Home Care Instructions
It's very important to follow after care instructions for faster healing and avoiding infections and complications. Call us at (808) 625-6300 if you have other questions or concerns.
After tooth extraction
If you experience a deep pain after a couple of days, you may have a dry socket (bone infection). Call us at (808) 625-6300, Dr. Baysa may need to prescribe appropriate medication.
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What to Expect:
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Numbness may last 2-8 hours. You may eat/drink but be careful not to bite your tongue, cheek, or lip.
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Bite firmly on gauze pad for 20 minutes. If bleeding continues, fold new gauze over the area and maintain firmpressure again for 20 minutes.
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Several pieces of gauze may be needed to create enough pressure over the extraction site.
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Gauze may be substituted by a warm, soaked tea bag. The tannic acid in tea has a clotting effect.
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It is normal for saliva to be streaked with blood for a day or two after surgery.
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Pain control should be started prior to numbing wearing off. DO NOT TAKE Aspirin or Ibuprofen as this may thin the blood and prolong bleeding. *If Dr. Baysa has prescribed antibiotics or stronger pain medication, take them as directed.
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You may experience swelling and discoloration in certain areas, usually reaching its maximum after two days. It should disappear gradually and is no cause for concern. You may apply an ice pack for the first 4-6 hours, alternating 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
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Care – Day 1:
A clot should form in the extraction site. This will act as a band-aid to allow healing. Avoid the following for the first 24 hours as you do not want to disturb the clot:
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Avoid brushing the site.
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Avoid sports and strenuous activity.
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Avoid smoking as it can cause a very painful dry socket (bone infection).
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Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or drinking through a straw.
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Avoid hot liquids. Softer, cooler foods are ideal for the first day. Nutrition is important for healing.
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Care – Day 2:
Starting tomorrow, gently rinse with warm salt water for 1 week. (1 tsp salt / 1 cup warm water, 6-8 times per day).
*Continue to rinse with water, warm salt water or alcoholfree mouthwash for 30 days, especially after meals to keep the site free from debris.
Sutures (stitches) if required will dissolve without discomfort within 7-10 days. Keep fingers and tongue away from the area.
After most neuromuscular restorative treatment
When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb. It is normal to experience some hot and cold temperature and pressure sensitivity after your appointment.
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The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling.
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The sensitivity should subside within a few days. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
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If your bite feels uneven, persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Dental Arts Hawaii Phone at (808) 625-6300.
After Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease. The purpose of the treatment is to remove bacterial plaque and tartar from around teeth and under the gum line, which is causing bone loss. The goal is to produce clean, healthy teeth and roots, which will promote the healing of the inflammation and infection that causes gum disease. You may take an over-the-counter pain reliever for any tenderness or discomfort, such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) unless you have medical conditions or allergies.
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After scaling and root planing, avoid eating anything in the area being treated for two hours or until the anesthetic has worn off completely. It is easy to bite or burn your cheek, tongue, or lip while numb. Avoid any hard foods, such as tortilla chips, potato chips, popcorn, or seeds for the next several days.
Maintain gum health with proper home care and regular dental visits. Here are some simple tips to help soothe the area:
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Rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with warm salt water rinses
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Use prescribed Peridex/Chlorhexidine as directed
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Brush teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
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Floss daily, being gentle with treated areas
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Use a Waterpik if recommended (especially beneficial for those with crowns or who have had scaling and root planing treatment)
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It is not unusual for the teeth to be more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and/or sweets. This is normal. This occurs as the gum tissue heals and shrinks in size and should gradually resolve in a few weeks with proper home care. You may also experience excessive bleeding. Call your dentist if excessive bleeding lasts for more than 48 hours following treatment. Consistently brushing two to three times daily with sensitivity toothpaste or using fluoride rinses may alleviate this over time. Avoid kinds of toothpaste with "whitening" or baking soda, as this will contribute to the problem. If sensitivity continues or is severe, professional application of a desensitizing agent may be required.
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Refrain from smoking for 24 to 48 hours after scaling and root planing, as tobacco will delay the healing of the tissues. Smoking cessation is highly recommended.
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You can expect to notice less redness, less bleeding, and less swelling of your gum tissues. Your teeth may feel smoother and your mouth will taste and feel better. We will look forward to seeing you for your regular periodontal maintenance to keep up with what we just accomplished together. Your hygienist may recommend that you come in every 3-4 months to keep a closer eye on your gum tissue progress.