Post-Op Instructions

POST-OP COMPOSITE WHITE FILLINGS

Your new fillings are fully hardened before you even leave the office; however it is wise to chew on the opposite side from the location of the newly placed filling(s) until the anesthetic has fully worn off. One of the most common
problems following filling placement with anesthesia, is an incorrect bite. If your bite feels uneven please call our office so we can get you scheduled for a quick adjustment.

Local Anesthesia

• When anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid chewing until numbness has completely worn off. It is easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while numb.
• Refrain from eating for at least 2 hours and/or until the anesthesia has worn off.
• You may experience discomfort in your gum tissue or jaw muscle where your anesthetic was injected.

Pain Management

• You may take any over the counter pain reliever for tenderness or discomfort. Taking aspirin, Ibuprofen 600mg or Extra Strength Tylenol 500mg should be sufficient, unless you are allergic to these medications or have a medical condition that would prevent you from taking these medications.
• This will help with any soreness at the injection sites where your anesthetic was administered.
• It is normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Hot or cold sensitivity may linger for several weeks after the placement of the fillings. Usually these symptoms will subside over time.

If you have any questions or need a simple adjustment, please call us at (318) 927-6152.

POST-OP FILLINGS CHILD

Your child's new fillings are fully hardened before they even leave the office; however it is wise to chew on the opposite side from the location of the newly placed filling(s) until the anesthetic has fully worn off. One of the most common problems following filling placement with anesthesia, is an incorrect bite. If your child complains that their bite feels uneven, please call our office so we can get them scheduled for a quick adjustment.

Local Anesthesia

• When anesthetic has been used, your child's lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment.
• Please help your child refrain from chewing until numbness has completely worn off. It is easy to bite or burn their tongue or lip while numb.
• Avoid eating for at least 2 hours and/or until the anesthesia has worn off.
• Your child may experience discomfort in the gum tissue or jaw muscle where the anesthetic was injected.

Pain Management

• If your child is in discomfort after their procedure, over the counter pain relievers can be administered at home.
• Tylenol, or ibuprofen are best to relieve short-term dental discomfort. Please contact your pediatrician for the recommended dosage for your child.
• If your child is allergic to these medications or has a medical condition that would prevent you from taking these medications, please contact their pediatrician for an OTC recommendation.
• It is normal for your child to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after their appointment. Hot or cold
  sensitivity may linger for several weeks after the placement of the fillings. Usually these symptoms will subside over time.

Brush, Floss & Smile!

• We recommend resuming normal brushing, flossing and rinsing immediately. Keeping their new fillings clean is very important.
• If brushing hurts, they may want to avoid the crown area for 1-2 days.
• Mouthwash can be used the night of the procedure unless your child experiences discomfort. Wait 1-2 days before using mouthwash again to give gum tissue time to normalize.

Please contact our office (318) 927-6152 if your child is experiencing symptoms not indicated above, are in need of a bite adjustment, or if you have any questions for James C. Palmer, DDS regarding their dental care.

POST-OP ROOT CANAL THERAPY

• The treatment on your tooth is NOT complete. The doctor has placed a medicated temporary filling inside your tooth to help with the healing process. It is essential for you to return to our office for further treatment. Do NOT eat anything for the first two hours following the procedure as it takes this time for the temporary to get hard. For the rest of the day, eat semi-solid food only. It is advisable to chew on the opposite side until treatment is completed. Under NO circumstances should you chew anything hard, gum, candy, or anything that is sticky on the tooth, even if you were not experiencing any discomfort prior to treatment. This may lead to a fracture of your tooth. Following these instructions is your responsibility and if your tooth fractures, it is your liability, and you will be responsible for costs for treatment rendered.
• Your root canal treatment is now complete and has a temporary filling. The canal(s) has been sealed and nature must now have time to repair the damage that the original irritant produced. Do not chew on the tooth until you have the tooth restored. Although the roots are permanently sealed, the outer surface is filled with a temporary restoration, which will get hard after two hours of placement and may last for many weeks. It is advisable to see your regular dentist as soon as possible to restore the tooth permanently. Current research has shown that even newly sealed root canals will be totally contaminated with bacteria if the temporary filling is missing for over three weeks. A final restoration (crown, onlay, filling) will give the tooth its necessary protection.
• Your root canal treatment is now complete and has a core build-up. The canal(s) has been sealed and nature must now have time to repair the damage that the original irritant produced. Do not chew on the tooth until all the tenderness is gone. We have placed a permanent filling on your tooth. You still need to see your dentist for possibly a new crown, and you should return for regular check-ups.

