Following your post–oral surgery instructions is essential for proper healing and to help prevent complications. As a general guideline, wait at least two hours after surgery before eating to allow the anesthesia to wear off. Eating too soon may cause soft tissue injury, as you may not have full sensation in your mouth. The guidelines below provide general recommendations. After your procedure, your doctor or dental assistant will give you detailed instructions to support a safe and smooth recovery.
Root Canal Therapy
You may experience mild discomfort for a few days after a root canal. Avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth to prevent irritation and to allow the temporary restorative material to set properly. Your dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic to help eliminate any remaining infection in the tooth. Contact the office right away if you notice increasing pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or if the temporary restoration (filling) becomes dislodged.
Crowns and Bridges
Before your permanent crown or bridge is placed, you’ll receive a temporary restoration. As it’s not as strong, brush gently, slide floss out rather than pulling up, and avoid sticky or chewy foods.
Your permanent crown or bridge may feel slightly awkward at first but should feel natural within a week. If your bite feels uneven, contact the office. Brush and floss regularly to keep it clean and healthy.
White Fillings (Bonding)
Once the anesthesia wears off, your teeth may feel sensitive. Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks for the next few days. After this initial period, your treated teeth should feel normal again. Maintain your regular oral hygiene routine to help your fillings last as long as possible.
Scaling and Root Planing
After this procedure, your gums may feel tender or slightly achy for a few days. Rinse your mouth 2–3 times a day with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz water) to help relieve discomfort and keep the area clean. Continue brushing and flossing, but do so gently to avoid further irritation. If you notice swelling or stiffness, apply a cold compress and take pain-relieving medication as needed. Avoid hard or chewy foods for 2–3 days to allow proper healing. If pain or swelling persists beyond a few days, contact the office.
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 need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. 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 call your dentist. 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. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.
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
- ...and other food 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 don't feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow up.