GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
After your visit to Lakeridge Dentistry, you may be asked by the doctor to abide by certain care suggestions. These are a few common pointers and recommendations that patients are given following a variety of procedures.
General
Extractions
Don’t rinse your mouth after the procedure. For a full day following your extractions, you should not smoke, use a straw, drink soda or hot liquids, or drink dairy if you have a sensitive stomach. Eat only soft foods for the first 24 hours after your procedure. Also one day after your extractions, for several days, rinse your mouth every 3-4 hours with salt water, particularly after eating. Salt water should contain 1 tsp of salt per glass of warm water.
Bleeding after extraction is common. Following your procedure, bite down on moist gauze for 30 minutes, and change the gauze every 30-45 minutes. You may also experience some swelling. Wrap crushed ice in a towel and ice the swollen area every other 30 minutes for 4-5 hours. If bleeding does not stop, or abnormal swelling occurs, call us.
Non-aspirin products may be recommended for dealing with average pain levels. The doctor may prescribe pain medications.
Restorative
Fillings
Before anesthesia wears off (30 min.-1 hr. after procedure), don’t eat hot foods or liquids and avoid chewing. For composite fillings, you may have sensitivity to pressure or temperature. This sensitivity may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. If these symptoms persist, contact Lake Ridge Dentistry.
Crowns & Bridges
Temporary crowns, which are usually placed on the tooth after the first appointment for a crown or bridge procedure, need to be protected by avoiding sticky foods and avoiding chewing with the temporary crown.
After final restoration, your new crown or bridge may take some getting used to, and that is normal. If you do not get used to the restoration, or feel like your bite is not balanced, call our office. You may need an adjustment. Maintain your beautiful new smile with regular flossing and brushing.
Cosmetic
Bleaching
Following bleaching, you may have tingling around your gums. This comes from using too much bleaching gel and getting it on your gum tissue. Try to avoid using excessive amounts of gel in your tray.
Bleaching can also lead to hot/cold sensitivity. We recommend using a sensitive formula toothpaste. Sensitivity should discontinue after a few days, but if it does not, contact us at our office.
Periodontal Treatment
Your gums may be sore and sensitive for several days following periodontal treatment. For pain or discomfort, the doctor may recommend over-the-counter medication. For at-home care, we recommend you drink 8 glasses of water every day to flush out bacteria, and to avoid eating crunchy, hot, or spicy food.
Follow other post-treatment instructions carefully, and see your hygienist as often as is recommended.
Root Canal
Root canal treatment may require several appointments, after which you may experience hot/cold/pressure sensitivity or swelling. Be gentle and avoid foods that make your tooth hurt until it has recovered from treatment. If you experience swelling, call our office—a prescription may be necessary to lessen the swelling.
Before your procedure, make sure you fill out the appropriate forms.
