As part of our dedication to providing “Tender Care for Terrified Teeth,” we have provided a few instructions to help you following your treatment. Should you have any questions about your treatment, your healing, or dentistry in general, please call Downtown Dental Associates.
Following Oral Surgery
Bleeding
For 24 hours (or more, in some cases), it is fairly normal for bleeding to occur. This can be controlled by biting firmly on moist gauze pads that are placed over the treated area. Remember to leave these gauze packs in the mouth until you eat. After eating, replace the gauze packs and leave them in the mouth until you go to sleep at night. In some cases, if the bleeding is not brisk, biting on mist tea bags can help control it. Remember – nothing too hot, cold, or spicy. Use the antibacterial water we provide you to gently rinse with and eliminate bacteria from your mouth. Smoking is not recommended.
Swelling
After oral surgery, swelling and bruising are fairly common. The maximum discomfort, swelling, and jaw stiffness will occur and subside just two or three days after treatment. During the day of the treatment, place ice packs on the cheek over the site for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off until you go to bed that night. This helps to reduce swelling, as will keeping your head elevated until you sleep that night. If you experience jaw soreness 36 hours or more after your surgery, moist heat may help.
Discomfort
We have found that the greatest amount of discomfort typically occurs in the first six to eight hours following your treatment. Remember to avoid taking any medication on an empty stomach. Immediately after you receive your prescription, take one tablet along with a glass of water. An hour later, take another tablet. If you notice any itching or developing rashes, stop taking any medications and contact us.
Muscle Soreness
After removal of the wisdom teeth (third molars), many people experience difficulty opening the jaw. To help with any soreness, try chewing gum. Thirty-six hours after the procedure, you can also try applying moist heat on the cheek above the treatment site.
Mouth Care
The day after your treatment, we recommend that you floss and brush as usual, but carefully avoid the surgical site(s). If the corners of your mouth become cracked or dry, try keeping them moist with lip balm for your comfort.
Diet
Maintaining good nutrition is very important after your procedure. The day of your treatment, eat a soft, lukewarm diet. The next day, stay away from hard and/or chewy foods and drink plenty of liquids.
Infection
If you experience any changes in your discomfort or swelling, along with a fever, foul taste in the mouth, and/or difficulty swallowing, contact Downtown Dental Associates in Cleveland, Ohio, as soon as possible.
Following Dental Work
Numbness
It is not uncommon to experience numbness for several hours after your treatment, so don’t worry if the numbness doesn’t go away immediately. While you are still numb, it’s not a bad idea to take one or two acetaminophen/ibuprofen pills to assist in healing and reduce any post-op soreness.
Tooth Soreness and Discomfort
Experiencing discomfort the day or two after your treatment is fairly normal, so don’t worry if your tooth hurts a bit. However, you should contact Downtown Dental Associates in Cleveland if you experience any of the following:
- Touching the treated tooth, even with your tongue, hurts.
- The treated tooth feels “too tall” or “high” when you bite your teeth together.
- The treated tooth is only sensitive to hot (not cold), and/or throbs and wakes you at night.
Most other symptoms are normal and will heal in time. If you have any questions about your symptoms, please don’t hesitate to call us. Our dentist, Dr. BJ Showman, or one of our dental team will be happy to help you return to optimal oral health.
Gum Soreness
Gum soreness can occur for several reasons. Depending on your condition, it is not uncommon to experience mild discomfort in the gums for a day or so after treatment. If the discomfort continues or increases, it can mean that a canker sore is developing. If you notice a small red or white area on the gums, it is best to use a canker sore medication from the local drugstore. You can also call Downtown Dental Associates if you have any questions about canker sores.
If you have further questions or concerns, please contact our dental office in Cleveland, Ohio. We would be happy to help!