Local Anesthesia

The anesthesia used during your procedure will wear off within a few hours. You may experience tenderness, mild swelling or bruising to the injection site. In rare cases, prolonged numbness can occur. Please contact our office if numbness does not wear off within 48 hours of your procedure.

Pain Management

It is normal for you to experience some degree of discomfort for a few days. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.

• Discomfort may be alleviated by taking Aleve, ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
• 600 mg Ibuprofen along with 500 mg & Tylenol every 6 hours for 2 days as needed.
• Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) may also help. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above medications or should swelling develop, please contact our office, we are here to help, and happy to do so.

Please call our office (318) 927-6152 if you have any questions or difficulties. If it is after hours, follow the prompts to be connected to our answering service. If you feel that your symptoms warrant a physician, and you are unable to reach James C. Palmer, DDS, please go to the closest hospital emergency room immediately.

POST-OP PULPOTOMY/PULPECTOMY CHILD

We want all of our patients who have had a pulpotomy or pulpectomy to have the proper information on how to care for
their tooth after treatment:

• With few exceptions, all teeth that have had a pulpotomy will need a stainless steel crown (cap) in the near future to
  prevent the breakdown of the tooth.
• While serving in a capacity similar to a root canal, a pulpotomy is not a root canal. The human body can dissolve all
  materials used In a pulpotomy.
• Baby teeth with pulpotomies will be lost in the same way that other baby teeth are lost when the permanent tooth
  replacing them dissolves the root enough for them to be lost.
• There are no special concerns if the baby tooth with a pulpotomy is lost due to the eruption of a permanent tooth.
• Pulpotomies have been shown to have an 85% to 90% clinical success rate in primary teeth. It must be noted,
  however, that some pulpotomies will fail unpredictably and the primary tooth may need to be extracted in the future.

In order to give your child's tooth with the pulpotomy the longest possible life span, please have your child
avoid the following foods: ice or ice cubes, hard candies, taffy, caramels, and jawbreakers.

Local Anesthesia

The anesthesia used during your child's procedure will wear off within a few hours. Your child may experience tenderness,
mild swelling or bruising to the injection site. Please monitor your chid for the duration of numbness to prevent them
chewing/sucking on the area of the mouth that is numb. This chewing/sucking action while numb can cause swelling and
added discomfort to the area that was treated. In rare cases, prolonged numbness can occur. Please contact our office
(318) 927-6152 if numbness does not wear off within 48 hours of your procedure.

Pain Management

It is normal for your child to experience some degree of discomfort for a few days. This tenderness is normal and is no
cause for alarm.

• Discomfort may be alleviated by taking Aleve, ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
• Warm salt water irnses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) may also help.
• Should your child experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above medications, or should swelling
  develop, please contact our office. We are here to help, and happy to do so.

Please call our office (318) 927-6152 if your child is having any difficulties. If it is after hours, follow the prompts to be
connected to our answering service. If you feel that your symptoms warrant a physician, and you are unable to
reach James C. Palmer, DD5, please bring your child to the closest hospital emergency room immediately.

POST-OP CROWN

Crowns usually take a couple of appointments to complete. The teeth are prepared during your first appointment while temporary crowns or bridges are placed to provide protection to your teeth. These temporary restorations will be just that, a protective plastic cap to cover the "preparation" while your custom restoration is being made.

Anesthetic:

It is normal for you to feel numbness on your lips, teeth, and tongue for several hours when anesthetic has been applied. It is suggested to not chew until the numbness has is completely gone.

Temporary Crowns:

• There are times when temporary crowns come off. Please do call us when this happens, and keep the temporary so we can re-cement it. Keep in mind that the proper fit of your final restoration relies on your temporary remaining in place until the final cementation. 
• If your temporary comes off, you may try to gently place the crown back into place and see if it remains secure. If so, please continue with your post-operative care as directed and contact us if it becomes loose again. A small amount of vaseline can be placed inside the temporary before you try it back in to add an extra "suction" to lock it into position.
• If the temporary does not slide back into place properly - call our office to schedule a follow-up appointment as soon as possible.

Sensitivity:

• Hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity are all normal. You may also experience gum soreness for a few days. 
• Just rinse three times a day with warm salt water to reduce pain and swelling.
• A tsp. of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse-swish-spit
• If discomfort persists, you can also use OTC medication as directed.

