Post Operative Instructions

Post-op Instructions after Fillings:

• Numbness: Anticipate numbness for a few hours post-filling.
• Jaw and Gum Soreness: Consider normal soreness for a day; reach out if persistent.
• Sensitivity: Acknowledge common post-op symptom; contact us if persisting or challenging.
• Bite Height: If the filling feels high, connect with your dentist immediately.

Post-op Instructions following Crown or Bridgework:

• Numbness: Typically lasts a few hours; avoid hot foods/drinks.
• Jaw and Gum Soreness: Common; contact us if challenging to manage.
• Temporary Crown: Safeguard it; sustains space; notify us if it breaks or dislodges.
• Oral Hygiene: Steer clear of sticky foods; maintain daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash routine.
• CEREC® Same-day Crown: Expect sensitivity; inform us if it persists.

Post-op Instructions following Extractions:

• Numbness: Normal for a few hours; contact us if persistent beyond 12 hours.
• Soreness: Expected; alleviate with a cold compress for 24 hours.
• Blood Clot: Safeguard it; rinse gently with salt water; avoid forceful rinsing or alcohol mouth rinses.
• Pain Management: Proactively manage pain; enhance healing by quitting smoking.
• Swelling: Cold compress for the first day; transition to warm compresses after 24-48 hours.
• Oral Hygiene: No brushing on the first night; adhere to specific dietary guidelines.
• Diet: Start with cold, soft foods; progress to warm foods after 24-72 hours.
• Rest: Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours.
• Antibiotics: Follow the prescribed course diligently.
• Follow-up: Schedule and attend recommended post-op visits.

Post-op Instructions following Denture or Partial Delivery:

• Immediate Denture: Follow extraction post-op guidelines.
• Wear Time: Keep in for 24 hours; then clean with a plain toothbrush and dish soap.
• Cleaning: Avoid abrasives; use OTC denture cleaner as needed.
• Discomfort: Common; adjustments may be necessary; attend scheduled visits.
• Adjustment Period: Allow time for adaptation; practice reading aloud for speech improvement.

Post-op Instructions following Occlusal Appliance or Nightguard Delivery:

• Discomfort: Expected initially.
• Wear as Directed: Adhere to dentist's instructions.
• Cleaning: Use toothbrush and dish soap only; avoid abrasive substances.
• Denture Cleaner: Use weekly if applicable; follow dentist's guidance.
• Adjustments: Contact us for any discomfort or pain.

Post-op Instructions following Root Canal Therapy:

• Numbness: Temporary for a few hours; avoid hot foods/drinks.
• Jaw and Gum Soreness: Common; reach out if soreness persists.
• Healing Time: Variable; manage pain with OTC medications; refrain from chewing on treated tooth.
• Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing as recommended.
• Follow-up: Schedule and attend appointments for final restoration.

Post-op Instructions following Periodontal Therapy (Scaling and Root Planing):

• Numbness: Temporary for a few hours.
• Soreness: Expected; resume home care with brushing and flossing.
• Cold Sensitivity: Common; teeth may feel looser initially.
• Follow-up: Schedule and attend maintenance visits as recommended by your dentist.

Post-Operative Instructions: Dental Implants

For the Remainder of the Day:

1. Do not spit. Use a tissue or swallow saliva to avoid disrupting the forming blood clot.
2. Avoid a drinking straw. Drink directly from a cup to prevent dislodging the blood clot.
3. No smoking. Smoking increases the risk of infection and can hinder healing.
4. Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area. Avoid poking, as it can cause bleeding.

Bleeding:

1. Some minor bleeding is expected; it should subside within an hour or two.
2. Keep gauze on the surgical area with biting pressure for 30–45 minutes.
3. If bleeding persists, contact our office.

Swelling:

1. Swelling is normal and may increase for the first 24–48 hours before gradually subsiding.
2. Some bruising on the face may occur.

