Post-Op Instructions

After an extraction, it is always important to wait at least 2 hours before eating anything in order to allow the anesthesia to wear off. Disregarding this can cause soft tissue damage you do not expect, as you are unable to feel all the recesses of your mouth. You can also expect bleeding after an extraction. Gauze will be applied, however, it is up to you to change it when it becomes oversaturated. If this continues for more than 24 hours, call us back and we will provide you with more specific instructions.

Upon returning home, it is important to rest and recover from the initial trauma. Prop your head up, do not lie flat. Do not drink with a straw, try and refrain from smoking, and only eat soft foods for a number of days:

• Pudding
• Jell-O
• Yogurt
• Ice Cream
• Mashed Potatoes

Root canals can cause mild, lingering pain and discomfort for the subsequent days following the procedure. Do not chew with the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed in order to avoid irritating the surgical site. If pain or bleeding persists beyond 2-3 days after the procedure, please call Hyannis Harbor Dental for a follow up.

Eat, brush, and floss carefully, post crown or bridge procedure. The temporary crown may come loose if you are too vigorous in your daily rituals, prolonging the process of restoration. Also, try and avoid sticky or chewy foods after the procedure, and rinse with a salty water solution to promote healing of the teeth and gums.

Once the permanent fixtures are in, it will take approximately 1 week to feel natural in your mouth. If discomfort or misalignment occurs, call us and schedule your follow up appointment with us.

Your teeth will be sensitive after white fillings. Avoid hot and cold foods for approximately 48 hours then continue your oral hygiene process as normal.

After scaling and root planing, your teeth and gums may be sore for a few days. Brush and floss regularly, but gently. Take care not to irritate the area. If there is any additional pain or soreness, put a cold compress on the affected area and take pain relief medications. Avoid hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after surgery.

Your first, temporary veneer is not as sturdy as the second, permanent one. During the initial stages, you must be careful when cleaning and eating. Brush gently and do not pull up when flossing, as it will become dislodged. Also, avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in place.

Once the new and permanent veneer is installed, it may take up to 7 days for the veneer to become like a natural tooth and part of your natural bite. After that approximate time, brushing and flossing will be able to return to normal. Patients should pay attention to the area between the veneer, the tooth, and the gum line.