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Post-Op Instructions

Please click on the menu drop down option for which procedure you would like to read more about post-op instructions.

Anesthetic

• Wait until the numbness wears off before eating.
• It is fine to drink, but stay away from hot liquids.
• Chewing on the area of treatment depends on the procedure.
• Upper tooth anesthetic will wear off in 1-2 hours.
• Lower jaw anesthetic may take up to 4-6 hours to wear off.
• Parents, please warn children not to bite lip, tongue or cheek.

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Extraction

• See written instruction sheet reviewed at time of appointment.
• It is fine to brush before bed, just be careful not to rinse.
• You should expect some pain regardless of how much pain meds you take.
• Slight bleeding, after biting on the gauze for the first hour, is normal. Continuous heavy bleeding is abnormal and you should call the office.
• Any increase of pain or swelling after 48 hrs. is abnormal, please call the office.

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Root Canal

• Wait until the anesthetic wears off before eating, it is ok to drink.
• Eat soft foods only on root canal tooth until the final restoration is completed.
• The temporary filling may wash out some ,but it will not all come out.
• Take pain meds as needed.
• Take antibiotics as prescribed.
• A one or two aspirin toothache is possible for the first 24 hrs..
• It is important to return in two weeks for the final restoration.
• Please call the office with any prolonged pain or swelling.

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Crown/Bridge Prep

• Wait until the numbness wears off before eating soft foods only the day of the procedure. It is ok to drink.
• Do not chew on the temporary the day of the procedure.
• After 24 hrs. you may chew soft foods on the temporary. Nothing sticky or chewy.
• Brush around the temporary until the permanent restoration is cemented.
• Only floss if you feel you have something caught, remove floss to the side.
• The temporary may be sensitive around the edges when brushing and eating.
• If the temporary should come loose or become sensitive call the office to have it recemented. This is not an emergency.
• Please return in 2-3 weeks for final restoration seat.

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Composite (white) filling

• Wait until the numbness wears off before eating. It is ok to drink.
• You may eat right away on the new filling after the numbness wears off.
• Please call the office for an adjustment if your bite feels off.
• These are metal free fillings.

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Denture/Partial

• You should expect a few sore spots over the next couple of weeks.
• A lower denture or partial always has a longer break in period.
• It is important to be wearing your denture/partial for at least 4 hours before you come in for an adjustment, so I can see the sore spots.
• It is important to remove your partial/denture for at least an hour every 24hrs.
• You do not need to soak the denture daily, but brush twice daily.
• Soak them in a commercial cleaner every 2-3 weeks as needed, for stain or tartar build up.
• Keep the partial/denture in a moist environment when not wearing.

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Fluoride Treatment

• Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after your appointment.

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Sealants

• Avoid sticky, chewy, hard candy for the life of the sealants.
• Dr. Sauber will replace all sealants at no charge until child is 18 yrs. old.
• It is ok to eat right away after sealants are placed.

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TMJ

• Four step conservative instructions:
  1. Soft, no chew diet for 1-2 weeks, then soft chew only until better.
  2. Take anti-inflammatory meds, such as ibuprofen, advil or motrin as prescribed.
  3. Use ice for the first 48 hrs., then warm moist compress over the affected side.
  4. Avoid chewing gum, excess talking, wide yawning, chin resting, etc.

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Crown Seat

• Do not chew anything on the new crown until tomorrow.
• Brush and floss really well tonight before bed.
• Chew anything on the crown tomorrow.
• Please call after chewing for two days if the bite feels off.

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Root Plaining

• Be careful while numb, do not chew lips, tongue or cheeks.
• After the numbness leaves, some increased sensitivity may be experienced.
• Take over the counter pain meds as prescribed if needed.
• Use salt and hot water rinse, 1 tall glass hot water w/ 1 tsp. salt., 2-3 X per day.
• Follow hygienist instructions with good home care.
• It is normal to experience increased sensitivity for a couple weeks.

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