Instructions for Post Operative Care

White Fillings Post Opp Instructions

  • It's completely normal to experience sensitivity anywhere from a couple of days to several months following the procedure. Do not be alarmed if for the first 2 weeks it is very sensitive to hot and cold. Take some Ibuprofen, it helps the inflamed nerve to calm down, and then just give it some time. If it feels like the tooth is getting even a little bit better then it is headed in the right track.
  • Recent studies have shown that by replacing silver fillings with white fillings, increased sensitivity should be expected. Reasons why this occurs are unknown.
  • The fillings are as hard as they will get, so it is safe to chew on them as soon as the procedure is finished, however you will still want to be careful of how numb you are.

Crown Prep Post Opp Instructions

  • It's completely normal to experience sensitivity for 2-3 days following the procedure.
  • Ibuprofen or Motrin may help relieve inflammation of oral tissue
  • Warm salt water rinses, may ease sensitivity and aid in the healing process of the oral tissue.
    - dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into 8 oz. warm water and swish gently for 30 second intervals.
  • Avoid all sticky or hard candies or foods while wearing a temporary crown.
  • Flossing may loosen or remove the temporary crown, therefore avoid flossing in that area (continue to floss your other teeth)
  • If your temporary crown comes off it is imperative that you contact the office as soon as possible (to avoid any shifting of the teeth)
    - If such an incident occurs when we are out of the office it is possible for the patient to re-cement their temporary crown. The following are examples that may be used to re-cement the temporary
    - Denture paste. Certain stores carry temp filling/cement (Wal-Mart, Target,etc. They cost around $2 and are in the toothpaste section). The white toothpaste (it is very thick) can also be used if the above options are not available
    - When placing the crown make sure that it fits correctly on the tooth, it should feel as it did when the patient left the office. If it feels really high, try rotating it until it fits snug.
  • For teeth that have not previously been treated with a Root Canal, it is normal to experience slight to severe sensitivity. This is caused because the outer layer has been removed from a tooth still containing nerves. This should subside with the placement of the permanent crown

Scaling and Root Planning Post Opp instructions

  • It's completely normal to experience sensitivity for 2-3 days following the procedure.
  • Ibuprofen or Motrin may help relieve inflammation
  • Warm salt water rinses, may ease sensitivity and aid in the healing process.
    - dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into 8 oz. warm water and swish gently for 30 second intervals.

Oral Surgery Post Operative Instructions

  • Bleeding should almost completely subside with in the first hour following surgery, it is important to apply mild pressure on the gauze (placed by dental staff) for the first 20 minutes; after that gauze should no longer be necessary.
  • Avoid drinking through a straw, spitting, consumption of alcohol and smoking for at least 72 hrs. following surgery. (As these all may cause "Dry Socket").
  • Avoid rinsing with mouth wash containing alcohol (alcohol will dissolve blood clots)
  • Avoid sharp or hard foods (potato chips, popcorn, or any foods that could irritate oral tissue.)
  • 24 hours after the Surgery you may rinse with warm salt water (dissolve 1 tsp. of salt in 8 oz. of warm water) this can be done up to three times daily, and greatly aides the healing process.
  • If swelling occurs on the first day, it may help to apply an ice pack to swollen area in twenty minute intervals. On the second day following surgery, the ice pack may be replaced with a heat pack.
  • Take all medications as directed by your dentist or pharmacist for optimal recovery.
  • Expect moderate discomfort (even with the pain medication). Some swelling and minor bleeding for the immediate 24 hours following surgery is normal. However, if severe pain, swelling, or bleeding occurs, contact Sachs Family Dental immediately.

Root Canal Post Opp Instructions

  • It's completely normal to experience sensitivity (especially biting sensitivity) for 5-7 days following the procedure.
  • Take all prescriptions that Dr.Sachs has prescribed, (the only exception is the pain medication, this can be substituted for Ibuprofen which will actually help bring the swelling down as well)
  • DO NOT STOP taking your antibiotic after the Root Canal is completed it is very important that you finish the WHOLE prescription of antibiotics. PLEASE NOT THE WHEN TAKING ANTIBIOTICS IT MAY RENDER SOME FORMS OF BIRTH CONTRONL INEFFECTIVE.
  • In most cases you will leave the office with a temporary filling in the tooth. This is only meant to last for about 2 weeks, be careful not to go too much longer with out getting the permanent restoration placed. Be aware of what condition the temporary filling is in. If it appears to have fallen out of the tooth or significantly deteriorated, contact the office as soon as possible because this will leave the tooth open to bacteria.
  • The tooth has basically had the muscle removed, from this point until the permanent crown is placed, the tooth will be very weak and more prone to fracture. Avoid eating on that side and have the permanent crown done as soon as possible to avoid any further complications that can occur.