Post Operative Instructions If you are a patient of record at our office and have any questions or concerns after a procedure, please contact our office for more information. Cleaning: If gums are sore or bleeding after your cleaning appointment, rinse with warm water and keep the area as clean as possible. If the problem continues for more than 3 days, call our office for assistance. Extraction: Bite on gauze for at least one hour after the procedure, changing every 15-20 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a tea bag for 15 minutes. Should sever bleeding continue for more than two hours, call our office for assistance. No solid foods for 24 hours. DO NOT drink through a straw and DO NOT drink any carbonated drinks. Apply ice pack to the area off and on for several hours after the procedure. Fillings: Post operative sensitivity is normal up to 21 days. Fillings need to be kept clean with proper oral hygiene and keep in mind the poor diet habits consisting of excess sugar and acid can cause new decay and/or failure of the filling material. Crowns and Pulpotomies: Post operative "soreness" or "aching" is expected up to 14 days. Keep margins of the crown at the gum line clean by proper brushing and flossing. There is a 20-30% chance that the pulp (nerve) may not respond to the treatment done, depending on the initial extent of the decay and amount of bacteria present. Please check the gums under the crown periodically for any swellings, "blister" or discoloration. Call the office for information on possible further treatment of the tooth, which may include extraction. Sealants: Even though the top surface of the tooth has been sealed, the other four surfaces could get cavities if proper oral hygiene and diet is not followed. Avoid "sticky" foods, which may pull the sealant off. A diet high in sugar and acid can cause failure of the material. Sealants will be checked at every exam appointment. |