Home Care:

• Avoid eating sticky foods (gum, taffy, caramel), and hard foods to help keep your temporary in place. 
• Chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.
• Brush your teeth like normal starting the night of your procedure.
• Floss very carefully - insert and remove the floss from the side of your temporary crown to prevent the temporary crown from coming loose.

If you are experiencing symptoms not listed above, or persistent pain that cannot be controlled with OTC medication, please call our office (318) 927-6152 immediately.

POST-OP BRIDGE

Anesthetic:

It is normal for you to feel numbness on your lips, teeth, and tongue for several hours when anesthetic has been applied.
It is suggested to not chew until the numbness has is completely gone.

TEMPORARY BRIDGE

• There are times when temporary crowns/bridges come off. Please do call us when this happens, and keep the temporary so we can re-cement it. Keep in mind that the proper fit of your final restoration relies on your temporary remaining in place until the final cementation.
• If your temporary comes off, you may try to gently place the crown/bridge back into place and see if it remains secure. If so, please continue with your post-operative care as directed and contact us if it becomes loose again. A small amount of vaseline can be placed inside the temporary before you try it back in to add an extra "suction" to lock it into position.
• If the temporary does not slide back into place properly - call our office to schedule a follow-up appointment as soon as possible.

Sensitivity:

• Hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity are all normal. You may also experience gum soreness for a few days. lust rinse three times a day with warm salt water to reduce pain and swelling.
• A tsp. of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse-swish-spit
• If discomfort persists, you can also use OTC medication as directed.

Home Care:

• Avoid eating sticky foods {gum, taffy, caramel), and hard foods to help keep your temporary in place.
• Chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.
• Brush your teeth like normal starting the night of your procedure.
• Floss very carefully - insert and remove the floss from the side of your temporary crown/bridge to prevent the
  temporary crown from coming loose.

If you are experiencing symptoms not listed above, or persistent pain that cannot be controlled with OTC medication, please call our office (318) 927-6152 immediately.

POST-OP SCALING AND ROOT PLANING

Home Care

After scaling and root planing, avoid eating anything on the area being treated for two hours or until the dental anesthetic has worn off completely.

• Avoid any hard "chippy" foods such as tortilla chips, potato chips, popcorn, or seeds for the next several days
• To help soothe the area, rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with warm salt water rinses. Use one teaspoon of salt for every 3 ounces of water.
• If you are prescribed Peridex/Chlorhexidine, use as directed
• Resume your home care regimen of brushing twice a day and daily flossing immediately, but be gentle with the area recently treated. Your gum health must be maintained with proper home care, as instructed, and regular dental visits.
• Refrain from smoking for two weeks after scaling and root planing. Tobacco will delay the healing of the tissues.

Pain Management

You may experience some cold sensitivity, this is normal. Any sensitivity should gradually go away in a few weeks.

• You may take a non-aspirin pain reliever for any tenderness or discomfort.
• Take Ibuprofen 600mg (Advil) or Extra Strength Tylenol SOOmg unless you are allergic or have medical conditions that prevent taking these medications.
• If needed, you can use desensitizing toothpaste, such as Crest Sensitivity, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, or Sensodyne.
• Avoid toothpaste with "whitening" or baking soda, as this will increase the sensitivity.

If any additional questions arise prior to your follow-up appointment, please contact our office at (318) 927-6152.

Periodontal Home Care Instructions

You have just been treated for periodontal disease (also known as gum disease), an infection that attacks the gums, bone, and fibers Chat support the teeth and hold them in the jaw. It is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults and is often painless.

Discomfort/Pain

Immediately following treatment, you may experience some mild pain or tenderness. We recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. If you experience swelling, apply a cold compress, alternating 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.

Disease Control

You may experience some sensitivity to hot or cold. This is temporary. Please continue to brush and floss. You may soften your toothbrush with warm water and use light pressure during the first few days if tender. Warm saltwater rinses are recommended. Dissolve V2 teaspoon of salt in 4 oz. of warm water and rinse 3-4 times a day.

Diet

Immediately after treatment and during the healing process, we recommend limiting spicy foods along with hard foods, such as popcorn, peanuts, chips, etc. These may lodge in the areas Just treated.

Smoking/Alcohol

Please refrain from smoking and the use of alcohol for at least the first 8 hours. This will allow for healing to begin,

Using Mouth Rinses

If one was prescribed for you, begin to use it immediately. Please follow the orders/directions on the bottle.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.

