Post-Operative Instructions
Healing properly after any dental procedure or oral surgery is absolutely essential, which is why we have put together post-operative instructions for various procedures. Click on a procedure below to see more. And don't hesitate to give us a call at (650) 871-1430 if you have any questions or concerns. We are more than happy to help!
General Post-Operative Instructions for Oral Surgery
Post-Op Instructions for Fillings & Crowns
Post-Op Instructions for Deep Cleanings
Post-Operative Instructions for Oral Surgery
Please read carefully.
Care of the mouth after surgery has an important effect on healing. Swelling, discomfort, slight oozing of blood, and restricted jaw movement may be expected depending on the extent and location of the surgery. These problems need not cause alarm and may be minimized if the following post-operative instructions are followed carefully.
Bleeding – it is not unusual to have slight oozing for 24 hours and periodic bleeding for 10 days after an oral surgical procedure. A folded gauze sponge has been placed in the area of surgery prior to you leaving the office. Bite on it with constant, firm pressure. After one hour, remove the gauze. If there is continued bleeding, place a new gauze or moistened tea bag over the area and bite down for 1 ½ hours. Do not place large bulky gauze packs for it will only put pressure on the adjacent teeth, and not in the area of bleeding. Do not replace the gauze if there is only slight oozing.
Avoid spitting or rinsing your mouth on the day of the surgery.
Remember a drop or two of blood mixed with saliva may seem like a mouth full of blood. Place a towel on your pillow to prevent staining of your linen with blood, which will be in your saliva for several hours. Firm biting pressure and correctly placed gauze on the surgical area is the most effective means of stopping the bleeding.
Swelling – Swelling will be at its greatest 2 days after surgery, and then the swelling will slowly disappear. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag to the side of the face that was operated on as soon as you arrive home. Apply cold for 20 minutes, off for 10 minutes, and then continue doing this for 2-3 hours.
Pain – Discomfort (or severe pain after any difficult or prolonged surgery) should be expected. Medication will be prescribed to make you comfortable. Severe pain lasting more than 3 days is not normal. Come in or call if this happens. Remember, after a pain medication is swallowed, it may take an hour or so to take effect and may only work for 3-4 hours. It is therefore important to try to keep ahead of anticipated pain. The full dose of pain medication every 3-4 hours will be much more beneficial than smaller amounts taken more frequently.
Care of the mouth – Do not rinse your mouth the day of surgery. This may dislodge the blood clot and interrupt the normal course of healing. The morning after surgery, rinse gently with very warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Repeat every few hours, especially after meals for 3-4 days. Be sure not to smoke or drink through a straw, as it may cause dry socket, which may be painful.
Diet – Eat whatever you wish. You may prefer soft or liquid foods for your own comfort. Avoid foods that require hard chewing. It is very important to maintain a good dietary intake, even if it is only liquids.
Nausea – Nausea may accompany the discomfort during initial postoperative period. Small sips of tea, 7 Up, or ginger ale may help.
Post–Operative Conditions
The following post–operative conditions may occur in some patients while healing is progressing normally.
- Swelling and bruising on one or both sides of the jaw.
- Numbness (paresthesia) around the corner of the mouth or tongue.
- Tightness of the muscles (trismus) may cause difficulty in opening the mouth.
- Slight earache or sore throat.
- If intravenous anesthesia medication is given, the skin may become discolored at the site of injection may be discolored.
Please keep in mind that it is reasonable to expect your normal activities to be disrupted following surgical procedure.
Denture Patients: Please do not remove denture for 24 hours after surgery.
Note: In case of problems or if you have any questions, Please contact this office by calling (650) 871- 1430. Try your best to anticipate prescription refills or care problems during office hours.
Post-Operative instructions for Fillings & Crowns
You may experience the following symptoms after your procedure:
short, sharp, cold sensitivity
gum soreness at the injection site and tissue irritation of the surrounding area,
tired, sore jaw
Often, these symptoms will to last 1-2 weeks. If the symptoms last longer or change in quality (become lingering or achy), please call our office to consult with Dr. Vista or make a follow up appointment.
Please note: it is not okay to have biting sensitivity or chewing discomfort. If you experience pain when eating, again, please call our office to schedule a follow-up appointment for evaluation.
To lessen your discomfort, you may take over-the-counter pain medications. We recommend 500mg of acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and 400mg of ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) every 6 hours for 3-7 days. We also recommend that you brush with sensitivity toothpaste and rinse with a warm salt water solution 3 times per day for 3 days after the procedure.
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Post-Operative Instructions for Deep Cleaning
Once you head home from the office after your deep cleaning (or “periodontal root planing”), you may begin to experience some cold or heat sensitivity and gum soreness. As with most oral treatments, a small amount of bleeding is normal. To soothe bleeding gums, apply pressure with a wet tea bag on your gum for 20 minutes or so. If excessive bleeding persists, contact us.
Do your best to avoid hot, spicy or crunchy foods. Remove plaque by brushing and flossing gently throughout the entirety of your recovery, even if your gums are sore.
To alleviate pain or discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain medication. You can also rinse your mouth out with a warm salt water solution (we recommend doing so 3 times a day for 3 days after the procedure). And be sure to stay hydrated!
Happy healing! And please remember, if you have any questions, feel free to contact our office. We are more than happy to help you in your road to recovery—and towards a beautiful, healthy smile!