POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS

At Broadway Dental we strive to make certain that our patients are informed about any treatment they may receive while in our care, and the best ways to prepare for, or recover from, a procedure. Toward that end, we provide these general guidelines for common procedures. Of course, it is always best to consult with your doctor f you have any questions or concerns.

Root Canal Therapy

Following a root canal procedure, you may experience some soreness for a few days. We encourage you to avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth, or else you may irritate that area and prevent any restorative materials from properly setting. You should also take an antibiotic to treat any lingering infection. If you experience increased pain, swelling, loss of dental restoration, or a reaction to the medication, please call Broadway Dental immediately.

Crowns & Bridges

Broadway Dental will provide you with a temporary crown while your permanent restoration is prepared. The temporary crown is not as stable, which means you will need to exercise care when cleaning or eating. Brush gently and do not pull dental floss up between the temporary restoration and neighboring teeth. Avoid sticky, hard, and chewy foods.

You may experience some sensitivity and irritation after receiving the temporary and permanent crown. This should subside as the tissue heals. You can Advil, Tylenol, or a saltwater rinse to ease any discomfort.

Your permanent crown or bridge may feel awkward for a few days as your mouth adjusts to it; however, it should feel normal within a week. If your bite feels abnormal, please notify us. Brush and floss your crown or bridge and you would your normal teeth.

White Fillings

Once the anesthesia wears off, your tooth can feel sensitive, and you should avoid hot and cold food and drinks for a few days. Once healed, your tooth should feel normal. Maintain excellent oral hygiene to preserve your dental filling.

Scaling & Root Planing

Your gums may feel sore following this procedure. You can use a salt rinse 2-3 times a day to treat discomfort and cleanse the treated area. Brush and floss as usual, but be gentle to avoid irritating the area. Use a cold compress if you experience pain or swelling, and avoid hard and chewy food for 2-3 days. If pain and swelling continue, call our office.

Veneers

We will provide a temporary restoration while you wait for your dental veneers. Use caution when cleaning and eating, as your temporary veneer is not as sturdy as the permanent. Brush and floss gently, and avoid sticky or chewy foods.

You may experience sensitivity and irritation with the temporary or permanent veneer, which should subside as the tissue heals. Advil, Tylenol, and a salt rinse can help.

The veneer may feel awkward for a few days and your mouth adjusts. Please call our dentist if your bite feels abnormal or wrong. Pay close attention to the area between the veneer and gum line when brushing and flossing.

Extractions

Following a tooth extraction, you will need to rest, but do not lie flat, as this could prolong the bleeding. Proper your head on a pillow. Your doctor can prescribe pain medication to take as directed. You can also use an ice pack. We may recommend a cleaning solution to cleanse the extraction site. The extraction site may bleed for a while, and gauze can be applied after surgery. Change the gauze if it becomes soaked. If bleeding lasts longer than 24 hours, call our office.

For a few days after surgery, eat only soft foods that do not require chewing, such as:

• Gelatin
• Yogurt
• Pudding
• Ice cream
• Mashed potatoes
• Thin soup

Do not use a straw when drinking, or else the sucking motion may disturb your sutures and disrupt the clotting process. If you feel your extraction site is not healing properly, call Broadway Dental right away.