POST-OP EXTRACTION

Local Anesthesia

The numbness from the anesthetic injection will wear off within a few hours. You may experience tenderness, mild swelling or bruising to the injection site. In rare cases, prolonged numbness can occur. Please contact our office if numbness does not wear off within 48 hours of surgery.

Pain Management

It is normal for you to experience some degree of discomfort for a few days. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.

• Discomfort may be alleviated by taking Aleve, ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
• 600 mg Ibuprofen along with 500 mg & Tylenol every 6 hours for 2 days as needed.

Diet:

• After having general anesthesia, we recommend clear liquids first (such as 7-up, water, apple juice). If you continue to feel hungry, this may be followed by soft foods (such as ice cream, Jello, pudding, malts) for the first 24 hours.
• After the initial 24 hour period maintain a soft diet (soups, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soft chicken, soft fish) for 2 - 3 days and then gradually progress to solid foods as tolerated.
• Avoid food like popcorn, nuts, sunflower seeds, or rice.
  
  If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal diet as much as possible and follow James C. Palmer, DDS's instructions regarding your insulin schedule.
• For 2 days after surgery, drink liquids and eat soft foods only. Such as milkshakes, eggnog, yogurt, cooked cereals, cottage cheese, smooth soups, mashed potatoes, refried beans, ice cream, pudding, fruit smoothies and protein shakes.
• On day 3 after surgery, eat soft foods that do not require much chewing, such as macaroni and cheese, cooked noodles, soft-boiled, scrambled or poached eggs and soft sandwiches. Avoid tough or crunchy foods, such as pizza, rice, popcorn, and hamburger.
• Avoid spicy and acidic foods.
• Most patients may resume their normal diet 7 days after surgery.

Nausea:

• The medications used during and after surgery may cause nausea. If nauseated, avoid milk and other dairy products and try to drink clear liquids in small quantities, until symptoms resolve. Pain medications should not be taken on an empty stomach.

Fever:

• A low-grade fever is not uncommon after surgery. It is usually a sign of insufficient liquid intake. Please remember to drink sufficient amounts of clear liquids to keep your body hydrated.

Bruising:

• This may occur on the arm or hand, near the site of your IV. It is very common to have minor bruises. If the arm is inflamed or tender for the first day, apply an ice pack for 30 minutes on and then off for 30 minutes. If inflammation or tenderness does not resolve on the second day, please contact our office for evaluation.

Use Caution

After an extraction it is crucial that a blood clot forms in the area that the tooth was extracted. Therefore, for the first 24 hours:

• DO NOT: rinse, spit or suck through a straw (suction will cause the clot to be pulled out.)
• DONOT: drink alcohol or use mouth rinses containing alcohol (these will dissolve the clot.)
• DO NOT SMOKE FOR 5 DAYS AFTER EXTRACTION. Nicotine will keep tissue growth from occurring and will result in a painful condition known as dry socket.
• AVOID: exercise or heavy lifting (this can cause your blood clot to be pushed out.)
• Swelling may occur; ice packs can be used in 15 minute intervals for the first 6 hours to reduce swelling.
• To prevent or slow excessive bleeding, bite with light pressure on the gauze that has been placed over the extraction site, changing the gauze every 15 minutes or as needed for up to 90 minutes after leaving the office. You should wet the gauze and squeeze excess water out of it before placing it over the extraction site.
• Placing dry gauze over site will allow clot to dry to gauze resulting in clot removal when changing.
• Place a folded towel over your pillow in case of any bleeding while sleeping.
• If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain or continued swelling 3 to 4 days after extraction please contact our office for a short appointment to check the extraction site.
• If sutures (stitches) were placed, they will dissolve on their own after a couple days. If they partially dissolve and are moving around excessively because they are not tied down anymore feel free to gently grab a loose end and remove them.

Impacted Teeth

Removing impacted teeth is very different from extracting erupted teeth. If you had an impacted tooth removed, you will likely have these symptoms for a short time:

• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Pain while swallowing

Tooth was removed. This numbness should go away, but it may last from a few days to many months. You may also nave sores on your lips after surgery. Use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on your lips until they heal.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your dental care. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

POST-OP EXTRACTION CHILD

Local Anesthesia

• The numbness from the anesthesia injection will wear off within a few hours.
• Monitor your child very closely while they are still numb, they are likely to bite or chew on numb lips, tongue and cheeks without knowing.
• Your child may experience tenderness, mild swelling or bruising to the injection site. In rare cases, prolonged numbness can occur.
• Please contact our office if numbness does not wear off within 48 hours of surgery.

