Post Treatment Instructions

TREATMENT FOLLOWING DENTAL EXTRACTIONS

• Keep the gauze swab in place over the wound with firm pressure for approximately half an hour after leaving the surgery
  
  
• For pain relief take Panadol, Panadine or Nurofen (Always read instructions on the packet). Do not take Aspirin or Dispirin, as they effect the blood clotting time.
  
  
• It is important to protect the blood clot that forms in the socket after the tooth has been removed. If the clot stays in place fast painless healing will occur. Therefore:
  
  
  1. Do not eat or drink for at least 4 hours after surgery.(If you feel thirsty room temperature water can be sipped)
     
     
  2. Do Not have large amounts of fluids in this initial period.
     
     
  3. Only eat soft foods and wherever possible chew away from the wound.
     *For the first two days salt water rinses should only be rolled around in the mouth. Do not swish.
     
     
  4. Avoid hot food and liquid, alcohol and smoking. Avoid strenuous activity.
     
     
  5. If bleeding occurs, apply constant pressure with a cotton gauze for approximately 15 minutes whilst seated. When bleeding will not stop, contact your dentist.
     
     
  6. The day following surgery and until the wound heals, gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm salty water (one teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water). For the first two days salt water should be rolled around your mouth. On the third day gently swish and as each day passes the pressure used to swish can be increased. After one week rinse as vigorously as you wish.

TREATMENT FOLLOWING FILLINGS

• Do not chew on the tooth that has been restored for the rest of the day. Where possible eat on the other side of the mouth and only eat soft foods.
  
  
• Avoid very hot and very cold foods and drinks. Room temperature drinks are fine.
  
  
• Be careful not to bite your tongue, lip or cheek if you are numb from the anaesthetic.
  NB. There may be some initial sensitivity to hot or cold but this should ease.

TREATMENT FOLLOWING CROWN & BRIDGE PROCEDURES

• Whilst wearing the temporary crown or bridge, it is important to avoid hard or sticky foods. E.g. Minties or Jubes.
  
  
• Brush and floss the temporary as if it were a real tooth. If the floss is hard to remove or is getting caught, let one end of the floss go and gently pull it through.
  
  
• Vigorous salt-water mouth rinses are important to be used twice to three times daily to keep the gums healthy.

Once the porcelain or gold crown/bridge has been permanently cemented you can treat it like a normal tooth. However, for the first 24 hours it is better to treat it like the temporary crown until the cementing medium has fully set.