Day 1: Continue biting on the gauze following your procedure until you only see light pink on the gauze, this should be approximately 10-60 minutes. Do NOT spit, rinse, suck, smoke, drink carbonated or alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours. Passively empty your mouth when needed by letting the fluid drip from your mouth. This will help respect the forming blood clot and avoid a painful complication known as DRY SOCKET.

Day 2: You will most likely experience one or more of the following symptoms: Minor pain, swelling, bruising, limitation in opening or closing your mouth, pain in jaw or ear, sore throat. It is important to listen to your body and take it easy. No heavy lifting, spitting, sucking, alcohol or smoking. Oral hygiene: Brush gently. A gentle lukewarm saltwater rinse can be used to freshen your mouth. But again, do not spit; just let the fluid passively empty. The corners of your mouth may become cracked and dry – moisturize frequently.

Day 3: Your symptoms of pain swelling and tenderness should be reaching a peak at 72 hours and should be getting better. If this is not the case please contact us. 

If there is swelling: Apply cold compresses to the affected area at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling. Another good solution is to freeze a small piece of citrus fruit like lime or orange and use this as a cold-pack. Any swelling that occurs usually begins to diminish within 72 hours; call the office if there is no change. 

If there is Bleeding: Some oozing of blood is normal for the first 12-24 hours. Put a hand towel on your pillow as some drooling can occur when you are numb. If you experience excessive bleeding, apply firm pressure with 1-2 folded gauze pads or damp tea bag on the affected area for 30-60 minutes and keep your head elevated. Call the office if the bleeding does not subside. 

Diet: Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid carbonated and alcoholic beverages. A soft diet will be easiest: Nutritious Smoothies are excellent (no straw), , Veggies, Fruits. Avoid small seeds and crunchy food that could lodge into the healing site. Spicy food is not recommended. It is normal to have a little tenderness while chewing and difficulty opening wide. 

Stitches: If you have received sutures, avoid playing with them. Stitches in the mouth often resorb. if we determine you may need stitches for longer we will have used a non-resorbable suture and made an appointment for removal.

Prescriptions: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed until they are all gone, even if symptoms dissipate. Some antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills or other medications. If pain medication or a mouth rinse is prescribed take as directed. In case of any unusual disturbances, questions, or any post-surgical problems, please call the office.

Root canal therapy can take 1-2 appointments to complete. After each appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours. Avoid any chewing on the side of the treated tooth until the numbness has completely worn off. 

A temporary filling or crown is placed by your dentist to protect the tooth between appointments. Between appointments, it's common (and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling or crown to wear away or break off. If the entire filling falls out, or if a temporary crown comes off, please call our office so it can be replaced.

To protect the tooth and help keep your temporary in place: ·Avoid chewing sticky foods (especially gum). ·Avoid biting hard foods and hard substances, such as ice, fingernails and pencils. ·If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth. It's normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal therapy appointment, especially when chewing. It is not uncommon for a tooth to be uncomfortable or even exhibit a dull ache immediately after receiving root canal therapy. This should subside within a few days (or even weeks). Even if you were not experiencing any discomfort prior to treatment, it is normal for you to experience some degree of discomfort for a few days after. The tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. To control discomfort, take pain medication as recommended by your dentist. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone. If you were not prescribed a pain medication by us but are experiencing pain after your appointment, we recommend taking over the counter pain medication. We recommend ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin) or naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox). Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with pain medications or should swelling develop, please call our office. To further reduce pain and swelling, rinse three times a day with warm salt water; dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then rinse, swish, and spit. It's important to continue to brush and floss normally. Usually, the last step after root canal treatment is the placement of a crown on the tooth. A crown covers and protects the tooth from breaking in the future. Unless otherwise noted by the dentist, it is critical to have a crown placed on your root canal therapy treated tooth as soon as possible. Delay in obtaining final restoration (crown) may result in fracture and/or possible loss of the tooth. If your bite feels uneven, you have persistent pain, or you have any other questions or concerns, please call our dental office.

FIRST APPOINTMENT Crown preparation- Following the first appointment you will receive a temporary crown that is placed and cemented to the prepared tooth. Because temporary cement washes out rapidly, you may experience some sensitivity to cold and hot. Try to brush the area gently and when you floss, pull the floss out from the side rather than upward. The rapid upward motion may dislodge the temporary crown. If a temporary crown becomes loose or falls out, clean the temporary cement from the inside the crown, then apply vaseline inside the crown and place it back on the tooth. Immediately call and come back to the office to get the crown either re-cemented or re-fabricated. 