Bleeding

• Keep gauze in place in your child's mouth for the next 15-30 minutes. If there is still bleeding when the gauze is taken out, put an additional piece of gauze in for another 15 minutes. Repeat until bleeding has slowed to a slight ooze.
• It is normal for some minor bleeding to continue for the first few hours. If your child continues to bleed strongly after 4-6 hours, please call the office immediately.
• Avoid doing anything that will remove the newly forming clot from the extraction site. Avoid sucking on a straw, spitting, blowing your nose or anything else that will push or pull the clot out of the socket,
• Place a folded towel over your child's pillow in case of any bleeding while sleeping.
  

Diet

• For 2 days after surgery, we recommend your child drink liquids and eat soft foods only. Such as milkshakes, eggnog, yogurt, cooked cereals, cottage cheese, smooth soups, mashed potatoes, refried beans, ice cream, pudding, fruit smoothies and protein shakes.
• On day 3 after surgery, they may gradually start incorporating soft foods that do not require much chewing, such as macaroni and cheese, cooked noodles, soft-boiled /scrambled/poached eggs and soft sandwiches.
  
  Avoid tough or crunchy foods, such as pizza, rice, popcorn, and hamburger. Avoid spicy and acidic foods.
• Most patients may resume their normal diet 3-4 days after surgery.

Do's & Don'ts

• Do use ice compressions on for 10 minutes, off for 20 as needed
• Do not use heat compressions. Heat can increase swelling and cause unnecessary discomfort.
• Do use spoons for soft foods and liquids
• Do not suck through a straw, or swish vigorously with mouthwash/water
• Do limit your child's physical activity for the first 2 days to allow adequate time for healing and clotting

Brush, Floss & Smile!

Although we do recommend not brushing the extraction site for 1-2 days, we suggest continuing to brush and floss all of their other teeth as your child normally would. If brushing hurts, they may be getting too close to the surgical site.
Mouthwash should be avoided for the first 2 days after surgery, and can be resumed after day 3.

If your believe your child is experiencing complications from their procedure, call our office (318) 927-6152 as soon as possible. If it is after hours, and your child is experiencing a true medical emergency, please go to the closest

ALVEOLOPLASTY

Local Anesthesia

• The numbness from the anesthetic injection will wear off within a few hours. You may experience tenderness, mild swelling or bruising to the injection site. In rare cases, prolonged numbness can occur. Please contact our office if numbness does not wear off within 48 hours of surgery.

Diet

• Avoid food like popcorn, nuts, sunflower seeds, or rice.
• After having general anesthesia, we recommend clear liquids first (such as 7-up, water, apple juice). If you continue to feel hungry, this may be followed by soft foods (such as ice cream, Jello, pudding, malts) for the first 24 hours.
• After the initial 24 hour period maintain a soft diet (soups, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soft chicken, soft fish) for 2 - 3 days and then gradually progress to solid foods as tolerated.
• If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal diet as much as possible and follow your doctor's instructions regarding your insulin schedule.

Nausea

• The medications used during and after surgery may cause nausea. If nauseated, avoid milk and other dairy products and try to drink clear liquids in small quantities, until symptoms resolve. Pain medications should not be taken on an empty stomach.

Fever

• A low-grade fever is not uncommon after surgery. It is usually a sign of insufficient liquid intake. Please remember to drink sufficient amounts of clear liquids to keep your body hydrated.

Bruising

• This may occur on the arm or hand, near the site of your IV. It is very common to have minor bruises. If the arm is inflamed or tender for the first day, apply an ice pack for 30 minutes on and then off for 30 minutes. If inflammation or tenderness does not resolve on the second day, please contact our office for evaluation.

Use Caution

• Do not disturb the surgical area today.
• Do not rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects or your fingers.
• Do not smoke for at least 48 hours, as you can disrupt the healing process and worsen your discomfort.
• Keeping the area clean and uninterrupted is detrimental to healing.

Brushing

• Begin your normal hygiene routine the day after surgery. Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing of all areas, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort. If you use an electric toothbrush, feel free to use it just as you would a manual toothbrush.

Sharp Edges

• You may feel sharp edges near your surgical site, occasionally small slivers of bone may work themselvesout during the first week or two after surgery. They are not pieces of tooth, but if they are bothersome we will remove them. Please call the office if you are concerned.

