Post-Operative Instructions

Sedation Post-Operative Instructions

Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

Do not drive or operate mechanical equipment, drink alcohol, smoke, or sign any legal documents for at least 24 hours after surgery.

An adult should stay with you for at least the first 24 hours. Patients may seem normal but the effects of the sedative medication can last several hours. Do not walk or climb stairs unassisted.

Drink plenty of fluids and proceed with nutritious meals as soon as possible. Anesthetic effects can vary by patient. Drowsiness may last for several hours. It is best to take any pain medication before pain is experienced.

Please follow any other post-operative instructions given to you based on your specific treatment.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 704-541-9888.

Extraction Post-Operative Instructions

It is important for a blood clot to form after an extraction to stop the bleeding and begin healing. To aid this process, you should bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after your extraction. If the extraction site continues to bleed when you remove the pad, you should place another gauze pad and bite for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the clot forms, you must protect it for at least the next 24 hours: Do not smoke, drink alcohol, eat spicy foods, use a straw, rinse vigorously, or clean the teeth next to the extraction area. Any of these activities can dislodge the clot
and slow healing.

Limit your physical activity for the first 24 hours after an extraction to lower blood pressure, reduce bleeding and help the healing process. Use pain medication as directed. If antibiotics were prescribed, continue to take them for the full, indicated length of time.

You may have some swelling or pain after an extraction. You may use an ice pack for the first 48 hours. Apply the ice pack while awake for 30-minute intervals (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off).

Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a nutritious, soft diet through the next day. You may gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water up to three times a day (1-tsp salt mixed into 1-cup of warm water).

Resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours with regular brushing and flossing.

Call us if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain or continued swelling after 2-3 days, or if you have a reaction to the medication.

If sutures have been placed, please follow the care directions you are given, which will vary depending on the type used (dissolvable or non-resorbable, which will need to be removed in 1-2 weeks).

If you have any questions, please contact us at 704-541-9888.

Bridges, Crowns and Veneers Post-Operative Instructions

These procedures can take a few appointments to complete. The first appointment prepares the teeth. Temporaries are placed to protect your teeth while your custom restoration is made.

Expect to remain numb for a few hours after your appointment.

Avoid any chewing and be aware of hot beverages until the numbness resolves.
Avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods. If possible, chew on the opposite side.
You may continue to brush normally, but floss carefully and remove the floss from the side of the tooth. We recommend that you not use a Sonicare toothbrush around your temporary as this could dislodge it. You may continue use of a Waterpik.

Call us if your temporary comes off so it can be re-cemented. It is important that the temporary remain in place to ensure the proper fit of your final restoration. If you cannot come to the office, you may use a small amount of denture adhesive placed inside the temporary to hold it in place.

It is normal to have some temperature or pressure sensitivity for a few days after your appointment. Each tooth reacts differently due to the depth of the restoration or the severity of any cavities.

Your gums may be sore for a few days after your appointment. To soothe them, you may rinse your mouth with warm salt water up to three times a day (1-tsp salt mixed into 1-cup of warm water).

If you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, you may use Ibuprofen or
acetaminophen for any discomfort you may experience.

We will inform you if we find evidence of advanced tooth decay or cracks during your treatment. These can transmit bacteria to the nerve of the tooth which can cause the nerve to develop an infection or die. If this occurs, you may need root canal treatment. Signs and symptoms include: persistent or throbbing pain that increases in intensity over time, severe bite sensitivity, pain that radiates to the side of the face or pain that
wakes you during the night.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 704-541-9888

Cerec Crown Post-Operative Instructions

A Cerec crown is a restoration that is completed in one visit to our office thanks to the advanced technology we use.

Mild tooth sensitivity to cold can occur with placement of any bonded dental restoration. This gradually diminishes after a few days.

Avoid chewing in the area of the crown or drinking hot beverages until any numbness has completely worn off.

Gum irritation or sensitivity can occur with any anesthetic injection and crown prep procedure. You may rinse with warm salt water as needed. (1-tsp salt mixed with 1-cup warm water)

We adjust your bite immediately after placing the crown, however, sometimes the numb feeling does not allow for proper refinement. If this occurs, call our office for a time for you to come in for an adjustment.

We will inform you if we find evidence of advanced tooth decay or cracks during your treatment. These can transmit bacteria to the nerve of the tooth which can cause the nerve to develop an infection or die. If this occurs, you may need root canal treatment. Signs and symptoms include: persistent or throbbing pain that increases in intensity over time, severe bite sensitivity, pain that radiates to the side of the face or pain that wakes you during the night.

To keep your Cerec crown in its best condition, brush and floss regularly and visit us for your routine hygiene care. The most common reason for failure of any restoration is failure to maintain both proper hygiene and regular preventive visits.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 704-541-9888.