Post Op Instructions
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 Following your surgical procedure at Hillsboro Dental Center there are certain steps that you can take to heal faster and to relieve pain. Dr. Roberts cares about your health and wish you a speedy recovery. You were provided instructions either verbally or on paper but we have prepared the following list for your use.
Root Canal Therapy After CareFollowing your Root Canal procedure, we advise that you take whatever pain medication was suggested within one hour of leaving our office. Doing this immediately, even when still numb, allows the medication to get into your system before the anesthesia wears off.
What many patients do not understand is that your tooth may be tender after treatment. Your tooth will become progressively more comfortable over the next few days. Any postoperative pain or tenderness is best alleviated by taking 400-600 mg of ibuprofen (Advil) every 6 hours for the next 2-3 days. If the Advil does not completely alleviate the pain, you can take 1000mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in addition to the ibuprofen. It is NOT recommended to exceed 2400 mg ibuprofen or 4000 mg acetaminophen per day.
For your comfort, chew on the opposite side from the tooth we have just treated until your dental crown is placed. Following your root canal, your tooth has been weakened and could fracture, crack, or break (increasing the likelihood of extraction).
Please avoid chewing gum, caramels or other sticky soft candy. These can dislodge your temporary filling or cause tooth fracture.
If an antibiotic prescription was given, take as directed by the pharmacist or as directed on the bottle until it is completely gone. Many patients have reported stopping once the pain has stopped, this is not acceptable. Antibiotic medication is to help your immune system completely remove the infection and you need to complete the cycle for full effect.
If you find that you are still experiencing post-operative discomfort, which is not alleviated by the above medications, or if you develop swelling in the affected area, please contact our Hillsboro office
Extractions After CareFollowing your tooth extraction there are steps that can assist in recovery. Immediately, it is important to bite on gauze for 60 minutes. Change the gauze approximately every 15 minutes in order to help a clot form. After 60 minutes, If the bleeding persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may need to change gauze several times.
We do not want your clot to be disturbed. To keep the clot in place while healing:
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Do not rinse vigorously. |
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Do not suck on straws. |
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Do not smoke or drink alcohol for 72 hours. |
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Do not brush the teeth next to the extraction site for 24 hours. |
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Limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours. |
Additionally, for the next couple of days following your extraction avoid any small hard foods that might poke or get caught in the extraction site. Avoids foods including seeds or nuts, popcorn or tortilla chips.
If prescribed pain medication, use correctly and appropriately. If taking over the counter pain medication, follow all directions.
If prescribed an antibiotic prescription, please take the medication as directed by the pharmacist or as directed on the bottle. Take the antibiotic until it is completely gone. Your prescription has been given to help you immune system completely remove the infection, it can only do this if completed.
We want patients to contact our office if they are experiencing anything out of the ordinary. Excessive post-extraction discomfort that is not being alleviated by the above medications, excessive heavy bleeding, or severe pain with swelling for 2-3 days are all reasons that we would want you to contact our office.
Crowns and Bridges After-CareFollowing the placement of your dental crown or bridge, please take time to get used to your restoration. We ask that patients avoid foods that may be troublesome to your restoration, including eating foods that are sticky or hard such as certain candy, ice, raw carrots, or more. Use good judgement. Use caution when flossing, flossing can cause a temporary to pop off.
It is common to experience a tender tooth after treatment, it will become progressively more comfortable within a few days. Any postoperative tenderness is best alleviated by taking over the counter medications. We recommend 400-600 mg of ibuprofen (Advil) every 6 hours for the next 2-3 days. If pain persists after taking Advil, you can take 1000mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in addition to the ibuprofen. Do Not exceed 2400 mg ibuprofen and 4000 mg acetaminophen per day.
If your temporary pops off, you can temporarily place it back on using toothpaste or vaseline as a temporary cement. Give our office a call and we will gladly see you to re-adhere the temporary using a stronger adhesive.
Patients may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods. It will disappear gradually over a few weeks. Please call us if the sensitivity persists.
We want you to contact us if anything out of the ordinary occurs. If your bite feels different or unusual, or if you have sensitivity to pressure or temperature that does not seem to be getting better with time, please contact us.
Maintain your regular preventative care. It's critical for keeping your new restorations healthy.
Scaling and Root Planing After-CareFollowing your Deep Cleaning, it is normal for your gums to feel tender. We have performed an extreme cleaning in an effort to promote a healing response with your gums. You may be uncomfortable for a couple of days. We strongly recommend rinsing twice daily for two days with warm (not hot) salt water to speed-up healing and reduce tenderness. To do this, dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in a glass of 8oz (1 cup) warm water. Any postoperative tenderness is best alleviated by taking 400-600 mg of ibuprofen (Advil) every 6 hours until the pain has diminished. If the Advil does not completely alleviate the pain, you can take 1000mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in addition to the ibuprofen. Do not exceed 2400 mg ibuprofen and 4000 mg acetaminophen per day.
After your scaling and root planing procedure, it is normal for your teeth to be sensitive to cold and hot foods or liquids after your deep cleaning. Should this become problematic, try using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If your sensitivity continues, please call our office. It is very important to continue thorough homecare. Leaving plaque on the teeth will slow healing and greatly minimize the benefits of treatment.
Please call us at (503) 648-2829 if you have any questions.
We are here to promote health, and want to alleviate any discomfort that you may be experiencing while going through this process. For more information on how to heal following your surgical procedure, contact John T. Roberts, DMD, PC at our Hillsboro, OR 97124 office for more information. (503) 648-2829
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Hillsboro Dental Center
Dr. John T. Roberts and Dr. Cheryl Hansen
4440 NE Cornell Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
503-648-2829 |
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