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 because you are not able to feel all of your mouth. The instructions found below are guidelines. After your surgery Dr. Butler or her dental assistant will give you full instructions on how to properly recover from surgery.

Crowns and Bridges
Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge you MAY receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, 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 because it could become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should AVOID sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in. There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can also take Advil or Tylenol 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 Dr. Butler know. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss daily.

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. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let Dr. Butler know. Make sure you brush and floss daily 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 salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 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 with a soft or ultra soft toothbrush so that you do not further irritate the area. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area you can place a cold compress on the area and take some pain relieving medicine (Tylenol or Ibuprofen). Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days contact Dr. Butler.

Veneers
Before you receive your permanent veneer you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, 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 because it could become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in.

There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.

When the veneer 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 tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. When brushing and flossing you should pay close attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line.

Extractions
After the surgery you will need to rest. You may need to be driven home by a friend or family member if sedation anesthesia was used. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery and anytime you eat or drink the first few days.  If bleeding continues even after placing a compress for 15 minutes you should call Dr. Butler. 949-444-5310.

Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Dr. Butler will prescribe you pain medication, take as directed. You can also use an ice pack to help reduce swelling. Apply ice to the outside facial area for 10 minutes once every hour while awake, only on the first day of surgery.

You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery.  Avoid overly hot (temperature) foods for a few days as well. Some recommended foods are:

• scrambled eggs, overcooked pasta/steamed veggies
• Pudding/gelatin
• Yogurt/ice cream
• Mashed potatoes
• Thin soups
• any soft food you can eat without chewing on the area.

When drinking, make sure you DO NOT USE a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. NO smoking or Vaping for 2 weeks. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don't feel that the extraction site is healing properly call Dr. Butler. It is normal to be seen in 7-10 days for post op and suture removal.