Diet:

1. Start with non-abrasive foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, cottage cheese, soup, or scrambled eggs.
2. Gradually resume a regular diet; avoid chewing directly on implant sites.

Oral Hygiene:

1. Start gentle rinsing with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water) the day after surgery.
2. Brush teeth carefully, avoiding surgical sites.

Sutures:

1. Unless informed otherwise, sutures are dissolvable and should fall out within 4–10 days.

Bone Graft Material:

1. If bone graft material was used, the gritty feeling is normal and should subside within a day or two.

Implant Visibility:

1. Depending on implant location and stability, it may be buried or visible. Discuss with your surgeon.

Crown Placement:

1. Attach a dental crown after osseointegration, the fusion of the implant with the bone.
2. Time varies; your surgeon will discuss based on bone quality, quantity, and stability.

Medications:

1. Take all prescribed medications as directed.
2. Antibiotics: Complete the full course; do not stop halfway.
3. Pain Medicine: Follow the schedule; avoid driving or operating machinery on narcotic pain  medication.
4. Wean off narcotics and substitute acetaminophen (Tylenol®) if needed.
5. If directed, use ibuprofen for the first 4–5 days.

Activity:

1. Resume normal activities when no longer on narcotic pain medication.
2. Gradually increase activity over several days, returning to your normal routine.

General Guidelines:

1. Follow instructions for a quick and comfortable recovery.
2. Contact us with any questions or concerns; 24-hour surgeon availability.

Questions? We're Here for You:

• For procedure or treatment plan queries, our center offers 24-hour surgeon availability.
• Call our office during business hours; after hours, our answering service will page a surgeon.  We'll respond promptly.

Unlock Your Best Smile with Clear Aligners: Care Tips for Optimal Results

Clear aligners, like ClearCorrect®, offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces. The nearly invisible design allows you to achieve the beautiful, straight teeth you desire without feeling self-conscious during treatment. These advanced aligner systems utilize special technology to expedite treatment, providing faster results compared to regular braces in most cases. To ensure you continue enjoying these benefits, follow these simple steps to maintain your aligners in top condition.

Key Tips for Clear Aligner Care:
1. Keep Them Clean:

• Clean your aligners regularly, ideally every time you brush your teeth.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-whitening toothpaste to avoid scratching the  aligner material.
• Gently brush the aligners inside and outside, reaching every surface.
• Rinse well with cool or lukewarm water (avoid hot water) before wearing them again.
• Regular cleaning also eliminates bacteria that can contribute to cavities.

2. Remove Them When Eating:

• Take out your aligners before every meal, including snacks, to prevent staining and  damage.
• Aligners are not designed for the forces of chewing; leaving them in during meals may compromise their shape and effectiveness. Remove aligners when consuming dark-pigmented beverages like coffee, tea, or certain
• fruit drinks to prevent staining.

3. Rinse Regularly:

• Take advantage of mealtime removal by rinsing your aligners under cool tap water or with your water bottle.
• This helps remove plaque and bacteria, keeping your aligners fresh.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating to avoid trapping food particles between your teeth and aligners, reducing the risk of cavities.

4. Use the Case:

• Always carry the aligner case to protect them when not in use.
• Avoid placing aligners in pockets or purses, as this may result in damage, bending, or  scratching.
• Stow aligners securely in the case to maintain their integrity.

5. Avoid Heat Exposure:

• While aligners are made of advanced plastic, exposure to heat can warp them.
• Keep aligners in their case, stored in a cool spot protected from harsh heat.
• Avoid leaving aligners on car dashboards or any areas with excessive heat.

6. Contact Us for Concerns:

• If your aligners are damaged, contact Chester Family Dentistry for guidance.
• We strive to make your straightening experience hassle-free, offering solutions tailored to your needs.
• For questions about your treatment or to explore clear aligner options for achieving a beautiful, straight smile, book an appointment online today.

Your journey to a confident smile is our priority, and we're here to support you every step of the way.