Dry Sockets

• Normal healing after tooth extraction should be as follows: The first three days of surgery are usually the most uncomfortable and there is some degree of swelling and stiffness. From the third day on, gradual, steady movements should mark the remainder of your recovery course. If there is a noticeable, distinct, persistent throbbing pain in the jaw that arises after the 4th day, please call our office. We would like the opportunity to help alleviate any discomfort.

Denture Wear

• We recommend you wear your denture or partial until your follow-up appointment. If absolutely necessary, you may remove your denture(s) briefly to rinse your mouth. Your denture should then be immediately replaced. If unable to wear your denture after surgery, please arrange an appointment to have your denture or partial adjusted as soon as possible.

Pain Management

• Minimal discomfort is to be expected after today's procedure. If necessary, Tylenol and Ibuprofen can be taken as recommended per age/dosage to manage discomfort.

Please call our office (318) 927-6152 if you have any questions or difficulties. If it is after hours, follow the prompts to be connected to our answering service. If you feel that your symptoms warrant a physician, and you are unable to reach James C. Palmer, DDS, please go to the closest hospital emergency room immediately.

POST-OP IMPLANT PLACEMENT

Local Anesthesia

The numbness from the anesthetic injection will wear off within a few hours. You may experience tenderness, mild swelling or bruising to the injection site. In rare cases, prolonged numbness can occur. Please contact our office if numbness does not wear off within 48 hours of surgery.

Diet:

• Maintain a soft diet (soups, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soft chicken, soft fish) for 2 - 3 days and then gradually progress to solid foods as tolerated. 
• Avoid food like popcorn, nuts, sunflower seeds, or rice.
• If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal diet as much as possible and follow your doctor's instructions regarding your insulin schedule.
• For 2 days after surgery, drink liquids and eat soft foods only. Such as milkshakes, eggnog, yogurt, cooked cereals, cottage cheese, smooth soups, mashed potatoes, refried beans, ice cream, pudding, fruit smoothies and protein shakes.
• On day 3 after surgery, eat soft foods that do not require much chewing, such as macaroni and cheese, cooked noodles, soft-boiled, scrambled or poached eggs and soft sandwiches. Avoid tough or crunchy foods, such as pizza, rice, popcorn, and hamburger. Avoid spicy and acidic foods.
• Most patients may resume their normal diet 7 days after surgery.

Nausea:

• The medications used during and after surgery may cause nausea. If nauseated, avoid milk and other dairy products and try to drink clear liquids in small quantities, until symptoms resolve.
• Pain medications should not be taken on an empty stomach.

Fever:

• A low-grade fever is not uncommon after surgery. It is usually a sign of insufficient liquid intake.
• Please remember to drink sufficient amounts of clear liquids to keep your body hydrated.

Bruising:

• It is very common to have minor bruises. If the area is inflamed or tender for the first day, apply an ice pack for 30 minutes on and then off for 30 minutes. If inflammation or tenderness does not resolve on the second day, please contact our office for evaluation.

Use Caution

After an implant surgery it is crucial that your surgical site remains clean and unbothered. Therefore, for the first 24 hours:

• DO NOT: rinse, spit or suck through a straw (suction will cause the clot to be pulled out.)
• DO NOT: drink alcohol or use mouth rinses containing alcohol (these will dissolve the clot.)
• DO NOT SMOKE FOR 5 DAYS AFTER SURGERY. Nicotine will keep tissue growth from occurring and will result in increased discomfort.
• AVOID: exercise or heavy lifting - we want to eliminate all stress, clenching your teeth can cause pressure to your
  surgical site.
• Swelling may occur; ice packs can be used in 15 minute intervals for the first 6 hours to reduce swelling. To prevent or slow excessive bleeding, bite with light pressure on the gauze that has been placed over the implant site, changing the gauze every 15 minutes or as needed for up to 90 minutes after leaving the office. You should wet the gauze and squeeze excess water out of it before placing it over the implant site. Placing dry gauze over site will allow clot to dry to gauze resulting in clot removal when changing.
• Place a folded towel over your pillow in case of any bleeding while sleeping.
• If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain or continued swelling 3 to 4 days after surgery please contact our office for a short appointment to check the implant site.
• If sutures (stitches) were placed, they will dissolve on their own after a couple days. If they partially dissolve and are moving around excessively because they are not tied down anymore feel free to gently grab a loose end and remove them.

