Post-operative advice
Surgical procedure
On the day of surgery, bite down on a compress, keeping your teeth closed for 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid touching the extraction site with your fingers and tongue.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting or drinking through a straw on the first day. Negative suction could dislodge the blood clot, prolonging bleeding.
NB: DO NOT SMOKE for 72 hours after extraction. Smoking slows down the healing process.
- The day after surgery, rinse with warm salt water: ½ teaspoon in a glass of water, until healed.
- BLEEDING: It’s normal for saliva to be slightly tinged with blood for the first 24 to 48 hours. If bleeding persists, bite down again on a compress for 15 minutes. A tea bag can replace the gauze pad if it has been soaked in water beforehand. Never sleep with gauze in your mouth.
Instructions for patients who have just undergone a dental restoration
Some dental treatments require precautions to promote proper healing.
- Composite: Depending on the type of filling, some restrictions may apply. Composite fillings (white fillings) harden instantly under the blue light used in the office, so you can eat and drink after the procedure. If your occlusion (the way your teeth close together) seems unbalanced, call us for a simple adjustment.
- Amalgam: Amalgam fillings (grey fillings) are durable and easy to use. However, please wait at least 12 hours before eating solid or hard foods, as amalgam fillings take longer to harden.
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is the most commonly used anaesthetic in dentistry. It reduces pain in part or all of the mouth, without putting the patient to sleep. To avoid biting your lips, cheeks or tongue, wait until the numbing effect has worn off before eating. Ask your dentist about the best time to eat after a filling.
Dental anesthesia generally lasts from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the type of treatment. - Post-operative sensitivity: You may feel some discomfort or mild pain after a dental filling. in most cases, pain and/or sensitivity diminish within 24 hours. if necessary, you can take an acetaminophen-based medication such as (tylenol, atasol) to relieve the pain. if gums are sensitive, rinse with warm salt water by diluting 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water.
- EMERGENCY: Don’t hesitate to call us if you need information on the instructions given or if you have any problems. Contact us
