Ensuring a smooth and comfortable recovery is a vital part of the treatment process at Hastings Family Dental. Following your dental procedure, proper aftercare is crucial to promote healing, prevent complications and achieve the best outcomes. Here, we provide tailored aftercare instructions for various procedures. These guidelines are designed to help you understand what to expect and how to care for yourself after your treatment with Dr. Raul Franco, Dr. Allison Kern, Dr. Chuck Bauer or Dr. Tressa Gloystein.
Frenectomy:
- Avoid touching or stretching the area with your tongue or fingers.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face to minimize swelling.
- Consume soft, non-irritating foods for the first few days.
- Follow any prescribed pain management or antibiotic regimen.
Scaling & Root Planing:
- Expect mild gum sensitivity and slight bleeding for a couple of days.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and gentle strokes when brushing.
- Rinse with warm salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash to soothe gums.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products to promote healing.
Tooth Extractions:
- Bite on a gauze pad gently for three to four hours to control bleeding.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours.
- Avoid using a straw for a week.
- After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water to aid healing.
- Do not disturb the clot on the wound to prevent dry socket.
Dental Crowns:
- Avoid sticky, hard foods that can dislodge the temporary crown.
- Be cautious with the crown until the permanent one is cemented.
- Report any issues with your bite or discomfort to our office immediately.
- Maintain diligent oral hygiene to protect the underlying tooth.
Dental Fillings:
- Directly after the procedure, avoid eating until the numbness wears off.
- Report persistent sensitivity or pain after a few weeks to our dentists.
- Avoid biting hard or directly on the newly filled tooth for 24 hours.
- Continue with your normal dental hygiene routine, being gentle around the new filling.
Dental Bridges:
- Clean under and around the bridge thoroughly with special floss or an interdental brush.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage the bridge.
- Regular checkups are essential to monitor the health of the bridge and adjacent teeth.
- Immediately report any discomfort or issues with the fit of the bridge.
Dental Inlays & Onlays:
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until the anesthesia has worn off.
- Expect some sensitivity to pressure and temperature for a few days.
- Notify our office if the inlay or onlay feels overly high or uncomfortable.
- Maintain a regular dental care routine to keep the restoration clean.
Dental Implants:
- Follow a soft diet to avoid putting pressure on the implant site.
- Swelling, bruising and minor bleeding are normal; contact our office if they persist.
- Avoid smoking as it can significantly hinder the healing process.
- Practice meticulous oral hygiene but be gentle around the surgical site.
Dental Veneers:
- Avoid using your veneered teeth to bite directly into hard foods.
- Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended to avoid scratching the veneers.
- Report any issues with the fit or feel of the veneers to our office.
- Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining the veneers and overall oral health.
Laser Gingivectomy:
- You may experience some gum sensitivity; avoid spicy and acidic foods.
- Gently brush the treated area with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Use any prescribed medicated mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption during the healing period.
Teeth Whitening:
- Avoid foods and beverages that stain (coffee, tea, red wine) for at least 48 hours.
- Use sensitivity toothpaste if teeth become sensitive following the procedure.
- Follow any touch-up or maintenance instructions provided by our dentists.
- Keep up with regular dental cleanings to maintain the whitening effects.
Sedation:
- Remain hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids after the procedure.
- Avoid making important decisions or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours.
- Follow a light diet initially if you experience nausea.
- Have a responsible adult stay with you for a few hours after returning home.
Root Canal Therapy:
- Do not chew or bite on the affected tooth until it is fully restored.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage any discomfort.
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and flossing.
- A follow-up visit is necessary to complete the restoration of the tooth.
If you have any questions or need to schedule a follow-up visit with our dentists in Hastings and Doniphan, Nebraska, call us. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your recovery is as comfortable and successful as possible.