After you complete a dental treatment or procedure at Family Dental of Lincoln, we will provide you with postoperative instructions to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and that you do not experience any complications during your recovery. The postoperative instructions you receive will depend on the treatment you have completed. A more intensive treatment, for example, may lead to you receiving more detailed instructions for your postoperative care.
Here are some post-op instructions for common procedures:
After Tooth Extractions:
- Bite down on gauze for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding.
- Apply ice pack to the affected area for 10-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Avoid hot liquids and spicy or hard foods for the first 24 hours.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
- Brush and floss teeth gently but avoid the extraction site for the first few days.
After Dental Implant Surgery:
- Apply ice pack to the affected area for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
- Avoid hot liquids and food for the first 24 hours.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 48 hours.
- Avoid physical activity for the first few days.
- Brush and floss teeth as instructed by our dentists.
After Root Canal Therapy:
- Take any prescribed pain medication as directed.
- Avoid biting or chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored.
- Brush and floss teeth gently, avoiding the treated tooth for the first few days.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Follow up with our dentists as instructed.
After Dental Crown or Bridge Placement:
- Avoid biting or chewing on the treated tooth or teeth for at least 24 hours.
- Brush and floss teeth as instructed by our dentists.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods for the first few days.
- Do not eat anything until the numbness wears off.
- Contact our dentists if there is any discomfort or sensitivity.
After Teeth Whitening:
- Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks for the first 48 hours.
- Brush teeth gently to avoid irritating the gums.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste if recommended by our dentists.
- Follow up with our dentists as instructed.
If you have any questions about the postoperative instructions you receive or need to schedule a follow-up appointment with our experienced dentists in Chicago, Illinois, please call our office at 773-561-5106 to speak with a member of our team.
