The success of your dental treatment or oral surgery depends largely on the steps you take following your procedure. Detailed post-op instructions will be provided according to your specific needs, the treatment you receive, and special considerations that are unique to your condition.
Scaling/Root Planing
- If you plan to receive oral sedation before your scaling and root planing treatment, then plan on bringing a responsible adult to drive you home afterwards, and making arrangements to take the rest of the day off from work.
- Refrain from eating while the local anesthesia is still effective and be sure to take any prescribed antibiotics as directed.
- You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate sensitivity and discomfort in your gums. If the discomfort persists for more than a couple of days, then call our office immediately to schedule a follow-up examination.
- If swelling occurs, place an ice pack or cold compress at the area to reduce swelling. If bleeding occurs, then rinse your mouth carefully with warm water (bleeding should stop completely within 48 hours following your procedure; otherwise, schedule a follow-up immediately).
Tooth Filling
- Local anesthesia is common for dental filling procedures, and dental sedation is typically not necessary. After the filling is placed, refrain from eating or drinking until the numbness wears off.
- When the anesthesia wears off, try to bite down gently to gauge the position of the filling. If it feels uncomfortable, or as though it sits too high, then speak with your dentist immediately.
- For the following several days, rinse multiple times a day with warm salt water, taking care not to swish too harshly around the filling. Also, be careful when brushing and flossing around the filling, as doing so too harshly may dislodge the filling.
- You may feel slight sensitivity in the tooth and surrounding gums, which can be lessened with over-the-counter pain medication. If sensitivity persists for more than two or three days, then schedule a follow-up appointment as soon as possible.
Root Canal Treatment
- Depending on the extent of your tooth’s infection, a root canal treatment may take more than one visit to complete. If you receive a temporary filling or crown between appointments, then take special care not to dislodge it while eating, drinking, or brushing and flossing your teeth.
- After each appointment, refrain from eating and drinking anything until the anesthesia and sedation (if applicable) wears off.
- Antibiotics are often prescribed after a root canal treatment to better protect the site from infection by oral bacteria. Be sure to complete the course of antibiotic treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
- Upon completion of root canal treatment, we may place a dental crown over the tooth for additional protection. Be sure to test the crown by biting down gently to ensure that it fits properly before leaving our office.
Tooth Extraction
- After tooth extraction, a blood clot should form in the jawbone’s socket so that the tissues can begin healing. For 24-36 hours afterwards, you must take special care not to dislodge the clot until it has time to set properly.
- Be sure not to smoke, drink through a straw, swish around water or mouthwash too harshly, or pass your toothbrush over the empty socket until after the blood clot has settled.
- If swelling occurs, then place an ice pack or cold compress at the appropriate area on your cheek. To alleviate pain and sensitivity, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, or ask your doctor about prescription pain medication.
- Gently rinse your mouth at least two to three times a day with warm salt water, particularly after eating or drinking. If bleeding, discomfort, or swelling occur after more than three or four days, then call our office and schedule a follow-up examination as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Dental Treatments and Services with Us!
When you are ready to schedule your dental treatments and services, call Columbia Dental & Orthodontics in East Dallas, TX today at (214) 827-8000. We proudly serve patients from around the DFW area, including Garland, Mesquite, Oak Cliff, and all surrounding communities.