Post-Operative Instructions (Post-Ops)

Please scroll down to find the post-op instructions for the treatment you received.

Crowns

What to expect after a crown

Same Day / E4D Crowns:

The area around your new crown has been temporarily “put to sleep.” While the numbness wears off, please be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue.
Gum tissue may be sensitive for a couple days. Warm salt water rinses help.
Your tooth may be sensitive to cold for 4 to 6 weeks. This is normal.
Your new crown may feel strange or bulky, but will become more comfortable in a day or two.
Your bite may feel “off” or you may be hitting that tooth first when biting. If this is still occuring after 1 week, please call our office.

Lab-Created Crowns:

Initially you will have a “temporary” crown while a lab makes your final crown. This “temp” may feel rough. This is normal.
Your “temporary” crown is made to come off. If this occurs, it is not an emergency. However, it is best to put it back on to maintain the space and protect the remaining tooth structure. If this occurs after hours, please place it back on with the cement provided by our office or with toothpaste. Call our office on the next business day. If this occurs during business hours, please call our office.
Your new crown (the final, not the temporary) may feel smoother than your other teeth.
Gum tissue may be sensitive for a couple days. Warm salt water rinses help.
Your tooth may be sensitive to cold for 4 to 6 weeks. This is normal.

Dentures

How to care for your new dentures

Immediate Denture Care Instructions:

Do not remove your dentures for a full 24 hours (even overnight) after the extractions. This will help control bleeding and swelling. After this time period, remove your denture to clean it, rinse out your mouth, and then replace your denture.
Sip on cold beverages or crushed ice the first 24 hours after your extractions. This will help reduce pain and limit swelling.
When eating with a new denture, start with softer foods and use small portions.

General Denture Care:

Your mouth will feel “full” if this is the first time you’ve had a denture or if your teeth were missing for a while.
Your speech may sound different until your tongue and lips adjust to the new denture. By reading aloud or talking, you can shorten the adjustment period.
Sore spots are common with a new denture and several adjustments will be necessary. Please wear the denture at
least 1 day prior to the appointment so sore areas can be easily identified.
An increase of saliva flow is normal with a new denture and will decrease gradually.
Rinse your denture after eating and thoroughly brush them daily and store in water.
Denture adhesive may be necessary to keep the denture securely in place.
Do not sleep with your denture.

Tooth Extractions

What to do after treatment

Bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after your appointment. After an extraction it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process.

After the blood clot forms it’s important to protect it, especially for the next 24 hours. Avoid smoking, sucking through a straw, and brushing the teeth next to the extraction site. These activities could dislodge the clot and slow down the healing.

It is normal to feel some discomfort and have some swelling. Swelling and pain may be reduced by applying cold compresses to the face. Swelling usually starts to go down after 48 hours.

Pain Management – If you experience discomfort, take 600 mg Ibuprofen AND 500 mg Acetaminophen. Both pain relievers may be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for 2 days after your procedure.

Drink plenty of fluids and eat only soft nutritious foods. Don’t consume alcoholic beverages and avoid hot or spicy foods. Gargle twice per day beginning the day after the extraction. Mix a 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently swish. Also rinse gently after meals as it helps keep food out of the extraction site.

It’s very important to resume the normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing the teeth and tongue, and flossing. This speeds healing and helps keep the breath and mouth feeling fresh.

Fillings

What to expect after treatment

Your tooth may be sensitive to cold for 4 to 6 weeks. This is normal.
The area around your new filling has been temporarily “put to sleep.” While the numbness wears off, please be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue.
Your new filling may feel rougher than your other teeth. By chewing and using your teeth, it will continue to smooth down.
If your bite feels “off” or if you are hitting that tooth first when biting, please call our office for an appointment.