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8504 N Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48187 (734) 453-6320
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Post-Op Instructions

After undergoing any kind of dental procedure, it’s very important for a patient to follow our team’s instructions to ensure the long-term success of their treatment (as well as an easy recovery). We’ll tell you everything you need to know when you’re here, but if you need a reminder, you’ll find a lot of information below. Of course, if you have any questions or are dealing with an issue, you can always give our team a call as well.

Crown & Bridge, Crowns, Inlays, or Onlays

  • Sensitivity, especially to cold or pressure, is common for a few days following a dental procedure. Usually the deeper the cavity, the more sensitive the tooth may be.
  • If the crown fits below the gumline, you may experience some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of that area during the procedures.
  • The use of temporary cement is for easy removal on your next appointment. If your temporary comes off between appointments, slip it back on and call us for an appointment. If you’re unable to make it to the office, Fixodent (a denture adhesive) or temporary cement, may be purchased at a drugstore.
  • Crowns and bridges do not last forever. Like a new set of tires, they can wear and breakdown. Proper brushing and flossing is recommended to help you retain your final restoration. Having your teeth cleaned every six months and an exam and x-rays every year will help us prologue the life of your restoration.

Denture Delivery

  • It is normal to experience some discomfort and speech problems while getting used to your new dentures. New dentures need several adjustments to fit comfortably. To help with speech, read aloud for a few minutes every day. Your mouth will adjust, and your speech will improve.
  • Remove your dentures every night to allow your gums to rest. Keep the denture in a container of water or denture cleaner.
  • Thoroughly brush your dentures with water before wearing them.

Oral Surgery

  • DO NOT RINSE MOUTH TODAY. Tomorrow rinse moth gently every 3 to 4 hours (especially after meals) using one-quarter teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water.
  • FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER EXTRACTION. No carbonated beverages, no alcohol, no smoking or use of tobacco products. No spitting or drinking through a straw.
  • BLEEDING: Following extractions some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pad over bleeding area and bite down firmly for 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
  • SWELLING: Ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to operated area – fifteen minutes on and fifteen minutes off for 4 to 5 hours. Sleep elevated to reduce swelling.
  • PAIN: For mild to average pain use non aspirin-type of medication you like.
  • FOOD: Light diet is advised during the first 24 hours.
  • The proper care following oral surgical procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications.

Composite Restorations

  • Sensitivity is usually most noticeable the first 12-24 hours after the anesthetic wears off.
  • Sensitivity, especially to cold, is common for a few days following a dental filling. Usually the deeper the cavity, the more sensitive the tooth may be.
  • The gum tissue could have been irritated during the procedure and may be sore for a few days together with the anesthetic injection site.
  • The filling is fully set and ready to eat on when you leave the office. Please be careful eating until the anesthetic wears off so you don’t bit your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
  • Children should be observed until the anesthetic wears off. Due to the strange feeling of the anesthetic, many children will chew the inside of their lips, cheeks, or tongue which can cause serious damage.
  • Fillings do not last forever. Like a new set of tires, fillings can wear and breakdown. Proper brushing and flossing is recommended to help you retain your fillings.

Gum Surgery

  • Pain, swelling, and bleeding is normal following gum surgery. A cold compress should be placed on your face near the surgical site for 10 minutes at a time, with 5 minutes off, the day of your surgery. This will reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding.
  • Take your prescribed medications as instructed.
  • You should keep your appointment for follow-up with your dentist.
  • Do not raise your lips and probe the area with your fingers.
  • Do not brush your teeth near the sutures. However, you should brush and floss the rest of your teeth as you normally would.
  • You may experience loss of sensation at the surgical site, and nearby teeth may feel loose for a while.
  • Do not spit or use a straw the day of your procedure. Avoid smoking for a few days

Implant Surgery

  • Pain, swelling, and bleeding are normal following oral surgery. A cold compress should be placed on your face near the surgical site for 10 minutes at a time, with 5 minutes off, the day of your surgery. This will reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding.
  • Take your prescribed medications as instructed.
  • You should keep your appointment for follow-up with your dentist.
  • Do not raise your lips and probe the area with your fingers.
  • Do not brush your teeth near the sutures. However, you should brush and floss the rest of your teeth as you normally would.
  • Do not spit or use a straw the day of your procedure. Avoid smoking for a few days.

Root Canal Therapy

  • Sensitivity should subside after a few days.
  • Take your prescribed medication as directed.
  • Because a temporary filling is on the tooth, do not bite hard for one hour after your appointment. Once the permanent filling is in place, chew carefully on the opposite side of your mouth.
  • Do not bite your lips, cheeks, or scrape your gums. Children should be watched carefully to make sure they don’t do this. It will damage soft tissues and result in pain.
  • Sensitivity to cold and heat, as well as any soreness, should go away in a few days.
  • Brush and floss gently.