Post-Op Instructions
Post-Operative Care Instructions
Proper post-operative care ensures optimal healing and successful treatment outcomes. After any dental procedure, you will receive specific care instructions tailored to your treatment. This page provides general guidelines for common procedures.
Find instructions for dental extractions, root canal therapy, dental implant surgery, gum treatments, wisdom tooth removal, and crown or veneer placement. Each section covers what to expect, pain management, dietary restrictions, activity limitations, and when to call us with concerns.
Always follow the specific instructions provided at your appointment. Contact our office immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, signs of infection, or any concerning symptoms.
After a Tooth Extraction
Following your extraction, it is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and to minimize the risk of complications.
Today
- Today: no brushing and no rinsing.
- Bite on the gauze for 20 minutes, replacing it until the bleeding stops. If you run out of gauze, you can use a moist black tea bag.
- Place a towel on your pillow to avoid staining it with blood.
- Take painkillers and antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
First 48 hours
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek for 20 minutes every 30 minutes for 24 hours, then a warm moist compress afterward to reduce swelling.
- Do not spit, do not drink through a straw, and avoid physical exertion for 48 hours to keep the bleeding from restarting.
- Avoid very hot and/or spicy food; follow a soft diet for 48 hours.
- Do not brush the area for 48 hours to keep the bleeding from restarting.
- Do not smoke for 48 hours.
Ongoing care
- After 24 hours: rinse with warm salt water 3 times a day, for 30 seconds each time, for 3 to 4 weeks.
When to Call Us
- Severe pain not controlled by pain medication
- Excessive bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure
- Signs of infection: fever, increased swelling, bad taste, or pus
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic.
You have undergone periodontal surgery to improve the health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth. The first 2–3 weeks after surgery are especially important for proper healing.
Please follow these instructions carefully:
After your surgery
Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
Do not smoke or vape. Smoking can significantly delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
For the first week, avoid foods and drinks that are very hot, very cold, spicy, hard, crunchy, or sharp.
Apply ice to the outside of your cheek or lip for approximately 20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling.
Rest for the first 24 hours. Avoid exercise, heavy lifting, bending over, or strenuous physical activity.
If possible, sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow for the first 2 nights.
Do not rinse vigorously or spit for the first 48 hours, as this may disturb the surgical area.
Do not brush directly over the surgical area for the first 48 hours. After this period, clean the area very gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush unless your dentist has instructed you otherwise.
After 48 hours, you may gently rinse with lukewarm salt water: ¼ teaspoon of salt in approximately 3 oz (90 mL) of warm water. Rinse gently for about 1 minute, up to 4 times per day.
Drink plenty of water and follow a soft diet for the first week. Avoid foods such as nuts, popcorn, chips, raw carrots, celery, crusty bread, and hard toast.
Please contact the clinic if you experience
Heavy or persistent bleeding that continues for more than 3 hours.
Severe or increasing pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medication.
Fever or signs of infection.
Swelling that continues to worsen after 3 days.
Persistent swelling accompanied by a bad taste, discharge, or foul odor.
Any other symptoms that concern you.
What to expect
Some swelling, tenderness, minor bleeding, tooth sensitivity, or temporary looseness of the teeth may occur. These usually improve as healing progresses.
Long-term care
Maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend regular professional cleanings and periodontal maintenance.
