Once you have had any dental procedures done, it is important to follow instructions to ensure proper healing and to avoid any complications. Waiting for two hours after you have had a surgery before eating is a must to let the anesthesia wear off. Given below are some guidelines, after your surgery the dentist/assistant will inform you on all the precautions you have to take after the surgery.

Root Canal Therapy

Soreness happens after the root canal therapy for the coming few days. Chewing is to be avoided on the area where the procedure was done so as to not irritate and to make sure that the temporary restorative material sets in properly. Antibiotic will be given to treat any remnant infection in the tooth. Excessive feeling of pain or tenderness, a reaction to medication or the loss of restorative material, if experienced needs to be brought to the attention of the dentist immediately.

Crowns and Bridges

As the making of permanent crowns/bridges takes some time, you will be fitted with a temporary crown/bridge. This is not strong so good care needs to be taken at the time of cleaning and eating. Brushing in the area should be gentle, don’t pull while flossing as it can dislodge the crown/bridge. Same goes with food, avoid eating sticky or chewy foods during this time.

Sensitivity and irritation can be experienced after the temporary or permanent is placed This is normal and will subside after the soft tissues heal. Rinsing with lukewarm saltwater will help.

The sensation of a new crown/bridge is awkward in the beginning, your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, but it should feel like one of your natural tooth within a week’s time. The crown/bridge doesn’t require any special care, care for it like you care for your other teeth. In case you feel your bite is abnormal let us know.

White Fillings (Bonding)

After the anesthesia wears off your teeth will likely be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. After that initial period, your treated teeth will feel as good as new. Continue your normal hygiene plan to ensure that your fillings last for a long time.

Scaling and Root Planning

After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. This will relieve the pain and cleanse the area. Brushing and flossing should be continued right after the procedure, but you should brush gently so that you do not further irritate the area. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area you can place a cold compress on the area and take some pain relieving medicine. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swellings contact your dentist.

Veneers

Before you receive your permanent veneer you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in.

There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away.

When the veneer is placed it may feel a little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should feel like one of your natural tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let us know. When brushing and flossing you should pay close attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line.

Extractions

After the surgery you will need to rest. You need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. Gauze will be applied at the completion of the surgery, and you will need to change it when it becomes soaked. If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call your dentist. Rest when you return home, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. Prop your head up on a pillow when lying down. Your dentist will prescribe you pain medication, so if you become sore take as directed. You can also use an ice pack for the pain. Your dentist might also provide you with a cleaning solution to clean the extraction site.

You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. Some recommended foods are:

  • Gelatin
  • Pudding
  • Yogurt
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Ice Cream
  • Thin Soups
  • and other food you can eat without chewing.

When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. The same goes for smoking. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow up.

Sedation

1. Sedation

1.1 Oral Conscious Sedation

For some people the visit to a dentist for a procedure evokes anxiety or fear. However, there are different options to alleviate your concerns. Oral conscious sedation, a fairly common procedure now makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. Oral conscious sedation process does not make you unconscious like some other anesthetic processes. You remain awake during the procedure, with a heightened state of relaxation and comfort. In some of these cases instead of heightened anxiety you may even forget all or a part of your procedure.

Oral conscious sedation is now widely practiced and usually comprises of taking some medicines. The expense is not significant and you are able to talk and breathe comfortably. It also makes it possible to have even long and complex procedures done in a single visit making the overall duration of the treatment shorter. Additionally a local anesthetic is given to the specific work area of treatment to ensure minimal or no pain. However for safety purposes, it is recommended to have someone drive you for the procedure if Oral Conscious sedation is chosen.

Therefore do not postpone that necessary dental visit due to anxiety. Make an appointment/call to know about oral conscious sedation.

1.2 Anxiolysis

Anxiolysis is one of the treatment options in oral sedation that generally uses light sedatives like valium. It is generally used for patients with moderate anxiety and is lighter than oral conscious sedation. Your tension and anxiety is reduced, but your consciousness is retained. You are able to talk and breathe comfortably during the procedure. In short the anxiety is replaced by a feeling of relaxedness during the visit.

Unlike traditional Oral Conscious Sedation, you are in most cases also able to drive yourself as the sedative used is very light. Do call us to know more in this regard.

Who needs sedation?

Generally if a visit to a dentist evokes in you sensations of anxiety or fear you can be helped with sedation dentistry. These feelings could be due to a fear of pain, some past traumatic experience, or just a plain fear of hospital spaces, processes or smells. However most anxieties stemming out of these reasons can be quickly and easily alleviated with sedation dentistry.

In some other cases there could be physiological reasons for using sedation dentistry such as a bad gag reflex or hyper sensitive teeth, making sedation dentistry a preferred option. Always feel free to ask us whether you need it or not.

Does Sedation make me unconscious?

Oral Conscious Sedation does not make you unconscious but puts you in deep relaxation during the treatment. You are able to breathe and communicate, but will not feel pain or anxiety.

How long does sedation last?

Sedation generally lasts from 2-6 hours depending on the sedatives and their doses chosen in individual cases depending on factors such as age body weight, procedure, time required etc.

Am I monitored?

Yes, you are under medical supervision all through your sedation. Your vital parameters are monitored to ensure safety.

Are there any long term effects of sedation?

There are no long term effects of sedation. Some forms of sedation may make you feel a bit groggy and a little light headed, but in a few hours you feel normal again. We recommend that someone drive you home in these cases.

Procedures under sedation

All procedure can be performed under sedation. A number of procedures can be performed without sedation as well. However sedation helps in relieving pain and anxiety. Please give us a call to know the need or otherwise of sedation for a particular procedure.

How many appointments will be necessary for my treatment?

Dental procedures can take from one to 5-6 appointments. However in a large number of cases two appointments are necessary. During the first appointment your dental history, specific problems, allergies if any and treatment plan along with necessary investigations are made, followed by specific treatment during the subsequent visit.