal and before bed. Brush gently around the surgical area with a soft bristled toothbrush. Don't pick or probe at the area with your tongue, fingers, waterpik or any other objects.
4. Please try not to smoke. It slows the healing process after any surgery especially surgery on the bone. Preferably do not smoke at all.
5. Swelling and Bruising: Place ice packs on the cheek(s) for 20 minutes/ off for ½ hour, during first 24 hours and use it any time during the first week for swelling and/or pain. Your face and neck may bruise but should disappear in 2 to 4 weeks. Opening of the mouth may be limited because the cheeks are sore and stiff but should resolve in 2 to 4 weeks. Keep your lips moist to prevent cracking or chapping. Like a sprained ankle swelling may not show for 3 days or so and the 3rd day after surgery may be the most uncomfortable for you.
6. Sinus Precautions: When implants are placed in the upper jaw it is possible for the sinuses to be involved and you will be asked to follow sinus precautions: Do not blow your nose or stifle sneezes. Try whipping first- if you must blow do so very gently with both nostrils. Symptoms such as sinus pressure, drainage, and swelling under the eyes, headaches and liquids running out of your nose as you drink are common.
7. Diet: While you are numb eat soft, cool foods like ice cream, puffing, jell-o, ensure, carnation instant breakfast etc.. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal diet as much as possible following your physician’s instructions regarding your insulin schedule.
8. Discomfort and Medications: Local anesthetics was injected into you gums so your lips, tongue, cheeks and back of the throat will be numb for 4 to 8 hours. Taking the pain medication with soft food and a large volume of water will lessen any side effect of nausea or stomach upset. A slight rise in body temperature may occur during the first 24 hours and increasing your fluid intake will help this- If you develop a fever over 101 and/or persistent pain, swelling, a bad tasting drainage or pus in your mouth, call our office immediately.
9. Antibiotics: You will be given a prescription for antibiotics. Take as directed.
10. Bring your denture , partial or flipper to every office visit.
  A- Do not wear denture/flipper for 24 hrs after surgery.
  B- Do not wear your denture/flipper for one week
  C- You may wear your denture/flipper as usual.
There should never be pressure or rubbing over your surgical area.
11. Finally: Should you have an emergency after normal hours: you may reach Dr. Najar by calling 304-487-3711 and have our answering service contact the Dr. or Staff member.

Root Canal Therapy 

You can expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few days. You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed so you do not irritate the area and also to ensure that the temporary restorative material properly sets. You will also need to take an antibiotic to treat any remaining infection in your tooth. If you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling) call your dentist immediately.

Extractions

After the surgery you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist. 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. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site. 

You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are: 
  • Gelatin
  • 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 your dentist for a follow up.

Multiple Tooth Extractions

The removal of one or two teeth is a simple procedure. Extracting multiple teeth requires that the jawbone be shaped and removed to prepare for a denture. You may experience the following after a multiple tooth extraction procedure. Within two days, you will experience the maximum swelling both inside the mouth and possibly around the eye as well. The area around your eye may also become discolored, which may be alleviated by a warm compress. The muscles near the extraction site may become sore after surgery, causing a sore throat. This is normal as well as the corners of your mouth becoming dry and cracked from being stretched open during surgery. In most cases, you will have a follow up appointment with your dentist within 48 hours after surgery to discuss any post surgery symptoms that you are experiencing.

White Fillings (Bonding) 

After the anesthesia wears off your teeth will likely be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. After that initial period, your treated teeth will feel as good as new. Continue your normal hygiene plan to ensure that your fillings last for a long time. 

Scaling and Root Planing

After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. This will relieve the pain and cleanse the area. Brushing and flossing should be continued right after the procedure, but you should brush gently so that you do not further irritate the area. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area you can place a cold compress on the area and take some pain relieving medicine. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days contact your dentist. 
Share by: