Naples Post Op Instructions

Post-Op Instructions

It is important to follow instructions after oral surgery to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. As a rule of thumb, Dr. Vanessa Rashid recommends you always wait at least two hours after surgery before eating to allow the anesthesia to wear off. Trying to eat sooner could result in soft tissue damage since you are not able to feel all of your mouth.

Please keep in mind that the instructions found below are guidelines. After your surgery, our Naples dentist will give you full instructions on how to properly recover from surgery that are specific to your situation.

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. This will also help ensure that the temporary restorative material properly sets.

You may 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 filling, call our dentist immediately.

Crowns, Veneers, and Bridges

Before you receive your permanent crown, veneer, or 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.

Brush the area gently to keep it clean. Avoid pulling 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 restoration in.

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

When the permanent crown, veneer, 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 teeth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, let our dentist know.

White Fillings (Bonding)

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

Scaling & 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 saltwater (1 teaspoon of salt mixed with 8 ounces of water) two to three times a day. This will relieve the pain and cleanse the area.

You can continue brushing and flossing right after the procedure, but you should brush gently so you do not 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 medication. 

Avoid any hard or chewy foods for two to three days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days, contact our office.

Tooth Extractions

After the extraction surgery, you will need to rest. You will need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home due to the anesthesia.

You can expect the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. We’ll apply gauze at the end of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for more than 24 hours, you should call our dentist.

Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat, as this could prolong your bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Our Naples dentist can prescribe pain medication so you can take some as directed if you become sore. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. We may also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.

Eating & Drinking

Limit yourself to soft foods for a few days after surgery. Safe food options include:

  • Gelatin
  • Pudding
  • Yogurt
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Ice cream
  • Thin soups
  • 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 feel like the extraction site isn’t healing properly, call our Naples dentist for a follow-up appointment.

Learn More

Our Naples, FL, oral surgery dentist is happy to answer any questions you might have about post-op instructions for oral surgery. For more information, call The Modern Dentist today at (239) 591-3330, or contact us online.

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