post-op instructions

Crown Post-Op Instructions

Temporary Crowns​

Do not eat anything sticky, crunchy, sharp, or chewy on the side the temporary crown is on. If you take care of your crown, it will take care of you. When you floss in the area, put the floss in between the teeth and do not pull it back up. Rather pull it through the bottom of the tooth. Our staff will review this technique with you at your appointment. If your temporary crown comes off, which may occur with a temporary crown, do not panic. Call (833) 377-6265 and someone will be able to assist you within a timely manner. For those who do not have access to a phone, you can also go to a local convenience store and pick up some temporary cement.

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​​Permanent Crowns

There may be some sensitivity around the gum for a couple of days after the final crown cementation. There may also be some sensitivity to cold or hot for up to 1 week after final cementation. Sometimes sensitivity may persists to hot and cold for several months but it should subside with time. It is safe to eat only after the anesthesia has worn off. Please take care of the newly cemented crown for approximately 3 days while the cement has a chance to settle (no extremely cold or extremely hot foods or beverages). Avoid eating hard food and vigorously flossing around the new crown for 3 days. If the bite feels high, as if you cant close down, please call and schedule at the office to have the bite adjusted for a more comfortable feeling. 

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Deep Cleaning Post-Op Instructions

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There may be some sensitivity to cold or hot after the deep cleaning. Please wait until your anesthetic has worn off before eating. Do not floss the area treated on the day of you appointment. Please start your required hygiene routine the following evening as was reviewed at your appointment. Brush the treated area lightly as it may be tender or bleed for a day or two after treatment. Avoid smoking for 48 hours. Avoid hard foods like chips, popcorn and seeds for 48 hours. If you are experiencing discomfort you may take up to 800 mg (4 tablets) of Advil (ibuprofen).  You may take this dosage every 8 hrs as needed with food or milk. If after 2 days discomfort is still present mix one 8oz cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt and rinse 3 times a day.

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Amalgam Removal Post-Op Instructions

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After removal of an amalgam, we recommend taking some activated charcoal after your appointment to help with absorption of metals and other possible contaminants. Please be advised this is not recommended for everyone and you should consult your doctor before taking activated charcoal. Additonally, there may be sensitivity to cold or hot on the tooth for up to 4 months depending on the situation. Sometimes fillings are deep and require time to heal. If you feel that the bite is off or high please make an appointment and have your bite adjusted until it feels comfortable to close. If it is difficult to get floss through or you have sensitivity please call the office to speak to a staff member and get scheduled for a post-op check. If pain persists a root canal may be needed so please come into the office for an assessment. Please wait until the anesthesia completely wears off to eat. Be careful of eating hard food on that side of the filling for 3 days. 

 

Extractions Post-Op Instructions

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​Apply an ice-bag to the facial area of your procedure in 15 minute increments for the first day following your procedure. Expect numbness to last for a few hours following the procedure. Avoid chewing or biting until the anesthesia wears off.Eat soft foods for the first 2 to 4 days, maintain a balanced diet, and drink plenty of water.​ Avoid chewing directly on the area of your procedure.Avoid disturbing the treatment area. Allow a few days, especially the first 24 hours, for your body to naturally heal and “clot.” Avoid dislodging the clot with swishing, sucking through a straw, and smoking. Prevent toothpicks, eating utensils, or crunchy foods from making contact with the treated area. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth for 24 hours. Control bleeding with gauze and light pressure for 30 minutes after your procedure. Avoid removing the gauze during that time. The appearance of blood is normal for in the hours following your procedure. Avoid smoking after your procedure for at least one week. The suction can dislodge the clot and you may also be susceptible to “dry socket.”. Reduce your pain with over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, non-aspirin pain relievers) every 3 to 4 hours until bedtime.​ Avoid alcohol  and any heavy lifting for 1 week following an extraction.

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Fillings Post-Op Instructions

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There may be sensitivity to cold or hot for up to 4 months depending on the situation. Sometimes fillings are deep and require time to heal. If you feel that the bite is off or high please make an appointment and have your bite adjusted until it feels comfortable to close. If it is difficult to get floss through or you have sensitivity please call the office to speak to a staff member and get scheduled for a post-op check. If pain persists a root canal may be needed so please come into the office for an assessment. Please wait until the anesthesia completely wears off to eat. Be careful of eating hard food on that side of the filling for 3 days. 

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Root Canal Post-Op Instructions

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Use an over-the-counter pain reliever within one hour following your procedure. This helps with any discomfort once the anesthesia begins to wear off. For pain relief we recommend ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) at 400mg every six hours for one day. If you must substitute for ibuprofen due to a medical condition, etc., use Tylenol as a substitute. Avoid aspirin and aspirin based products to eliminate the risk of blood thinning if any bleeding occurs. Chew on the opposite side from the treatment area. Continue doing so until your permanent crown or filling is seated to avoid fracturing your weakened tooth. Avoid anything sticky, crunchy, sharp or chewy on the side of the tooth that had the treatment. 

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