Your dentist has certain protocols in place to protect your health and the health of others in the office.
However, once you leave the office after a procedure, you still need to be careful about infection.
What is actually involved in preventing infection?
In-Office Standards and Your Actions
PLAY KEY ROLES IN PREVENTING INFECTION
Standard Precautions for Infection Control
- Hand washing
- Wearing protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and eyewear
- Good cough etiquette
- Work practice controls for sharps safety
- Safe injection techniques
- Sterile instruments and devices
- Clean and disinfected surfaces
At-Home Care
FOR PREVENTING INFECTION
Manage bleeding with gauze
You may experience some bleeding after a dental operation. Elevating your head and biting gently on damp gauze can help your body form a clot and speed the healing process.
Take all prescribed medications
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, painkillers, or another type of medication. It is important to take them exactly as prescribed and not stop prematurely.
Get plenty of rest
In general, patients should rest and avoid strenuous physical activity for a couple of days after surgery.
Care for your sutures
Depending on the type of procedure you receive, you may have sutures placed and require a second trip to the dentist to remove them. Avoid chewing on your sutures or eating popcorn or foods with small seeds, as these can become lodged in the sutures.
Avoid smoking or the use of other tobacco products
Tobacco inhibits your body’s natural healing process and can cause a painful condition known as dry socket. Until the surgical area has completely healed, avoid smoking or using chewing tobacco.
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
Unless your dentist tells you otherwise, you should gently brush and floss following your surgery. In some cases, your dentist may recommend using a salt water rinse to dislodge any food particles and help your surgical site heal properly.
Warning Signs
OF AN INFECTION
- Increased pain three to four days following surgery
- A fever of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pus developing in the surgical site
- Increased swelling of the face, jaw, or gums three to four days after surgery
- Issues opening or moving your jaw
- Prolonged bleeding
Report Distressing Symptoms
Cary Prosthodontics
- American College of Prosthodontics (ACP)
- Academy of Osseointegration (AO)
- International Team for Implantology (ITI)
We Can Improve Your Quality of Life
GET STARTED TODAY
Damaged or missing teeth undercut your health, comfort, and confidence. Thankfully, the advanced treatments available at Cary Prosthodontics, serving Cary and Raleigh, NC, can restore the appearance and function of your smile, radically improving your quality of life.
After receiving implants, advanced dentures, or other dental prosthetics, you can once again eat your favorite foods, brush and floss normally, and laugh and smile without embarrassment.
Take the first step towards a fully functioning mouth by scheduling an appointment with our prosthodontists. You can request a consultation by filling out our online form or calling our friendly team at:
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Tuesday
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