Dental Post-Surgery Guidelines in Aurora, CO

Root Canal Therapy

After your root canal surgery, you will likely experience some soreness in the area. This is normal and should subside with time. You should continue to brush and floss normally, as this will help promote healing and prevent infection. Being careful when brushing near the area that had the procedure since it may be more sensitive than usual. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or cold for the first few days after your surgery, especially on the side where the procedure was performed. If you were prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take them regularly and entirely.

Crowns and Bridges

Once your porcelain crown or fixed bridge has been placed, you will need to take extra care when brushing and flossing around the area. A temporary crown is typically placed while the permanent one is being made, and this temporary crown is not as strong, so eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing cautiously are necessary. It is also recommended to avoid chewing sticky or difficult-to-eat food on the affected side.

White Fillings (Bonding)

After having a white filling (bonding) placed, it is important to take care of the area. You should try your best to avoid eating hard or sticky foods for 24 hours afterward and to still brush and floss your teeth normally. If you experience any sensitivity in the area, then you should use desensitizing toothpaste to help alleviate it. It may also be helpful to drink plenty of water after the procedure to help flush out any remaining debris that may still be present in your mouth and to keep the area clean.

Veneers

When getting porcelain veneers, it is important to remember that they will require special care. Avoid biting down on hard objects such as ice cubes, opening bottles with your teeth, or even biting your nails. After placement, there might be some sensitivity present, and using a desensitizing toothpaste can help alleviate it. Of course, be sure to brush and floss your teeth normally, taking care not to brush too hard in the area of the veneers as this can damage them.

Extractions

After tooth extraction, it is imperative to keep the area clean by brushing gently near the extraction site. Avoiding rinsing, spitting, or sucking forcefully for 24 hours after your surgery, as this could dislodge the blood clot that forms at the oral surgery site. You will be provided with a gauze pad to bite down on for 20 to 30 minutes directly after oral surgery, be careful when removing this to avoid any unnecessary bleeding. Your dentist may also provide you with more detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site, depending on your specific situation.

Dentures

When wearing partial dentures, it is important to make sure that you take extra precautions when cleaning them. Make sure that you brush your dentures daily and avoid using abrasive cleaners on them, as this can cause damage. Additionally, avoid hot water when soaking your dentures in water, as this can cause them to warp. It is also important to remove your dentures at least once a day and clean both your gums and the dentures before reinserting them into your mouth.