For patients who require dental surgery, aftercare is an important concern. At Ebenezer Dental, we believe that it is vital that our patients in New York have the post-operative instructions they need to minimize the risk of infection, ease discomfort, and hasten the healing process.

Post-Operative Instructions for our Patients in NYC

The following dental post op instructions for extractions, crowns, and other dental procedures can help to ensure a speedier and more comfortable recovery process:

Bleeding

It is typical for patients to experience blood in their saliva in the immediate aftermath of any dental surgery. Your dentist will insert a gauze pad in the affected area. You should gently bite that pad to minimize the bleeding. This will allow your body to create a clot in the socket. Gauze should be changed prior to saturation. Most patients can remove the gauze entirely after several hours.

We recommend that all surgical patients refrain from spitting, rinsing, and drinking any hot beverages for a full day after surgery. Those activities may cause additional bleeding. For patients whose bleeding persists, a wet, cooled teabag can sometimes provide relief. Simply place the teabag on the area that is bleeding, and apply pressure for ten minutes before removing it. Then wait for ten minutes and examine the area. If it is still bleeding, repeat the process.

Swelling

Swelling is a natural reaction to most surgical procedures. To reduce swelling, you should apply ice packs to the skin around the affected area, using a 20-minute rotation cycle for 48 hours after the procedure. First, apply the ice pack for 20 minutes, then remove and leave it off for twenty minutes. Repeat for two days. As a rule, peak swelling occurs by the third day, then gradually goes away.

If you suffer extreme swelling or swelling that does not subside within a few days, please contact the staff at Ebenezer Dental in midtown Manhattan NYC.

Fever

Mild fever can be a common occurrence in the aftermath of dental surgery. Typically, these fevers will only last for a day or two, so contact us if your temperature does not return to normal within a relatively short time. Be sure to use the thermometer in any area of your mouth away from the affected area, to ensure an accurate reading.

Rinsing

Your body will work to form a clot at the surgical site. You should avoid the temptation to rinse your mouth during the first 24 hours after surgery, to reduce the chances of disrupting that clot-formation process. You may need to avoid rinsing for a longer period if you have persistent bleeding.

Eating

Hard foods should be avoided for several days after dental surgery. Our dietary post-operative instructions recommend that patients rely on soft foods that will not disrupt the healing process. For example, it is generally safe to eat:

  • Ground beef, fish, or other tender meats
  • Soft cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Ice Cream
  • Soft vegetables (avoid anything with a ‘crunch’)
  • Soft potatoes
  • And so on…

Nuts, popcorn, and other foods that are either hard or edged should be avoided during the post-operative recovery period. Some patients avoid spicy and seasoned food, but this is a matter of taste preference since those foods won’t impact your healing. Finally, make every effort to chew using the opposite side of your mouth, to minimize contact with the affected area.

General Oral Hygiene

It is important to maintain your oral hygiene routine during recovery. However, you should avoid brushing and flossing in the area around the impacted teeth for the first several days. After two to three days, you can begin to gently brush around those teeth, but should still avoid the gum area. Most patients reestablish normal brushing within several weeks. Our team at Ebenezer Dental will provide you with an oral rinse prescription to help you maintain your oral hygiene during the recovery period.

Sinus Procedures

Sinus procedures require specific post-operative care as well. You should avoid any nose-blowing during the first two weeks after any procedure. Do not be alarmed if you see some measure of mild bleeding from the nose for one or two days after surgery. You can minimize discomfort and keep the sinuses dry by using an over-the-counter anti-histamine product.

Medication Management

It is important to properly manage your medications in the aftermath of any surgery. There are two primary areas of concern: your normal medication regimen, and any pain medications prescribed by your dentist.

You should continue to take your prescribed medications as directed, including additional medications from your dentist. Be aware, however, that some pain medications can create stomach discomfort that may include nausea. Take these medications with food to avoid those side effects. You should also avoid alcohol consumption within the first 48 hours after surgery to minimize any burn risk to the affected tissues.

Rest for Recovery

You may adhere to your normal schedule, but should work to limit strenuous activities for at least two days. When resting, you should elevate your head, using one or two pillows. Lying flat could increase the bleeding time and slow recovery.

At Ebenezer Dental, we’re committed to providing the post-operative instructions for oral surgery in NYC that you need for a full recovery. If you find that you are experiencing persistent bleeding, fever, or pain and discomfort, we encourage you to contact our staff at (212) 687-4400.