Post Op Instructions

Following your dental procedure, we will review any post-operative instructions with you. Usually, you will be given gauze to place over the surgical site, and in most cases, you will need to apply ice to the site to control swelling and pain. If antibiotics are prescribed to you, it is essential to take these as directed to help prevent infection. 

In most cases, bleeding should be minimal and taper off over time. Keep in mind that this varies by patient and depends on many factors. These are general post-op instructions for the procedures listed below. If you are experiencing symptoms not listed here or have a dental emergency, please contact Smiles of Irving immediately.

Root Canal Treatment

To avoid possible soft tissue injury, it is best to avoid eating for at least two hours until the anesthesia has worn off. This allows the temporary restorative material to harden as well. 

When you bite down, you will most likely feel soreness and pressure in the area. As a result, hard and chewy foods should be avoided. For at least 24 hours, avoid eating on the treated side of your mouth. Within a week, the soreness should subside. 

Take any antibiotic medication prescribed by our doctor to clear up any remaining infection in the tooth.

Please contact our office if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Increasing tenderness or swelling in the tooth's surrounding area
• An adverse reaction to the medication
• Temporary filling material loss
• Fracture of a tooth

Bridges and Crowns

It is best to avoid eating for at least two hours until the anesthesia has worn off, and please be cautious when cleaning around the temporary restoration. After the anesthesia wears off, it is normal to experience discomfort in the gums around the tooth. If you experience gum tissue discomfort, rinse the area with warm salt water. If the pain persists, you can take Advil or Tylenol. 

When flossing this area, do not pull up on the temporary. Brush this area gently and avoid chewing on hard foods while healing. Sensitivity to hot and cold is expected after treatment. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first few days. Please call our office if your temporary begins to fall off between appointments so we can reapply it for you.

White Fillings (Bonding)

• Avoid sticky or hard foods for the first hour to avoid dislodging the filling.
• You may experience slight sensitivity in the treated tooth for several days, especially to cold food and beverages. If sensitivity persists beyond a week, call our dentist in Irving, TX.
• Do not chew gum or eat candy that sticks to the teeth.
• Brush and floss daily as you normally would in the treated area.
• If you were given antibiotics, continue to take them for the indicated length of time unless otherwise directed by our dentist.
• Don’t skip your follow-up appointment! It’s essential to have regular checkups so our dentist can ensure your treatment is successful and your teeth and gums are healthy.

Root Planing and Scaling

• It is best to rinse your mouth with warm salt water two to three times per day after scaling or root planning. Add one teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of water. You should begin home care as soon as possible, but be extremely gentle with the treated areas.
• It is best to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that was treated. If you must eat, stick to soft foods. Avoid hard, crunchy foods such as raw vegetables, nuts, and candy. These can irritate the gums.
• Advil or Tylenol may be taken to relieve discomfort in the gum tissue where treatment was performed. The treated areas are likely to be sensitive to heat and cold.
• Following these procedures, smoking should be discontinued for 48-72 hours. If the pain or swelling persists, please contact the office.

Porcelain Veneers (Laminates)

• Lip, tongue, or palate numbness may last for several hours. Do not eat or drink anything hard or hot until the anesthetic has worn off.
• Pain may occur at the injection site, the tooth, or the surrounding gums. If this happens, take medication as directed by our doctor.
• When a temporary restoration is made, avoid sticky or crunchy foods to prevent the restoration from loosening or fracturing.
• Brush and floss as needed after placing the veneer. Do not chew on ice cubes or other hard objects, and avoid bad habits.
• If sensitivity occurs, use desensitizing toothpaste.
• Additionally, if the bite feels unusual, please contact the dental office.
• Regular dental examinations are necessary to maintain the function and appearance of one's veneers, among other things.

Extraction

Discomfort after tooth extraction can be minimized with an ice pack applied to the outside of your face in the area where you have had a procedure. Take all pain medication as prescribed, even if your procedure is over and done and you are at home already. Your body will need time to adjust and process the pain medicines after completing your procedure.

Our dentist will tell you how long you should wait before eating solid foods. Typically, a liquid diet is recommended at least for the first 24 hours following your procedure. Do not consume hot liquids or food, as they may irritate the extraction site and cause more discomfort. 

Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth regularly, especially after meals and before bed. Good oral health is essential to help prevent infection at the extraction site and facilitate gum tissue healing. Some pain and swelling are expected after an extraction, but it is essential to contact our doctor if there is increased pain, bleeding, fever, or anything else that seems unusual.

For the best dental care tailored to your specific needs, visit Smiles of Irving at 3204 N MacArthur Blvd c, Irving, TX 75062, or call (972) 258-6462.