Post-Op Instructions

Our dentist and team will provide you with post-op instructions following your treatment at Boones Ferry Dental. We are dedicated to helping you recover and maximize the benefits of your care. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Patrick Morrissey at our dental office in Lake Oswego, Oregon, give us a call at 503-699-6699.

Below are general post-op instructions for a number of dental procedures. If you have any questions about these instructions or any other instructions our dentist and team provide for you, please contact our office.

Dental Crowns & Bridges Post-Op Care 

Following the placement of a dental crown or bridge, it is advised that you refrain from eating for at least two hours or until the effects of the anesthetic have subsided.

If a temporary crown or bridge was fitted while your final restoration was being crafted, this temporary piece safeguards your exposed teeth and prevents shifting. To prevent dislodging the temporary, avoid chewing sticky substances like gum or caramels. Regular tooth brushing is permissible, but when using floss, slide it through instead of lifting to avoid dislodgment. If the temporary does come off, gently place it back and contact our office for re-cementing.

Sensitivity to hot and cold foods may occur post-treatment. This is normal. You can alleviate any discomfort by taking mild pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil or rinsing with warm saltwater (½ tsp salt per 8 oz. of water).

Following the final crown placement, resume normal brushing and flossing. If you sense any bite imbalance, schedule an appointment with our team for adjustments.

Dental Fillings Post-Op Care

After receiving a dental filling it is advised that you wait at least two hours or until anesthesia diminishes before eating.

Expect sensitivity for a few days; avoid extremes in temperature. Manage gum tenderness with warm saltwater rinses (½ tsp salt per 8 oz. water) or mild pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil.

Immediate resumption of regular brushing and flossing maintains dental health and promotes longevity of fillings.

Dental Veneers Post-Op Care 

Dental veneers necessitate some tooth structure removal, demanding vigilant care.

For both appointments, wait about two hours or until anesthesia subsides before eating. Initial tooth sensitivity, especially to cold, is expected; sidestep extreme temperatures and consider mild pain relievers.

Temporary veneers require gentleness to avoid dislodgment from sticky foods and for flossing. Call for replacement if a temporary veneer comes off. After veneer placement, adjust to them over a few days. For bite imbalance, schedule an adjustment appointment. Immediately resume brushing and flossing for a healthy mouth and extended veneer life.

Dentures Post-Op Care 

Initial discomfort may accompany your new dentures. Speech alteration and a sensation of fullness in the mouth are common but will diminish as you acclimate. Adjusting to dentures generally involves a personal “breaking-in” phase.

Maintain denture hygiene by gently cleaning after meals with a soft brush and cleaning paste or mild soapy water. Allow your gums to rest by removing dentures for around six hours daily, especially during sleep, storing them in water to prevent drying. Once a week, utilize a cleaning solution.

Ensure yearly denture checks for adjustments and routine care. Any denture issues should prompt immediate contact with our office.

Gum Surgery Post-Op Care 

Proper aftercare is crucial following gum surgery:

• Abstain from eating for about three hours post-treatment, followed by a soft diet for two to three days. Avoid harsh foods and stay hydrated.
• Follow prescribed antibiotics and medications, ceasing immediately if adverse reactions occur.
• Minor bleeding for up to 48 hours is normal; if persistent, apply moistened gauze or tea bag at intervals and keep your head elevated.
• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
• Use gentle oral hygiene, such as light brushing first night, gentle flossing next day. Avoid irrigation devices until cleared.
• No smoking for 48 hours.

Root Canal Therapy Post-Op Care 

After root canal treatment:

• Wait two hours post-treatment before eating.
• Avoid hard and chewy foods while tooth remains sore (seven to 10 days).
• Take prescribed antibiotics and medications as directed.
• Contact our office if you have any reactions, increasing tenderness and swelling, dislodged fillings or crowns, or a fractured tooth.

Scaling & Root Planing Post-Op Care 

In the first 24 hours post-procedure:

• Wait two hours after treatment before eating.
• Refrain from intense physical exercise.
• Avoid straws, tobacco, alcohol, spicy or extreme temperature foods, and strong mouthwashes.
• Follow prescribed pain relievers, maintain a soft diet, rinse with saltwater (three times daily) and gently brush treated area.
• Resume normal brushing and flossing after a week.

Teeth Whitening Post-Op Care 

For 48 hours post-teeth whitening:

• Avoid staining foods and beverages (red wine, coffee, etc.) and tobacco products.
• To help prevent staining habits, use an electric toothbrush, maintain regular dental visits, practice good oral hygiene and use whitening trays as needed.
• Sensitivity may occur for 24 hours post-treatment.

Tooth Extractions Post-Op Care 

After a tooth extraction, initial healing lasts one to two weeks, often accompanied by 48 hours of swelling and discomfort.

Recommended actions include:

• Abstaining from chewing for at least two hours or until anesthesia wanes
• Applying ice packs to reduce swelling
• Avoiding contact of the extraction site with tongue or fingers
• No straw usage or vigorous swishing and spitting
• Careful consideration when blowing nose or sneezing
• Refraining from rinsing mouth on the day of surgery
• Temporary cessation of smoking or tobacco use
• Minimizing strenuous activities for 24 hours post-procedure while keeping the head elevated
• Adopting a soft diet for 48 hours