The first 2 weeks after surgery are very important. Healing of the bone around the implants takes 3–6 months. Show
DietA soft, mild, and nutritionally balanced diet should be consumed for 2–4 days (or longer if necessary) after your surgery. You should chew food on the opposite side of where the implant was placed for 2 weeks (if possible). As the tissue around the implant heals, you can return to your normal eating routine. SwellingSwelling from oral surgery is normal and reaches its maximum in 48 hours. Keeping the head elevated with 2 pillows when lying down can minimize facial swelling. Swelling can also be minimized by applying cold compresses to your face (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, warm compresses will help reduce the swelling. These should be continued (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) until the swelling has subsided. RinsingAvoid rinsing the mouth for 24 hours after surgery. It may disturb the clot. If you have been given a prescription for chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex™), saturate a gauze pad and place over the surgical site for 1 minute, twice daily, for 7–10 days. BrushingIf an implant protrudes through the gums, the metal must be kept clean. Use a cotton-tipped applicator or soft toothbrush and gently clean the implant and adjacent tooth surfaces. Be careful around the sutures. Denture or FlipperOn the day of your surgery, you will be given specific instructions regarding when you should wear your denture or flipper. Possible options may include:
General precautions include:
BruisingSometimes bruising may occur 24 or 48 hours after surgery has been performed. Application of warm compresses to the involved area (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) will expedite the healing process. BleedingIf you experience heavy bleeding, it usually means that the gauze pads are being clenched between your teeth rather than pressing on the surgical area. Try repositioning fresh pads so that pressure is directly on the surgical area, and your remaining teeth are kept apart slightly by the pad. PainUnfortunately, most oral surgery procedures are accompanied by some degree of discomfort. There are many good strategies to get you through the process, though. Some form of pain reliever should be taken before the numbness goes away. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or aspirin are adequate if there are no allergies, they have been tolerated in the past, and they do not interfere with any other medications. For more involved procedures, a prescribed narcotic can be taken. The narcotic can also be alternated or taken in addition to ibuprofen if there are no allergies and has been tolerated in the past. Taking your medications with food will decrease the chance of nausea. Remember, narcotic pain medications will impair your judgment and reflexes, so driving and operating heavy machinery is to be avoided. AntibioticsYou may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections. If so, take all of the medication as directed. If you experience any adverse reactions, such as nausea, rash, or itching, discontinue the medication. A rash or itching may indicate an allergic reaction to a medication. Antihistamines (Benadryl®) will usually counteract the hives, rash, and itching. Swelling of the lips or tongue or difficulty breathing may represent a more severe allergic reaction, and you should seek medical attention immediately. InfectionAlthough antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent an infection, a wound infection may occur a day or several days after surgery. You may be suspicious of an infection if there is a sudden increase in swelling, throbbing pain, or a foul-tasting drainage from the wound. If you suspect infection, call the office as soon as possible. Smoking and AlcoholTobacco and alcohol should be eliminated during the first 2 weeks after surgery.
Post-Operative Instructions Following Crown & Bridge, Crowns, Inlays, or OnlaysWhile wearing a temporary crown or bridge:
After the permanent restoration has been delivered:
Post-Operative Instructions Following Scaling and Root PlaningScaling and Root Planing therapy involves removing bacterial plaque and tartar from the root surface below the gum line. This reduces inflammation/infection and allows re-attachment of the gums to the root surface. The depth of the periodontal pockets is reduced thus allowing more efficient flossing and brushing. For the First 24 Hours:
Things to Do:
As the gums heal they will appear to be pink, less swollen, and will bleed less when you floss. Post-Operative Instructions Following Delivery of Dentures/PartialsThe following will help you to use and properly care for your new denture.
With proper care we expect you to have years of satisfied use of your dentures. However overtime, there are changes in your jawbone and gums. When this occurs, your dentures/partials will feel loose and may require relining. Wearing ill-fitting dentures/partials for too long without refitting can cause severe bone loss and very serious oral disease. Please call our office if these symptoms occur. Post-Operative Instructions Following Extractions
Post-Operative Instructions Following Fillings
Post-Operative Instructions Following Periodontal Surgery
Post-Operative Instructions for Implant TreatmentYou have finished a very important phase of your implant treatment, and now it is time to begin the healing process. It is important to understand that some discomfort, swelling, and bruising is normal. Every patient is different and there is no way of predicting if you will experience any of these symptoms. The medications that have been prescribed to you will help keep you comfortable for the next few days. Refrain from eating for at least two hours and until the anesthesia has worn off. Things to Avoid for the first 24 hours:
Things to Do:
Several days after treatment your gums should begin to appear pinker, less swollen, and will bleed less when you floss. These are signs of healing and improving periodontal health. If you have any questions or problems, please call our office Implant Surgery
Root Canal Treatment
Experience dentistry at its finest. Dr. Kakkar and our team deliver the contemporary solutions and superior care our patients deserve. Call our Hackettstown, NJ dental office today to make an appointment. We serve Hackettstown, Long Valley, Flanders, Blairstown, Budd Lake, Chester, Belvidere, Washington township, Washington, Randolph, Newton, Succasuna-Kenvil, Mansfield township, Sparta, Clinton Township, Phillipsburg, Easton, Stroudsburg and the surrounding communities. Our office is conveniently located where Warren, Morris and Sussex Counties meet. How soon after tooth extraction can I use chlorhexidine?Good oral hygiene is essential for proper healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed chlorhexidine oral rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the chlorhexidine rinse should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 60 seconds before spitting out the rinse.
Is chlorhexidine gluconate good for dry socket?Chlorhexidine in the prevention of dry socket
Compared to placebo, placing chlorhexidine gel intrasocket after extractions reduced the odds of developing a dry socket by 58% with an OR of 0.44 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.71; P = 0.0008; 7 trials, 753 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).
How long do I use chlorhexidine after wisdom teeth?Rinsing. Avoid rinsing the mouth for 24 hours after surgery. It may disturb the clot. If you have been given a prescription for chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex™), saturate a gauze pad and place over the surgical site for 1 minute, twice daily, for 7–10 days.
What mouthwash can I use after wisdom tooth extraction?gently rinse the extraction site with antiseptic mouthwash after 24 hours, and repeat this regularly over the next few days, particularly after eating – you can also use warm water with a teaspoon of salt as mouthwash to reduce gum soreness and inflammation.
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