Here at Advanced Dentistry of Blue Ash, we want to make sure that you are comfortable and cared for before, during and after your treatment. Our dentist, Dr. David Schlueter, and team will instruct you how best to care for your smile after dental treatment in Blue Ash, Ohio, and are happy to answer any questions you have about dental aftercare. Please call us at 513-891-3333 for more information or read below for some of our general aftercare guidelines.
General Guidelines for Healthy Recovery
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, since 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 your treatment.
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, as well as 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 our office immediately.
Crowns and Bridges
Before you receive your permanent crown or bridge, you will receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version of your restoration, 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 to keep it from becoming dislodged. The same goes for eating: avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in and be careful not to chew on anything hard.
There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent restoration is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm saltwater rinse will help with irritations, and you can also take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if the pain does not go away.
When the permanent 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 teeth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let us know. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly and continue to have our team examine at clean it at your regular appointments.
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 saltwater (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) two to three 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, you can place a cold compress on the affected area and take some pain-relieving medicine. 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.
Oral Surgery
After your procedure, you will need to rest. You can expect for the procedure site to bleed for a little while if surgery was completed. 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 contact our office. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat; this could prolong the bleeding, so prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Our dentist may prescribe pain medication, which should only be taken as directed. You can also use an ice pack or over-the-counter medication (as directed) for the pain.
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
- Other foods 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 do not feel like the extraction site is healing properly call our office for a follow-up.
We Are Here for You
Whatever treatment you are recovering from, our team is eager to help you feel comfortable and heal quickly. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your current or upcoming post-operation aftercare.