Following your dental procedures, our dentist will provide post-op instructions to ensure proper healing and prevent further health complications. If you receive anesthesia during your appointment, we advise that you wait at least two hours before eating to allow the numbness to wear off and reduce the risk of biting your tongue or cheek. Below you will find general guidelines for caring for your smile after a dental procedure. When you visit Finesse Dental Care for treatment, Drs Hever and Rose will provide you with detailed instructions for proper recovery.

ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Following a root canal procedure, you may experience some discomfort and soreness for a few days. Do not chew on the treated side of your mouth to avoid irritation and to allow the temporary restoration to set properly. Our dentist will recommend an antibiotic to remove any lasting infection in your mouth. If you experience lasting pain or swelling, a negative reaction to the medication, or damage to the restoration, contact Finesse Dental Care immediately.

CROWNS & BRIDGES

While you wait for a permanent dental crown or bridge, our dentist will provide a temporary crown to preserve your smile. Because this restoration is not as stable as its permanent counterpart, you will need to be careful when chewing food and cleaning your teeth. Avoid sticky and hard foods, brush gently, and do not pull the dental floss up and down when flossing around the temporary crown. 

After receiving a crown or bridge, you may experience some sensitivity, but this should subside as the soft tissue heals. Rinsing with warm salt water and taking Advil or Tylenol should reduce the pain.

Your new restoration may feel strange for a few days as your mouth adjusts to the new tooth. If your bite continues to feel awkward after a week, come see Drs Hever and Rose for an adjustment. You should care for your new tooth as you would your surrounding teeth by brushing and flossing regularly.

TOOTH BONDING

You may experience sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off, and we advise you to avoid hot and cold food and drink for a few days. Your teeth should feel good as new soon, and you can continue your normal oral care routine.

SCALING & ROOT PLANING

For a few days, your gums will probably feel sore and irritated. Rinse with warm salt water up to 2-3 times per day to relieve pain and cleanse the area. Brush and floss regularly, but be gentle to avoid further irritation. Place a cold compress on the treated area to reduce any stiffness or swelling and take pain medication as directed. Please avoid hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after treatment. Contact our dentist if you continue to experience pain after this period.

DENTAL VENEERS

Drs Hever and Rose will provide you with a temporary restoration while your permanent veneers are created, and we advise you to be gentle when cleaning your teeth or eating. Do not pull up on the tooth while flossing to prevent the restoration from coming loose.

You may experience some irritation and sensitivity; this is normal and should subside when the soft tissue heals. To reduce discomfort, rinse with warm salt water and take Advil or Tylenol.

Your new veneers may feel awkward for a week or so before your mouth adjusts. If the bite continues to feel different, please come see our dentist. When brushing and flossing, pay close attention to the area between the veneer and the gum line.

TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

Following a tooth extraction, you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member and allow yourself to rest. Some bleeding will occur, and our team will apply gauze to the extraction site. Change the gauze as it becomes soaked. Please see our dentist if bleeding lasts longer than 24 hours. When resting, keep your head elevated or propped on a pillow. Drs Hever and Rose will prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable after the anesthesia wears off. You can apply an ice pack as needed, as well as any cleaning solution you are provided for the extraction site.

For the first few days, you will be limited to soft foods such as:

• Pudding
• Yogurt
• Jell-O
• Ice cream
• Thin soup
• Mashed potatoes
• Any food you can eat without chewing

When drinking, avoid using a straw, as this could disrupt the blood clot and sutures and prevent the site from healing properly. Avoid smoking during this time. Contact our dentist for a follow-up in case of prolonged bleeding, pain, or irritation.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

You are welcome to contact Finesse Dental Care at (805) 410-9324 today if you have any questions regarding post-op instructions for dental implants in Thousand Oaks, California, or would like to schedule an appointment.