Instructions After Your Dental Treatment

ADVICE AFTER A DENTAL RESTORATION

• After a dental restoration, it is normal to have some sensitivity to hot or cold on the tooth that was treated. This could last several days to several weeks depending on the case. The gum around the tooth and the zone that was put under anesthetic can also be sensitive. Taking pain meds (Tylenol, Advil or Motrin) can help during the first few days if the sensitivity is important.

• Avoid eating foods that are too hard, too cold or too hot (coffee or ice cream) 48 hours after the intervention.

• If, when you eat, you feels that the treated tooth does not close well with the other teeth and that you there is no pain, do not hesitate to call to adjust the tooth. If you feel pain while eating on the restored tooth, call your dentist for a follow up.

• If the restoration was deemed profound: The dentist would have warned you about the possibility that the tooth in question would need a root canal treatment. A regular follow up (every 6 months) is recommended to test the tooth and to follow the healing process. If the tooth suddenly becomes extremely sensitive to cold, hurts when you chew and develops episodes of sharp pain, even at night, or if there is swelling, consult us as quickly as possible.

ADVISE AFTER AN APPOINTMENT FOR A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

• After a dental restoration, it is normal to have some sensitivity to hot or cold on the tooth that was treated. This could last several days to several weeks depending on the case. The gum around the tooth and the zone that was put under anesthetic can also be sensitive. Taking pain meds (Tylenol, Advil or Motrin) can help during the first few days if the sensitivity is important.

• Avoid eating foods that are too hard, too cold or too hot (coffee or ice cream) 48 hours after the intervention.

• If, when you eat, you feels that the treated tooth does not close well with the other teeth and that you there is no pain, do not hesitate to call to adjust the tooth.

• If you feel pain while eating on the restored tooth, call your dentist for a follow up.

• If the restoration was deemed profound: The dentist would have warned you about the possibility that the tooth in question would need a root canal treatment. A regular follow up (every 6 months) is recommended to test the tooth and to follow the healing process. If the tooth suddenly becomes extremely sensitive to cold, hurts when you chew and develops episodes of sharp pain, even at night, or if there is swelling, consult us as quickly as possible.

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING A SURGERY ON THE GUM (GRAFT, CURETAGE CLOSED, OPEN, ETC)

For a curetage ferme treatment:

• Take the prescribed medication when needed following the instructions on usage.
• Do not spit, use straws, smoke, take alcohol or any intense physical activity for the 24 hours following the surgery.
• A light brushing is recommended for the 24 hours following the treatment. After, you may resume using your usual hygiene habits.
• After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with water that is lightly salted 2 or 3 times per day for 2 days after the surgery or when needed.

After a gum graft or a parodontal surgery

• Take the prescribed medication when needed following the instructions on usage.
• Do not spit, use straws, smoke, take alcohol or any intense physical activity for the 24 hours following the surgery.
• A soft diet is recommended for the week following the treatment. Do not touch the zone that was worked on with your fingers nor pull the cheek to verify.
• Do not brush the region. Only use a mouth wash prescribed by your dentist and follow the recommendations.
• In the case of a gum graft, it is normal that the pansement at the pallet falls after 48 hours. Do not worry. However, if the pansement of the worked area falls in the span of 4 days, call your dentist.
• Following the removal of the pansement by your dentist, you may resume your usual hygiene habits.

ADVICE FOLLOWING A DENTAL SURGERY (EXTRACTION)

• After a surgery, the dentist will place some compresses at the extraction sites. The compresses must be held in place for 30 minutes. Avoid talking or rinsing to minimize the risks of prolonged bleeding.

• Replace the first compresses after 30 minutes. If the bleeding is abundant, bite hard on the compress, the pressure on the area with the cottons is an excellent way to stop the bleeding. Change the compresses when needed until the bleeding stops completely. If the bleeding persists, take a satchel of tea and soak it in cold water. Dry it well and place it on the area.

• During the minimal 24 hour period, AVOID RINSING AND DRINKING WITH A STRAW, AVOID SMOKING.

• DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL, COFFEE OR ANY SOFT DRINKS.

• Resting is really important, do not drive or take a plane for the 24 hours following the surgery. Limit your movements during the first 3 hours.

• When returning to your home or the hotel, lie down with three pillows under your head and stay relax without talking too much.

• Traumeel is a homeopathic anti- inflammatory. You must take 2 capsules under the tongue every 8 hours (So 3 times a day) to avoid inflammation.

• Take the medication for the pain (Emtec) every 4 hours, if necessary. These medications could be taken with Traumeel since there is no medical interaction with the latter.

• A balanced diet helps the healing process. You must also eat soft foods. A meal with high protein is recommended before and after the surgery. For the best results, vitamin C will help you heal more quickly.

• If stiches were placed, an appointment to remove them should be taken. In certain cases, absorbable stiches are used. The removal of the stiches is a simple procedure and generally without pain.

• Start rinsing the day after the surgery with ¼ spoon of tea of salt in 2-3 ounces of water. Rinse 6 times a days for at least 2 days.

• If you have des prothèses dentaires partielles amovibles, when the bleeding is controlled, keep them in your mouth all day and during the night following the surgery. Take them off the following morning and rinse your mouth with lukewarm salted water then brush. Take out the partiels after each meal and rinse them well before putting them back on.

Post Surgery Instructions

• Following the surgery, the doctor will place gauze at the site. Keep the gauze in place for 30 minutes, AVOID SPEAKING OR RINSING as this may cause bleeding afterwards. Replace the first gauze sponge after 30 minutes. If there is profuse bleeding, bite hard on the cottons for another 15 minutes. Change gauze as needed until bleeding stops. If bleeding persists, take a tea bag and soak it in cold water. Drain it well and place it at the site.

• You must AVOID SMOKING, ALCOHOL, COFFEE, SOFT DRINKS for at least 24 hours. DO NOT RINSE OR DRINK WITH A STRAW for 24 hours.

• Rest is important, no driving or air travel for the following 24 hours. Remain as stationary as possible for at least 3 hours.

• As soon as you are home or back at the hotel, lie down with 3 pillows under your head and remain quiet and still.

• Prescription pain medication is available (Emtec) if needed. It can be taken every 4 hours with the Traumeel. You may take Tylenol or Advil as needed. It is most effective taken prior to the onset of pain.

• A well balanced diet will help you heal. Of course you must consume soft, high protein meals before and after the surgery. For better results, vitamin C will help you heal faster. Sutures may be placed, some dissolve by themselves others need to be removed, and your doctor will give you a follow-up appointment if that is the case.

• Suture removal is a simple procedure and can generally be done without experiencing any pain.

• Start rinsing the day after the surgery with ¼ teaspoon of salt mixed with 2-3 ounces of water. This should be done six times a day for two to three days.

• For those with temporary partials, once bleeding is controlled, keep them in your mouth for the first day and night; then start by removing them the next morning when you begin to rinse with salt water. Remove them after eating and rinse and brush the partials.