Immediately
AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE
You will likely experience discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding after oral surgery. For the first hour or so, you should keep gentle, but firm, pressure on the treatment area by biting on damp gauze to encourage the formation of a clot. If bleeding persists after the first hour or two, you can try biting on a damp tea bag for 20 to 30 minutes.
Use ice packs for the first 24 hours
Rinse lightly after 48 hours with a salt water mixture
Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco for at least 72 hours
Get lots of rest and limit physical activity for 24 to 48 hours
Elevate your head when you lie down
Stick to soft, cool foods which do not require extensive chewing
Take any medications your dentist prescribed, such as antibiotics or pain medication
If You Were Sedated...
- Driving
- Operating heavy equipment
- Working around machinery
- Climbing ladders
- Working at unsafe heights
Maintaining Your Oral Hygiene
Special Instructions
FOR CERTAIN PROCEDURES
Tooth Extractions
- Not rinse or spit aggressively for 48 hours
- Avoid using a straw
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
- Expect minor swelling
Dental Implants
After dental implant placement surgery, you will likely experience swelling and bruising, as well as sensitivity to cold. These symptoms should resolve on their own within a few days. During the initial healing period, you should avoid:
- Ice, ice cream, cold drinks, and solids, if they are causing discomfort
- Sticky or hard foods
- Applying pressure to the implant with your tongue or fingers
If numbness persists after the first day, notify your dentist. You should also contact the office if bleeding persists or pain increases after three days. If your implant or restoration feels loose, let your dentist know.
Bone Grafting
Sinus Lifts
A sinus lift is a delicate procedure. Your dentist may recommend you use antihistamines or a decongestant to alleviate pressure in the area during healing. For the first two weeks, do not blow your nose or sniff forcefully. You should also avoid going swimming or sitting in a hot tub. In addition, you should:
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
- Sneeze with your mouth open to minimize pressure on the sinus area
- Avoid using a straw or spitting forcefully
- Take all medications as directed, including the nasal spray
- Avoid pulling or lifting your lip to look at sutures
Minor bleeding from your nose is not uncommon after a sinus lift and should pass quickly. You may also notice small granules in your mouth for the first few days. This is normal. However, if you feel them in your nose, notify your dentist right away.
When to Contact Your Doctor
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:
Our Office
Monday
7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
Closed