After a dental procedure, it is important to take necessary steps to promote proper healing. To help ensure you’re taken care of outside of the dental chair, our team of dentists has put together a collection of post-op instructions to adhere to.
Your care will differ depending on what procedure you receive so please follow the set(s) of guidelines that apply below. For example, if you were given dentures, you will need to review how to safely clean them and what products can be used to do so.
If you have any additional questions or are unsure of what you should do, we encourage you to call our office.
Click on our Post-Op Instructions below to learn more:
Biostimulation
- Eat a diet of soft, non-chewy foods for the next 2 weeks.
- Do not chew gum for 2 weeks.
- Use a cold compress on the sore area of the jaw to help reduce inflammation – keep the cold compress on for 20 minutes and then remove for 20 minutes; repeat.
Bite Splint
Most common signs or symptoms a bite splint is needed:
- Tenderness of the jaw muscles.
- Clicking or popping noise when one opens or closes the mouth.
- Pain in or around the ear, sometimes spreading to the face.
Bone Grafting & Membrane Placement
Antibiotic – If an antibiotic has been prescribed, start taking it the first day (unless directed otherwise) and use it to completion. You can reduce stomach upset by taking with food and/or plenty of liquid.
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Caring For Your Mouth After Extractions
Many patients are unaware they grind their teeth at night until it’s brought up by their dentist during a routine oral examination. Sometimes teeth grinding can be so loud that it wakes up your partner. If you suspect you’re grinding or clenching teeth at night, call our office.
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Caring For Your Permanent Crown/Bridge
Proper home care is very important, so please read the following information. Please treat your permanent crown with care for the next 24 hours. Be sure to avoid both HARD and STICKY FOODS. Wait one full day before flossing
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Denture or Partial Homecare
Instructions for cleaning dentures/partials:
- Daily Maintenance:
- DO NOT brush your appliance with toothpaste as it will scratch your appliance. Use an antibacterial dish soap (Dawn is recommended) and a denture brush or a soft toothbrush to clean appliance. Clean your appliance after each meal and brush and rinse your mouth.
Endodontic Treatment
You may brush and floss the treated tooth as normal, however, please be aware that we have placed a temporary filling in the tooth to keep debris and bacteria from contaminating the root canal. This temporary filling may wear or fall out over time.
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Fluoride Tray Directions
- Brush and floss your teeth.
- Place Prevident Fluoride in Trays (a line of gel where the teeth are located).
- Place trays in mouth for 5 minutes.
Frenulectomy
The muscles of the cheeks and lips are attached to the gums and tissue of the mouth by a piece of soft tissue called a frenum.Sometimes a frenum can be attached too high on the gums causing either recession or spaces between teeth.
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Invisalign
Invisalign ONLY works when you are wearing them. We recommend you wear your aligners 20-22 hours, day and night. The only time the aligners should be taken out is when you are eating and drinking something other than water, brushing and flossing, or cleaning them.
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Invisalign Retainer
Congratulations on your new smile! Your teeth are now in a position that both you and your dentist are happy with. Now the goal is to keep them in this position for the rest of your life.
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Post Scale and Root Plane
The goal of scaling and root planing is to reduce gum inflammation or decrease pocket depths where bone-destroying bacteria live.
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Restorations
If you were anesthetized (numbed), you can expect to stay this way for 1-3 hours (the lower teeth may stay numb a bit longer than the upper). To avoid damage to your tongue, cheeks, or lips, you should avoid any chewing until the numbness wears off.
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Sleep Apnea Appliance
You have just received your oral sleep apnea/snoring device. Always warm the appliance under warm water before placing the appliance in the mouth. Initially, when the appliance is placed in your mouth you will most likely find it cumbersome. There will be an increase in saliva flow for the first few weeks of use which will slowly subside.
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Temporary Crown
Your tooth and gum tissue may be sensitive with the temporary crown on. Please avoid chewing sticky or hard foods with your temporary crown since this could cause it to come off.
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Tooth Whitening
- Brush and floss teeth.
- Place a small amount of whitening solution into tray.
- Place the tray in your mouth carefully, making sure that it is seated all the way.
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Our West Michigan family dentists provide quality dental care to patients of all ages. With five convenient West Michigan locations, we have the capability of handling all of your family's dental needs. Call MI Smiles Dental Grand Haven at (616) 842-1188, MI Smiles Dental Cascade at (616) 974-4990, MI Smiles Comstock Park at (616) 784-3515, or MI Smiles Ionia at (616) 527-2220 today, or schedule your appointment online.
