Post-Surgical Care

Diet

If you are enjoying a sugary or starchy snack during the day, it is more than likely that your teeth and gums are being exposed to decay-causing elements. If you do consume these things, we recommend brushing and flossing your teeth after they are consumed or try and stay away from them altogether. In most cases, a soft diet is recommended for the first 48 hours after your procedure, and to chew on the other side of your mouth and avoid hard and sticky foods. Also avoid foods that break into small pieces when you chew them, such as raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and popcorn.

It is important to note that there may be sensitivity to hot and/or cold, pressure, and swelling after a dental procedure. In most cases, any discomfort will subside dramatically within the first 24-48 hours.

Pain Relief

After a major procedure, most discomfort can be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever. If more pain control is necessary, please contact our practice. Pain medications work best when taken before the pain reaches its worst. Pain medications should be taken on a schedule and never more than the recommended dose. An acute or persistent toothache is common with most orthodontic treatment; however, another cause of toothache is decay. Decay is a bacterial infection that can spread through many parts of the tooth, and even into the gum tissue. Sometimes, a toothache indicates that you may need root canal treatment — a procedure that not only relieves the discomfort but can also keep your tooth from needing to be extracted. Other times, the discomfort may be caused by a loose filling or by a crack. The only way to know for sure what is causing your toothache is to make an appointment with your family dentist.

Avoid using straws, spitting, vigorous swishing of fluids, and smoking, as all these activities can interfere with the healing process.

Proper Care

When brushing, we recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush as it is gentler on your teeth and gums. As for toothpaste, this depends on your oral health as there are different toothpaste recommendations depending on your individual needs. If you are curious about which toothbrush or toothpaste is best for you, please call our practice to set up an appointment.

Your gums may be tender around the tooth that has been worked on. Keeping your gums clean with gentle flossing, brushing, and rinsing with warm saltwater (1/2 tsp of regular table salt in 8 oz of warm water) will help your gums recover more quickly.