Dr. Bender Post Operation Instructions
Root Canal Post Op Instructions
How long will I be numb?
Your lips, teeth, cheek/or tongue may be numb for several hours after the procedure. To avoid injury, you should avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite your tongue, cheek or lip while you are numb.
Is it normal for my gums or jaw to be sore?
Irritation to the gum tissue can occur from dental work. Rinsing your mouth 2-3 times per day with ½ tsp of warm salt water can alleviate discomfort. Injection sites can be sore for several days after your appointment. Over the counter pain medications work well to alleviate the tenderness.
Is it normal for my tooth to ache?
It is not uncommon for a tooth to feel tender or exhibit a dull ache over the next 7-10 days as your body undergoes the natural healing process. These symptoms are temporary and usually respond well to over the counter pain medications.
Why does my tooth feel different?
You may feel a slight indentation or rough area on the back of a “front tooth” or the top of a “back tooth”. This is where a temporary material was placed through the access that was made on the tooth. It is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off in between appointments.
Delay in obtaining final restoration (crown) may result in fracture and/or possible loss of the tooth
Is it normal for my tooth to be sensitive?
Your tooth may be sensitive to biting pressure and may appear to feel loose. This is a normal response and is no cause for alarm.
My bite feels off, is that normal?
If your bite feels uneven and is causing soreness, please call our office. A short office visit to adjust the problem area usually leads to a quick and dramatic improvement.
Is it okay to eat on the tooth with the root canal?
Please avoid chewing on the tooth that had the root canal. Whenever possible, try to chew on the opposite side of the treated tooth (as it is brittle) until the final restoration has been placed. The temporary filling will not permanently protect your tooth from reinfection or fracture.
Do I need any other treatment after a root canal?
A permanent restoration is required after a root canal is performed on a tooth. Depending on the location of the tooth will determine what restoration will be recommended. Most teeth will require some type or crown, although there are exceptions where a filling may be placed. This permanent restoration is used to avoid future tooth fractures as the tooth is “hollowed out” from the root canal procedure.
Download PDF of Instructions | Go to Top ↑
Extraction Post Operative Instructions
After your tooth or teeth have been extracted, how quickly you heal depends on how difficult the extraction was (a fully erupted tooth versus an impacted tooth). Generally, here is what to expect:
The First 24 Hours:
Bleeding:
This may occur for several hours after your teeth are removed. To control it, place a piece of clean moist gauze or moistened tea bag over the empty tooth socket and bite down firmly. This needs to be done for about 45 minutes. The tannic acid in tea helps blood clots (similar to a scab on an open wound) to form.
You should avoid rinsing, spitting or sucking actions for 24 hours after your teeth
are removed. For example, don't drink beverages through straws or smoke, and
avoid hot liquids (such as soup or tea). These activities can cause the clot to
dislodge, which will cause dry socket.
Facial Swelling:
This can occur where the tooth was extracted. You can apply a
cold compress to ease the swelling and pain. Place the compress or ice (in a wrapped
cloth) on the area of your face that is swollen for 10-minutes on, followed by
20-minutes off. Repeat as necessary during this first 24-hour period.
Pain Medications: Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can
be taken to manage your pain. We may prescribe more potent pain relievers, such as
narcotics, if necessary.
Antibiotics:
May be prescribed prior to removing your teeth (to treat any infection
around the tooth) should continue to be taken until you are finished the full
prescription.
Food:
Avoid hot liquids and alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours. When the extraction is more difficult, you will need to consume a soft or liquid diet for at least 24 hours after we have removed your teeth. Following your procedure you should drink a minimum of six glasses of liquid during the first 24-hour period to replenish blood loss.
Brush your Teeth:
You need to continue to brush your teeth, but avoid the teeth adjacent to the extracted tooth during the first 24 hours. On day two, you can resume the gentle brushing of your teeth. However, do not use commercial mouth rinses because these can irritate the area of extraction.
After 24 Hours:
Facial Swelling:
Facial Swelling in the area of your tooth extraction needs to be managed with heat after the first 24 hours of ice. Use a moist warm towel and apply it to the area on a 20-minute on, 20-minute off‑ schedule. Repeat as necessary.
Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Salt Water: Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water before bed and after meals. Do not use commercial mouth rinses.
Complete Healing:
Will not occur for a few weeks to a few months following the removal of your teeth. Usually within the first week or two, you will feel reasonably comfortable.
Download PDF of Instructions | Go to Top ↑
Dental Implant Surgery Post Operative Instructions
Following surgery, be sure not to disturb the wound. You should avoid spitting, rinsing, or touching the wound within the first 24-hour period. Often, there will be an abutment (to help secure the implant and ensure healing) protruding through your gum tissue. In order to ensure your implant heals properly and is successful, please adhere to the following:
Diet:
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids immediately following your procedure
and continue to do so while you are healing. You should avoid hot food
or liquids.
During the first 24-hour period, you should only consume liquids and soft foods. Following the first 24-hour period, you should return to a normal diet unless otherwise instructed.
Avoid chewing directly where the implant was placed until your post-operative follow-up appointment. In order to prevent infection, we may prescribe antibiotics, and it is important that you take them as directed.
Oral Hygiene:
During the first 24-hour period, do not spit or rinse. This can disturb the blood clot, and may open the wound, which can prolong bleeding and hinder healing.
After the first 24-hour period, you can rinse with 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water at least four to five times a day especially before bed and after meals.
Do not use commercial mouth rinses. Do not brush your teeth near the surgical site for 48 hours. Be sure to be very gentle when brushing. Also, be gentle when coughing up phlegm.
You should avoid smoking for at least two weeks following surgery.
Prosthesis or Night Guards:
Until your post-operative appointment, you should not use
‑ippers, partial dentures, or full dentures.
Smoking:
Smoking significantly increases the probability of implant failure.
Other Considerations:
You should not be stretching your lip daily to inspect the dental implant area. You will notice that gum is covering the area – this is important so your implant can heal properly. There may be a healing cap placed over your implant. Be sure not to eat or chew on the healing cap because it will cause the implant to move below and could cause implant failure.