Adhering to post-operative instructions is essential for promoting rapid, complication-free healing. Even slight negligence can slow down the recovery process and increase the risk of discomfort or infection. Our team will provide you with all the necessary recommendations to ensure an optimal recovery following your treatment.
Post-Operative Care for Grafts and Dental Implants
Every procedure is unique. After a gum graft or dental implant placement, it is important to carefully follow your dentist's instructions to promote proper healing and achieve the best possible results.
Post-operative recommendations may vary depending on your individual case, so be sure to follow the specific instructions provided to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
Dental extraction or surgery
DAY OF SURGERY:
- Follow your prescribed medication instructions carefully.
- Antibiotics must be taken in full if prescribed.
- Pain medication should be taken at the scheduled times on the first day, then as needed afterward.
- Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes, then remove for 10 minutes. Repeat this cycle until bedtime.
- Maintain gauze pressure by gently biting for 30 minutes, then replace as needed until bleeding stops.
- If bleeding persists, replace the gauze with a damp, squeezed-out tea bag.
- Do not lie down or sleep without supporting your head with two or three pillows.
- Do not eat or drink for the first two hours following surgery.
- Avoid smoking for at least 12 hours.
- Avoid hot liquids and hard or frozen foods.
- Do not rinse your mouth or brush near the surgical site to avoid spitting or disturbing the area.
- Rest—you deserve it!
FOLLOWING DAYS:
- After meals, gently brush your teeth, the surgical area, and any sutures. A clean mouth heals faster.
- After 48 hours, add ½ teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Use it to rinse your mouth and gently bathe the surgical area.
- Maintain good nutrition. If chewing is difficult, drink plenty of fluids (Ensure, milkshakes, yogurt, omelettes).
Depending on the extent of your surgery, the following symptoms may occur normally.
SUTURES:
- Either they are dissolvable and will fall out within 5–7 days.
- Or they must be removed at the office within one week.
SWELLING
Swelling will be more pronounced on the 2nd and 3rd day after surgery and will gradually decrease.
DISCOLORATION
Blue, yellow, or black discoloration may appear in some areas. These are not bruises but the result of tissue bleeding and are of no concern.
BLEEDING
Minor bleeding may persist for a few days.
DISCOMFORT:
Temporary difficulty opening your mouth may occur.
PROLONGED NUMBNESS:
In rare cases, numbness lasting more than 24 hours may occur. If you are at risk, you will have been informed. This numbness is usually temporary, but please notify us if it occurs.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. AT THE SLIGHTEST COMPLICATION OR CONCERN, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE STAFF.
Teeth whitening procedure
The procedure:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly and floss before each treatment.
- Place a small drop of product into each tooth compartment of the tray, only on the front surface of the teeth.
- Insert the tray into your mouth. If there is excess product, remove it to avoid contact with the gums.
- Remove the trays and rinse your mouth. Clean the trays thoroughly (you may use your toothbrush).
You may wear the trays as follows:
Night treatment
- All night
- 3 hours per day
Day treatment
- 2 × 30 minutes
*If sensitivity occurs, you may place Sensodyne inside the trays, wear them in your mouth for 5 minutes, and do this 30 minutes before your whitening treatment.
WITHIN ONE HOUR AFTER TREATMENT, AVOID SMOKING, DRINKING COFFEE, OR RED WINE, AS THESE PRODUCTS MAY STAIN THE TEETH.
Consistency in your treatment will provide better results!