Dental Post Operative Care
in Boston
Most operations involve some form of recovery, and more involved dental procedures are no different. Depending on the condition of your teeth and the procedure, your recovery might be as simple as avoiding certain foods for a few days or more involved like following a pain management regimen. Below is some basic information regarding postoperative care after dental surgery.
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Smile Makeover Post-Operative Care
Because every smile is different, recovering from smile makeovers differs from person to person. However, sensitivity to hot and cold is common after a smile makeover. It can also take some time to adjust to your new bite, especially if you receive dental crowns, veneers, or composite dental bonding. If anything is bothering you with your new smile, please give our office a call so we can make any needed adjustments.
Warm Salt Water and Medication
Depending on the nature of your smile makeover, your gums may also feel sore for a few days. To soothe soreness, rinse your mouth with warm salt water three times a day. A solution of one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water can help to eliminate oral bacteria and relieve inflammation. Mild pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen can also help to manage pain. Any medication should be taken under the supervision of your dentist.
Getting Use to Changes
Some patients also notice changes in their speech after a full smile makeover, although this typically only lasts for a few days. Your brain needs some time to process how to speak properly with your new teeth, and it could take up to a week to speak normally.
Things to Avoid
If you received dental implants, crowns, veneers, or dental bonding as part of your smile makeover, take special care of your new teeth. Avoid foods that could crack, damage, or discolor your teeth, and always wear a mouth guard if you grind your teeth at night or play sports.
If you have any problems or concerns, don’t hesitate to call for assistance and advice.
(617) 206-1712 Prudential Center Location
(617) 606-6420 Charles River Location
(617) 766-0987 Fort Point Location
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Tooth Extraction Post-Operative Care
If you have to have a tooth pulled, it is very important to help the blood clot form in the socket. Immediately after the tooth is pulled, your DPB dentist will instruct you to bite down on clean gauze for 30-45 minutes to start forming this protective clot.
Things to Avoid
After the blood clot forms, do not disturb the clot. You should avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously, brushing the area, or sucking through a straw. Patients should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol after tooth removal. These activities can hinder blood flow and oxygen to the area. Swelling is normal after extraction but usually subsides within 48 hours. However, you can reduce swelling by applying an ice pack to the side of your face in the area of the extraction.
Medication
Your Boston Dentist may also prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to help the area heal and feel better. Take your medication exactly as it is prescribed, and focus on staying properly hydrated. Eat soft foods until the area feels comfortable. To keep your other teeth healthy, resume your normal dental hygiene routine no later than 24 hours after the procedure.
If you start having problems with heavy bleeding, swelling, or severe pain, call our office immediately!
(617) 206-1712 Prudential Center Location
(617) 606-6420 Charles River Location
(617) 766-0987 Fort Point Location
A healthy smile can be a great asset.
A smile also has other day-to-day benefits.
Dental Implants Post-Operative Care
Dental implants are done in stages, with the first stage being the actual placement of titanium posts. Because the placement of these posts involves making incisions in the gum tissue and physically placing posts in the jaw bone, most patients experience pain and swelling after implant placement.
Using Ice Packs
To help you to reduce the pain and swelling, you may place ice packs around the jaw or teeth. When you use ice packs, follow the rule of 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off so that the cold doesn’t cause damage. It is also important to diligently take the pain medication and antibiotics as your dentist prescribed to reduce the chance of complications like infections.
The First 24 Hours
For the first 24 hours after dental implant placement, you shouldn’t rinse, spit, or suck through a straw, as these actions can dislodge protective blood clots. Daily dental hygiene is crucial for all dental surgery patients, but especially for people who have undergone dental implant surgery. The proper removal of plaque is important for keeping bacterial levels in check and protecting the health of your remaining teeth.
If you experience heavy bleeding, swelling, or fever 24 hours after your dental implant surgery, it is important to contact our office immediately. It is also important to note that patients who undergo general anesthesia should not drive on the day of surgery.
(617) 206-1712 Prudential Center Location
(617) 606-6420 Charles River Location
(617) 766-0987 Fort Point Location
Your Boston dentist will give you proper instructions for post-op dental care specific to your procedure. Be sure to pay attention and listen to their instructions. If there are more specific questions or concerns about post-op care that were not mentioned above please discuss them with your dentist. They will be happy to answer all of your questions and concerns.
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Procedure Doctors
