Post-op Instructions for dental appointments

General Post‑Op Instructions (All Dental Procedures)

1. Pain & Sensitivity

  • Expect tenderness after your appointment—it’s normal.

  • Start pain relief early, even before numbness fades.

  • Use OTC meds like ibuprofen or acetaminophen unless you have a prescription.

  • For fillings, crowns, or deep cleaning, some hot/cold sensitivity is common. Let us know if pain occurs without any trigger or wakes you up.

2. Managing Swelling

  • Apply an ice pack (or frozen vegetables) for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off.

  • Do this especially within the first 12–48 hours.

3. Bleeding (Deep Cleaning & Extractions)

  • For scaling/root planing: mild bleeding is normal. Apply gauze for 20 minutes.

  • For tooth extractions: bite firmly on gauze for 30–45 minutes; replace if needed. Avoid disturbing the clot—no straws, rinsing, smoking—for 1–2 days.

4. Diet & Eating

  • Once numbness wears off, stick to soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and pasta.

  • Avoid spicy, crunchy, hard, or hot foods. After extractions, eat on the opposite side of your mouth. After crown placement, refrain from chewing for 30 minutes, and skip sticky/hard foods for 24 hours.

5. Oral Hygiene

  • Continue gentle brushing and flossing—avoid harsh contact with treated areas.

  • If prescribed, use mouth rinse as directed. Otherwise, rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt per cup) 3–4 times a day.

  • When flossing around temporary crowns, pull the floss out to the side—not upwards—to prevent dislodging.

6. Temporary Crowns

  • If your temporary crown becomes loose, clean it, dab with a little Vaseline inside, then gently re-seat it and call us to fix or replace it.

7. Medication Notes

  • If you’re on antibiotics, finish the full course even if symptoms clear up.

  • Take prescribed pain meds cautiously—don’t drive or operate machinery if they cause drowsiness.

8. When to Call Us

Contact our office if you experience:

  • Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding beyond 48 hours.

  • Swelling that doesn’t start to subside after 2–3 days.

  • Sharp, severe, or increasing pain.

  • Persistent or unexplained sensitivity.

  • A dislodged temporary crown or stitches.

  • Any suspected allergic reaction to medications.

Please find essential post-operative care instructions below to ensure a smooth recovery after your dental procedure. Each document provides specific guidance to promote healing and minimize discomfort. Click on the appropriate file to view or download the instructions.