Pain Management

• Medicines to control pain and prevent infection will be prescribed for you. It is very important that you take all medicines as recommended by your doctor.
• Start taking your pain medicine before the numbness wears off. Continue to take it as prescribed.
• The dose for pain medicine is usually 400 mg to 800 mg ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or generic) every 6 hours. If you have an allergy or sensitivity to ibuprofen, or have been told not to use it, you may take up to 1,000 mg acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic) every 6 hours.
• Follow the pain medicine instructions your doctor gave you. If we believe you may have more severe pain, we will prescribe a stronger pain medicine which you will need to buy at a pharmacy.

Oral Hygiene

• Begin your normal hygiene routine the day after surgery.
• Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing of all areas, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort.
• If you use an electric toothbrush, feel free to use it just as you would a manual toothbrush.
• Brush very gently around the surgical site being careful not to loosen or remove the stitches.
• If you were given an irrigating syringe, start using it the fifth day after surgery to keep sockets clean. 
• Mix one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a tall glass of warm water.
• Fill the syringe with the warm salt water and irrigate any open sockets gently, especially after eating.

Normal healing after surgery should be as follows:

• The first three days of surgery are usually the most uncomfortable and there is some degree of swelling and stiffness.
• From the third day on, gradual, steady movements should mark the remainder of your recovery course.
• If there is a noticeable, distinct, persistent throbbing pain in the jaw that arises after the 4th day, please call our office. We would like the opportunity to help alleviate any discomfort.

Sharp Edges

• You may feel sharp edges near your surgical site, occasionally small slivers of bone may work themselves out during the first week or two after surgery.
• They are not pieces of tooth, or implant material, but if they are bothersome we will remove them. Please call the office if you are concerned.

Denture Wear

• If you usually wear a removable dental device that replaces missing teeth and rests on the surgery area, check with your doctor before starting to wear it again after surgery.
• It is important not to put any pressure on the surgery site.
• If your bite feels different when you start wearing the device again, or if you had a dental implant and it feels like the device is hitting the implant, call your doctor.

Please call our office (318) 927-6152 if you have any questions or difficulties. If It Is after hours, follow the prompts to be connected to our answering service. If you feel that your symptoms warrant a physician, and you are unable to reach James C. Palmer, DDS, please go to the closest hospital emergency room immediately.

POST-OP DENTURE(S)

Proper denture care is important for both the health of your dentures and mouth. Here are some tips.

Handle dentures with great care. To avoid accidentally dropping them, stand over a folded towel or a full sink of water when handling dentures.

Brush and rinse your dentures daily. Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food and plaque. Brushing also helps prevent the development of permanent stains on the dentures. Use a brush with soft bristles that is specifically designed for cleaning dentures. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush as it can damage or wear down dentures. Gently brush all surfaces of the denture and be careful not to damage the plastic or bend attachments. In between brushings, rinse your dentures after every meal.

Clean with a denture cleaner. Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid can be used for cleaning dentures. Household cleansers and many toothpastes may be too abrasive for your dentures and should not be used. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used to care for dentures. These cleaners are small bathtub-like devices that contain a cleaning solution. The denture is immersed in the tub and then sound waves create a wave motion that dislodges the undesirable deposits. Use of an ultrasonic cleaner, however, does not replace a thorough daily brushing. Products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance are recommended since they have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

Denture care when not being worn. Dentures need to be kept moist when not being worn so they do not dry out or lose their shape. When not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water.
However, if your denture has metal attachments, the attachments could tarnish if placed in a soaking solution. James C. Palmer, DDS can recommend the best methods for caring for your particular denture. Dentures should never be placed in hot water, as it can cause them to warp.

Can I Adjust or Repair my Dentures? One or more follow-up appointments are generally needed soon after you receive your dentures so that your oral health care provider can make any necessary adjustments. Never attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Never bend any part of the clasp or metal attachments yourself; doing so can weaken the metal structure. "Do-it-yourself" repair kits can permanently damage your dentures and over- the-counter glues may contain harmful chemicals.

Dentures that don't fit property can cause irritation and sores in your mouth and on your gums. Be sure to contact your oral health care provider if your denture breaks, cracks, chips or if one of the teeth becomes loose. Oftentimes, he or she can make the necessary adjustment or repair on the same day. For some complicated repairs, your denture may have to be sent to a special dental laboratory.

Will My Dentures Need to Be Replaced? Over time, dentures will need to be relined, rebased, or remade due to normal wear, natural age-related changes to your face, jaw bones, and gums, or if the dentures become loose. To reline or rebase a denture, the dentist refits the denture base or makes a new denture base and reuses the existing teeth. Generally, complete dentures should be used for 5 to 7 years before a replacement is necessary.

