Root Canal Therapy:
You have just received root canal therapy, and it is normal to experience discomfort for several days,
especially upon chewing. If pain medication or antibiotics are recommended, please take them as
directed. You should avoid eating any sticky or hard foods if possible, and chew on the opposite
side of your mouth. If pain continues or swelling develops, contact our office immediately.
A crown may be necessary to protect the tooth after your root canal therapy.
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Extractions:
The Healing Process: The sockets of extracted teeth are healed by a blood clot. This clot forms and hardens during
the first 24 hours after surgery. It then slowly matures into healthy bone and tissue. Do not
disturb the clot by sucking, rinsing, spitting, smoking, or drinking alcoholic beverages for the
first 24 hours. You should also avoid heavy work and exercise.
Control of Bleeding: Bleeding may be expected following surgery in your mouth.
This bleeding may persist for 12-24 hours. Bite down firmly and maintain pressure on the gauze pad.
Change gauze pads in 30 minutes if bleeding persists.
Control of Swelling: Some swelling may occur. Apply ice immediately if recommended
by the doctor.
Diet: Do not skip meals A soft diet is recommended for the first day. Avoid chewing
in the area of the surgery. Remember to drink plenty of fluids. A good diet will make you feel
better, maintain your strength, decrease your discomfort, and help you heal faster. Do not chew
any foods until normal feeling has returned to your mouth--you could bite your tongue or lips
if you are still numb.
Pain Medication: Take the pain medication only as directed. Discontinue pain medication
if there is no discomfort. If you develop a rash or hives, discontinue the medication and immediately
contact our office.
Oral Hygiene: 24 hours after surgery, begin rinsing your mouth with warm
salt water (one teaspoon salt per glass of water). Rinse mouth 4 to 6 times a day for 1 full day.
Continue brushing your teeth gently to remove bacteria, which may complicate healing.
Emergency Treatment: If these instructions are followed carefully and completely,
you will have few postoperative problems. If any abnormal problems do develop, please contact our office.
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Root Planing:
These instructions, if followed properly, will aid in promoting healing with minimal discomfort
following root planing.
Oral Hygiene: Your own oral hygiene will determine the type of healing response
that occurs in your mouth. On the day of root planing, gently brush around the gumline.
Start flossing the day after the procedure is done. Tenderness when brushing and flossing may last
for several days. Thorough plaque removal must be accomplished and will help reduce tenderness
and sensitivity, as well as maximize healing. Start using any prescribed rinses immediately after the procedure.
Diet: Maintaining and adequate diet is essential to ensure proper healing.
A few examples of nourishing yet softer foods are eggs, soups, cheese, pasta, etc. Avoid crunchy
foods such as popcorn, nuts, and chips, as well as foods with small seeds. These foods can get
lodged between the gum and the tooth, delaying healing.
Smoking: Smoking and the heat it produces can irritate the gums, retarding
the healing response. It is advisable not to smoke for a few days following root planing
in order insure proper healing.
Side Effects: The majority of patients experience an uneventful postoperative
healing period, yet please be aware of the following potential side effects.
- Bleeding: Slight bleeding and tissue irritation following root planing for the first or second day
is no usual. To aid in stopping excessive bleeding, a moist tea bag may be applied with direct
pressure for 15 minutes. If bleeding persists beyond a few hours, please contact our office.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Varying degrees of root sensitivity following root planing may occur.
This can result from exposure to cold and/or hot air and liquids; sweet, salty, spicy and/or acidic foods;
as well as mechanically from brushing and flossing. In most individuals, this sensitivity will last
a few weeks before gradually subsiding. Remember that removing all plaque from the tooth surfaces
will help reduce sensitivity. Please let us know if sensitivity is a problem, and we will dispense
special desensitizing products that will insulate the tooth surface and gradually eliminate
the problem.
- Gum Sensitivity: Discomfort following root planing varies from patient to patient. Usually
ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Advil, Motrin, Tylenol) taken as directed will relieve any discomfort.
Warm salt water rinses (1 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of water) every 3 to 4 hours
the first few days will aid in healing irritated areas. If pain persists or is excessive, please
contact our office immediately.
- If you notice any of the following symptoms, please contact our office
immediately: Persistent and/or excessive swelling or bleeding, jaw stiffness, pus
drainage, or a bad taste.
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Temporary Crowns or Bridges:
You have just received a temporary crown. This temporary crown is meant only to serve
your needs while a permanent crown is being made for you.
Color: The color of the acrylic temporary crown may not resemble the
final (permanent) crown in any way.
Shape and Size: Temporary crowns are custom made for each patient, but they
may not in any way resemble the final crown, which indeed is being made especially for you.
Tooth Sensitivity: Your temporary crown will help protect the sensitivity
of the prepared tooth. However, it does not fit your mouth like the permanent crown will, so
you may notice sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweets.
Temporary Crown Facts:
- The temporary cement requires about 30 minutes to set. Please do not chew during that
period of time.
- Certain foods will stick to the temporary crown. Please refrain from chewing gum or
other candies or foods that might stick to the crown (or even pull it off).
- Temporary crowns are not strong. They may occasionally break or come off. It this should
happen to you, please contact our office immediately, bring your
temporary crown with you, and we will replace it. Should you be unable to contact us, you may be
able to replace the crown using a thin layer of Vaseline.
- Do not brush or floss too vigorously around your temporary crown. Remember that it is important
to keep the area clean, but use caution.
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