Post Op Instructions

This is a list of helpful post operative instructions to follow after having some of our procedures done. If you have any questions or complications, please feel free to contact our office at 740-886-7000.

After your initial appointment for a crown or bridge, you will be leaving our office with a temporary restoration. This temporary is made of a plastic material and is not as sturdy as a permanent crown or bridge. It is also cemented on with a temporary material and can be easily removed. You should be careful when eating and brushing the area. Also, when you floss, do not pull up on the tooth, just slide the floss through. Avoid sticky or chewing foods and absolutely no gum while you have the temporary.

You may experience some irritation and sensitivity after the crown or bridge is placed. This is normal and should subside after a day or two. Warm salt water rinses and Advil can help during this period.

Once your permanent crown or bridge is cemented, make sure you brush and floss as normal to extend the life of the appliance.

It is completely normal to experience some soreness after root canal therapy for a few days. The tooth has been worked on and manipulated so you should expect some tenderness. Avoid chewing on the tooth until you have a permanent restoration placed. If the tooth breaks, or you experience severe pain or swelling, contact our office immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

After this procedure is completed, you may experience some gum soreness or irritation for a day or so. This is completely normal. You should use warm salt water rinses (1tsp salt in 8oz water) 3 to 4 times per day. If a mouthwash was prescribed for you, please follow the instructions on the bottle. Continue brushing and flossing as normal. If you continue to experience pain or swelling a few days after the procedure, contact our office.

After having teeth extracted, you can expect the extraction site to bleed some. You should maintain gentle pressure by biting on the gauze sponge that has been placed over the area for about 30-45 minutes. Repeat as often as needed, but be sure to moisten the gauze before placing so it doesn’t stick to the clot. Do not rinse or use mouthwash for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water every few hours to facilitate healing. It is normal to experience some discomfort. Take Advil or medication that was prescribed as needed.

Brush and floss you teeth normally taking care to avoid damaging the extraction site. A clean mouth always heals faster. Adequate food and fluid intake following surgery is most important. If you find that a regular diet is too difficult, you may supplement with liquids like Carnation instant breakfast. Limit yourself to calm activities for the first 24 hours. This keeps the blood pressure lower and reduces bleeding which will help the healing process. Do not consume liquids through a straw or do anything to cause a suction in the mouth, including smoking, as this can lead to a dry socket for at least 48 hours.

If you experience swelling, gently apply ice packs to the area for 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off if we recommended this to you. If you experience severe swelling, rash, or severe bleeding, call our office immediately. If we are not available go directly to the emergency room.