Post-Operative Instructions
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POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR TOOTH EXTRACTION
Control of Bleeding: Maintain the gauze pads in the mouth for 30-45 minutes without taking them out. After removing the gauze, replace with fresh gauze for another 30-45 minutes if there is still bleeding. The patient should try to swallow while gauze is in so that it does not become saturated before time to remove.
Diet and Nutrition: Do not chew solid foods until the effect of the local anesthesia has been completely eliminated. The return of normal sensations to the lip, cheek, or tongue will occur within 1-2 hours. During that period of numbness, food intake should be limited to cool liquids.
Medications: Normally medication is not necessary, but if the patient complains of discomfort, Tylenol or Advil can be taken.
Activity: Try to limit activities that may cause the patient to get overheated on the day of extractions. Patient may resume normal activity the next day.
Other: Patient may rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours to help with the healing process. No rinsing or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours.
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CROWNS
Diet and Nutrition: Do not chew solid foods until the effect of the local anesthesia has been completely eliminated. The return of normal sensations to the lip, cheek, or tongue will occur within 1-2 hours. During that period of numbness, food intake should be limited to cool liquids.
Bleeding: To seat the crown properly, work must be done around the gumline; therefore, expect the patient’s gums to be sore for a few days post op. Also, the gum tissue may bleed over the next few days, especially after brushing. To help with healing, keep the area clean by gently brushing and flossing the area.
Medications: Normally medication is not necessary, but if the patient complains of discomfort, Tylenol or Advil can be taken.
Other: Patient may rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours to help with the healing process.
SEALANTS
Sealants are thin plastic coatings for the tooth. When they are applied, they flow into the pits and fissures, harden, and seal the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Normally, we only seal the six and twelve year molars. Food and bacteria cannot penetrate the seal; therefore, sealants provide protection from decay on these surfaces.
Sealants are very durable if taken care of properly. The patient can eat or drink as soon as the sealants are placed but should stay away from any foods that are hard or sticky for as long as the sealants are on the teeth. Things that should be avoided include ice, jawbreakers, tootsie rolls, gummy bears, etc.
Sealants are designed to protect the teeth through the cavity prone years. They do not actually come out, but wear down into the natural anatomy of the tooth. Sealants are checked at each six-month checkup to make sure they are still intact.