Post-operative instructions

Following surgery, keep the wound clean and dry.

General Post-Operative Care Tips After a Dental Extraction

Bleeding

Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using straws for the first 24 hours following a tooth as this can disrupt blood clot formation. Some bleeding or oozing is normal first 24 hours after the surgery. To control this bleeding, place a clean gauze pad over the surgical site and apply firm pressure by biting on it for 10-15 minutes. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the extraction site. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze pad and continue applying pressure. When anesthesia wears off bleeding may restart again. Make sure you are not lying flat when this happens and reapply the gauze need be.  NEVER sleep or nap with a gauze pad in your mouth as this may be a hazard for choking or aspiration into the lungs.

Oral Hygiene

Maintain good oral hygiene following your dental procedure to promote healing and prevent infection. Brush your teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush, taking care to avoid the surgical area. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon of salt for 1 glass of water) or an antimicrobial mouthwash as directed by your dentist to keep the surgical site clean and free of debris. Avoid vigorous rinsing as this may dislodge the blood clot and increase the risk for complications such as infection or dry socket development.

Pain Management

Apply ice packs to the affected area every hour for 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling and relieve pain.  You may experience mild to moderate discomfort or soreness following your dental procedure. Take any prescribed pain medications as directed by your dentist to manage pain effectively.

Swelling

Swelling is common after dental surgery and typically peaks within 48 hours before gradually subsiding. To minimize swelling, apply ice packs or cold compresses to the affected area intermittently during the first 24 hours following your procedure. Keep your head elevated while resting to promote drainage and reduce swelling. If you notice a swelling 24 hours after surgery, apply warm compresses at 20 minute intervals over several days.

Dietary Restrictions

Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first few days following your dental procedure to avoid irritating the surgical site. Opt for nourishing foods such as yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soups. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods that may cause discomfort or disrupt healing.

General Post-Operative Care Tips after a restoration:

Local anesthesia

careful not to bite or burn yourself.  Special vigilance for young patients, avoid scratching numb area – risk of injury is high.  Best wait for anesthesia to resolve prior to eating, may drink with a straw if easier.

Chewing and oral hygiene on a permanent restoration

For composite (white) fillings no contraindication.  If you recently had a permanent crown cemented or an amalgam (silver) filling follow same protocol as temporary restoration.

Chewing and oral hygiene on a temporary restoration

whether you have a temporary crown of filling, avoid eating anything hard or sticky on that restoration until you get final restoration.  No issues for brushing teeth, avoid pulling floss out as this can dislodge the restoration, instead pull floss sideways or use a proxabrush.

Contact Us for Assistance

If you have any questions or concerns about your post-operative care or experience unexpected symptoms such as excessive bleeding, severe pain, or swelling, contact Centre Dentaire Laval immediately for assistance. Our experienced team is here to support you throughout your recovery journey and ensure a successful outcome from your dental procedure. We are committed to your comfort, safety, and satisfaction, every step of the way.

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