Post-Op Guidance

1. Pressure: Place firm pressure on the gauze pad over the extraction site for one hour. If bleeding continues, replace with new gauze and apply pressure for another 45 minutes.
   
2. Children: If supervising children, make sure they don’t bite their numb lips or tongue to prevent injury.
   
3. Eating and drinking: Avoid eating or drinking anything hot on the day of your extraction. Do not rinse, spit, use a straw, or drink carbonated beverages. Brush gently starting the next day.
   
4. Discomfort: Some pain, swelling, or bruising is normal, especially after wisdom tooth extractions. Apply ice and take prescribed medication as directed.
   
5. Medication: Take all medications as prescribed.
   
6. Diet: Stick to soft foods and liquids for the first two to three days (soup, yogurt, milkshakes, juice).
   
7. Complex surgery: For wisdom teeth or implant procedures, wear your provided ice wrap (10 minutes on, 5 minutes off) for the rest of the day.
8. When to call: Contact our office if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, or swelling. For emergencies, call 911.

1. Eating: Do not eat for one hour or until numbness subsides.
   
2. Children: Ensure children do not bite their numb lips or tongue.
   
3. Chewing: Avoid chewing on silver (amalgam) fillings for 24 hours.
   
4. Sensitivity: Temporary heat, cold, or gum soreness is normal for a few days.
5. When to call: Contact us if pain persists for more than a few days.

1. Appointments: Crowns and bridges typically require two to three visits. A temporary crown will be placed during the first appointment.
   
2. Sensitivity: Some gum soreness and discomfort are normal.
   
3. Anesthesia: Avoid chewing until numbness wears off.
   
4. Temporary crowns: These can break or come loose. Avoid sticky or hard foods. If the crown comes off, save it and call our office.
   
5. Brushing and flossing: Brush normally but floss gently, removing floss from the side near temporaries.
   
6. Permanent restoration: Slight pressure for a few days is normal. If your bite feels uneven after three days, call our office.
   
7. When to call: Contact us if you feel pain or notice crown damage.

1. Discomfort: Mild pain and pressure sensitivity may occur for several days.
   
2. Medication: Take as prescribed.
   
3. Temporary filling: Avoid biting for one hour and while numb. Chew on the opposite side until your permanent restoration is placed.
   
4. Oral hygiene: Continue regular brushing and flossing.
   
5. Permanent restoration: Schedule promptly as advised to prevent damage.
6. When to call: Contact us if severe pain or swelling occurs.

1. Sensitivity: Temporary cold or heat sensitivity is normal.
   
2. Anesthesia: Avoid eating until numbness subsides.
   
3. Oral hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing.
   
4. Bleeding: Light bleeding for a day or two is normal. Call us if it continues.
5. When to call: Contact us if you experience pain or unusual symptoms.

1. Discomfort: Mild pressure is normal.
   
2. Diet: Avoid hard or sticky foods.
   
3. Oral hygiene: Brush and floss carefully around braces.
4. When to call: Contact our office with any questions or issues.

1. Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and bleeding are common.
   
2. Medication: Take as prescribed.
   
3. Ice: Apply ice (10 minutes on, 5 minutes off).
   
4. Follow-ups: Keep all appointments for suture removal and evaluation.
   
5. Avoid disturbing site: Do not pull lips or checks to inspect.
   
6. Brushing: Avoid brushing near the surgical area.
   
7. Sensation: Temporary numbness or looseness in the tooth may occur.
   
8. Habits: Avoid smoking, spitting, or using a straw for several days.
9. When to call: Contact us for excessive pain, bleeding, or swelling.

1. Discomfort and bleeding: Normal for the first day.
   
2. Medication: Take as prescribed.
   
3. Ice: Apply ice (10 minutes on, 5 minutes off).
   
4. Follow-ups: Keep appointments for suture removal and checks.
   
5. Avoid disturbing site: Do not lift lips to inspect.
   
6. Brushing: Avoid brushing surgical area.
   
7. Sensation: Temporary numbness or looseness is normal.
   
8. Habits: Do not smoke, spit, or use a straw.
9. When to call: Contact our office or 911 for emergencies.

• Adjustment: Expect discomfort for a few days. Multiple adjustments may be needed.
  
• Nighttime: Remove dentures at night to rest gums.
  
• Cleaning: Brush dentures thoroughly with water before wearing.
  
• Speech: Reading aloud helps your tongue adapt faster.
• When to call: Contact us if discomfort persists.

1. Swelling and pain: Temporary discomfort is normal.
   
2. Ice: Apply ice (10 minutes on, 5 minutes off).
   
3. Rinsing: Use lukewarm water after meals for three days.
   
4. Diet: Eat soft foods and avoid chewing near the area.
   
5. Rest: Get plenty of rest and eat a nutritious diet.
   
6. Avoid disturbing site: Do not lift lips or brush surgical area.
   
7. Medication: Take as prescribed.
   
8. When to call: Contact our office for any problems or call 911 for emergencies.

    

Bone graft procedures require careful post-operative care to ensure optimal healing. Sutures are often placed and may remain for two to three weeks, depending on the  healing progress. Do not pull your lips or cheeks to inspect the area, as this can delay healing.
 
If a pink periodontal pack was placed, leave it intact until your follow-up appointment (typically one week). Avoid mouthwash, antiseptic rinses, and astringents during healing — they can damage the graft. Brush all teeth except those near the surgical site.
 
Eat soft, cool foods and avoid anything hot or sticky. Smoking delays healing and should be avoided for at least 7–10 days. Complete wound closure may take up to 21 days.
 
Bone grafting is a predictable procedure when post-operative care instructions are followed. If you have questions, please contact our office in Northbrook, IL for guidance. We are always here to help ensure a smooth and successful recovery.