SECOND APPOINTMENT Final cementation- Please do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after your new crown is cemented. Do not eat hard or sticky foods for 24 hours while the cement completely sets. Your new crown may feel tight or as if it is pushing against the teeth next to it for several hours. This discomfort will go away within a day or two. Sensitivity, especially to hot and cold is common after a crown is cemented. The sensitivity usually subsides within a week or ten days. Usually the deeper the cavity, the more sensitive the tooth will be. You should make an adjustment appointment if the sensitivity persists or increases. The finished restoration may be contoured slightly different and have a different texture than the original tooth. Your tongue usually magnifies this small difference, but you will become accustomed to this in a few days. Please follow prescribed oral hygiene instructions-45 degree angle brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to avoid getting a cavity or gum disease around your new crown. Flossing is especially important in preserving the health of your crown or bridge. A correctly fabricated crown or bridge should function as comfortably as your own tooth.

Your new composite fillings are fully hardened before you even leave the office; however, it is wise to chew on the opposite side of the newly placed filling(s). Your gums may be sore for several days. Rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water (put a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse and spit) to reduce pain and swelling. 

It is normal to experience some hot, cold, and biting sensitivity for 3-4 days after your appointment. It should decrease each day after this period. If it doesn’t, please call our office. When anesthesia has been used, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. It is easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while numb. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please contact our office immediately to obtain help or advice. 

Most new dentures require an adjustment period. This period will require the patient and the dentist to work together for the best result for you and your dentures. 

Start slowly with a new denture. Eat easier softer foods first before attempting to chew more challenging foods. Also, practice speaking with your new teeth. Even if your new dentures are very similar to a previous set, there will differences that will require you to learn to eat and speak all over again. 

Dentures will not fit as well as they can initially. It generally takes several days for a new set of dentures to settle into the tissue of the mouth. 

After several days of trial wear with a new set, you will generally be instructed to return to your dentist for a check. Adjustments can then be made based on your experiences. Any soreness of the gums, looseness, difficulties with chewing, or difficulties in speech can be evaluated. Your dentist can then make necessary adjustments or give you suggestions for dealing with any concerns that you have. • The most important way of caring for your dentures is to brush them at least once a day – inside and out! You can use a soft toothbrush or a special denture brush without toothpaste due to its abrasive nature. Occasional soaking in a denture cleaning solution can also be helpful. Generally, soaking on a weekly basis followed by a thorough brushing will be adequate. 

Take care not to drop your dentures when cleaning them. It is helpful to clean your dentures over a washcloth or over a sink full of water to prevent breaking the denture if dropped. • Dentures require regular professional care. We suggest that all denture patients have their dentures and gum tissue checked on a yearly basis. This assures that any problems are identified and corrected before damage is done to the mouth. Adjustments and relines can be made to dentures that will keep them working well and fitting well longer than if no preventive care is taken.  

Most often, it is best to sleep with dentures out of the mouth. This gives the tissues of the mouth a rest too. In some instances, a patient’s jaws or muscles need the support of dentures at sleep. These patients will feel better sleeping with their dentures in place. 

1. Pain and Swelling:

• Some pain and/or swelling is normal and can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications. Use ice packs on the face near the surgical site for the first 24 hours, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, to reduce swelling.

• Swelling may peak around the third day and gradually subside.

2. Bleeding:

• Minor bleeding or oozing is normal for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid spitting, rinsing vigorously, or using straws, as this can dislodge the clot and impair healing.

3. Chlorhexidine Rinse:

• Rinse gently with chlorhexidine mouthwash before and after eating for 4 weeks to keep the surgical site clean and reduce the risk of infection. Do not rinse forcefully.

4. Custom Essix Tray:

• Wear your custom Essix tray for 4 weeks as directed. This will help protect the surgical site and promote healing.

5. Brushing:

• If the abutment (what you can see of the implant) is visible above the gums, gently brush the implant area with a soft toothbrush starting 48 hours after surgery. Avoid direct pressure on the surgical site.

6. Diet:

• Stick to a soft diet for the first week and avoid chewing on the implant side for at least 4 weeks. Avoid hot or spicy foods, as they may irritate the surgical site.

7. Activity:

• Rest on the day of surgery and avoid strenuous activity for the first 72 hours to prevent excessive bleeding or swelling.

Potential Complications:

• Infection: Signs include increased swelling, redness, or discharge at the site. Contact the office immediately if these occur.

• Pain: Persistent or severe pain not relieved by medication should be reported to the office.

• Bruising: Temporary bruising or discoloration of the face near the surgical site is normal.

• Jaw Function: You may experience temporary jaw stiffness. This usually resolves within a few days.

Additional Information:

• Smoking increases the risk of postoperative complications and implant failure. Stop smoking at least two weeks before and eight weeks after the procedure. Obviously quitting outright is preferred. 

• Follow all oral hygiene recommendations to maintain the health of the surgical site.

• Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor healing and ensure proper integration of the implant.

-Bleeding that won't stop even after applying gauze or a tea bag for 60 minues

-Sudden Swelling

-Difficulty Breathing (Seek emergency care)

-Difficulty sleeping due to tooth pain

-Bruising in the tissues following root canal

-Pain getting worse even 72 hours after the operation

-Your bite feels "off"