How Should I Care for My Mouth and Gums if I Have Dentures? Even with full dentures, it is important to brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush every morning before you put in your dentures. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the denture's metal clasps.
Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm salt water will help clean your gums. Eat a balanced diet so that proper nutrition and a healthy mouth can be maintained.

How Often Should I See the Dentist if I Have Dentures? If you have dentures, James C. Palmer, DDS will advise you about how often you need to visit, but every 6 months should be the norm. Regular dental visits are important so that your denture and mouth can be examined for proper denture fit, to look for signs of oral diseases including cancer, and to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

If you have questions about the fit or care of your dentures, please call our office (318) 927-6152 to schedule a follow up appointment at your earliest convenience.

POST-OP PARTIAL DENTURE(S)

Proper denture care is important for both the health of your new partial denture{s) and your mouth. Here are some tips.

Handle partial dentures with great care. To avoid accidentally dropping them, stand over a folded towel or a full sink of water when handling partial denture{s).

Brush and rinse your partial dentures daily. Like natural teeth, partial dentures must be brushed daily to remove food and plaque. Brushing also helps prevent the development of permanent stains on the partial denture(s). Use a brush with soft bristles that is specifically designed for cleaning dentures. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush as it can damage or wear down the material of your partial denture(s). Gently brush all surfaces of the partial denture and be careful not to damage the plastic or bend attachments. In between brushings, rinse your dentures afterevery meal.

Clean with a denture cleaner. Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid can be used for cleaning partial dentures. Household cleansers and many toothpastes may be too abrasive for your dentures and should not be used. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used to care for partial dentures. These cleaners are small bathtub-like devices that contain a cleaning solution. The denture Is Immersed In the tub and then sound waves create a wave motion that dislodges the undesirable deposits. Use of an ultrasonic cleaner, however, does not replace a thorough daily brushing. Products with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance are recommended since they have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

Partial denture care when not being worn. Full acryllic partial dentures need to be kept moist when not being worn so they do not dry out or lose their shape. When not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. However, if your partial denture has metal attachments, the attachments could tarnish if placed in a soaking solution. James C. Palmer, DDS can recommend the best methods for caring for your
particular denture. Partial dentures should never be placed in hot water, as it can cause them to warp.

Can I Adjust or Repair My Partial Dentures? One or more follow-up appointments are generally needed soon after you receive your partial denture(s) so that your oral health care provider can make any necessary adjustments. Never attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Never bend any part of the clasp or metal attachments yourself; doing so can weaken the metal structure. "Do-it-yourself" repair kits can permanently damage your partial denture(s) and over-the-counter glues may contain harmful chemicals.

Dentures that don't fit properly can cause irritation and sores in your mouth and on your gums. Be sure to contact your oral health care provider if your denture breaks, cracks, chips or if one of the teeth becomes loose. Oftentimes, he or she can make the necessary adjustment or repair on the same day. For some complicated repairs, your denture may have to be sent to a special dental laboratory.

Will My Partial Denture(s) Need to Be Replaced? Over time, partial dentures will need to be relined, rebased, or remade due to normal wear, natural age-related changes to your face, jaw bones, and gums, or if the dentures become loose. To reline or rebase a partial denture, the dentist refits the denture base or makes a new denture base and reuses the existing teeth. Generally, partial dentures should be used for 5 to 7 years before a replacement is necessary.

How Should I Care for My Mouth and Gums if I Have Dentures? It is important to brush your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft-bristled brush every morning before you put in your partial denture(s). This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. Pay special attention to cleaning teeth that fit under the partial denture's metal clasps. Plaque that becomes trapped under the clasps will increase the risk of tooth decay. Be sure to remove your partial denture before you brush your natural teeth. Clean, rest, and massage the gums regularly. Rinsing your mouth daily with lukewarm salt water will help clean your gums. Eat a balanced diet so that proper nutrition and a healthy mouth can be maintained.

How Often Should I See the Dentist if I Have A Partial Denture? If you have a partial denture, James C. Palmer, DDS will advise you about how often you need to visit, but every 6 months should be the norm. Regular dental visits are important so that your denture and mouth can be examined for proper denture fit, to look for signs of oral diseases including cancer, and to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

If you have questions about the fit or care of your partial denture(s), please call our office (318) 927-6152 to schedule a
follow-up appointment at your earliest convenience.