Randel P. Swanson DDS, PHARM. D

Pediatric Dentist, Dentist Anethesiologist   

707 W. Bakerview Rd.  

Bellingham, WA 98226

 Call us at (360)-671-9979

To schedule an appointment OR to ask us a question

Randel P. Swanson DDS, PHARM. D

Pediatric Dentist, Dentist Anethesiologist   

707 W. Bakerview Rd.  

Bellingham, WA 98226

 Call us at (360)-671-9979

To schedule an appointment OR to ask us a question

Post-Op Instructions


It is important to follow instructions after you have oral surgery to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. As a rule of thumb, you should always wait two hours after surgery before eating to let the anesthetic wear off. Trying to eat before this could result in soft tissue damage because you are not able to feel all of your mouth. The instructions found below are guidelines. After your surgery the doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions on how to properly recover from surgery.

Pulpotomy/Pulpectomy- (nerve treatment)

You can expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few days. You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed so you do not irritate the area and also to ensure that the temporary restorative material properly sets. You will also need to take an antibiotic to treat any remaining infection in your tooth. If you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling) call your dentist immediately.

Crowns

Before you receive your permanent crown 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 permanent crown 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 your dentist know. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly.

White Fillings

After the anesthetic 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.

Extractions

BABY TEETH:
Extractions for baby teeth are not as severe as wisdom teeth. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while. If the site continues to bleed and you do not have anymore gauze feel free to use a wash cloth to control the bleeding. Just as you would loose a tooth at home is how you should care for a baby tooth extraction.
WISDOM TEETH:
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.

When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw. The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process. 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.