Post-Op Instructions

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, Bone Grafting, and Implant Placemen

Please keep in mind. this is surgery, there will be some pain and discomfort.

1. No rinsing, swishing, or sucking liquid through a straw. No Smoking. Avoid aerobic activity for 72 hours.
2. Take your prescribed medication as directed: antibiotics, analgesics (pain relief), anti-inflammatory. 400mg of Ibuprofen AND 500mg of Tylenol every 4 to 6 hours.
3. Expect pain, swelling, and possible bruising at the surgical site. Rest. You may place light pressure and ice packs extra-orally over the surgical site for 15 minutes per hour, only during the first 24 hours after surgery.
4. Continue to take the provided Homeopathic remedies as directed in the supplement guide.
5. Do not lift or pull on the cheek to look at the sutures. Do not play with the sutures. DO NOT TOUCH THE EXTRACTION SITE OR IMPLANT WITH YOUR FINGER OR TONGUE!
6. Do not brush or floss near the surgical site/implant for 2 weeks, then brush and floss very lightly for 4 weeks before returning to routine brushing and flossing.
7. Sutures will be removed about 4 weeks after placement.
8. In the days following an extraction, you may experience the loss of some granules/bone grafting material. This can be normal. If you lose more than several at one time, contact our office to schedule an appointment.
9. You may notice a “white” spot at the surgical site. This is most commonly the collagen membrane used to hold the bone graft in place. Do not disturb this. It is normal. In most situations, the membrane may fall out after a couple of weeks of healing: this is normal. Be sure there are not large amounts of bone grafting material falling out with it.
10. If applicable, wear your protective splint to shield the implant against movement. This should be worn at all times except for brushing and flossing. You will wear this for 4-6 months while the implant and bone integrate.

***** A small amount of blood oozing from the surgical site is normal; in the event of such bleeding, bite down on sterile gauze or moist tea bag for 30 minutes. If bleeding is excessive, contact our office immediately ***Only if no implant***