Are you planning to have a dental implant placed, sedation procedure, or other dental treatment? Here are 7 important tips to remember.
1. Rest the First Day
For oral surgery appointments or if you’re getting a dental implant, Arvada patients should plan on resting for the remainder of the day. If you’re having a tooth extracted with platelet rich fibrin (in Arvada) you may need to take off for at least a few days before returning to work or school. We can provide you with a better timeframe, depending on the exact type of procedure that’s planned.
2. Stay Hydrated
Hydrating before your appointment can help with oral surgery recoveries and prevent dehydration if you’re not up to eating or drinking anything afterward. Water is best. For some procedures, you’ll need to avoid drinking through a straw for a few days. The best thing to do is have a large, refillable water bottle where you’ll be recovering and sip on it frequently. Plan to avoid alcohol and caffeine.
On the other hand, if you have a sedation procedure planned, make sure you’re not eating or drinking anything after midnight on the evening before your procedure.
3. Stick to Soft Foods
Oral surgeries like wisdom tooth removal or dental implant (Arvada) treatment will need a little time for the gums to heal in those surgical sites. For the first few days, eat softer food textures that don’t require much chewing. Such as mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, grits, etc. As you start to eat firmer foods, try to chew them on the other side of your mouth, away from the surgical site.
Oral surgeries like wisdom tooth removal or dental implant (Arvada) treatment will need a little time for the gums to heal in those surgical sites. For the first few days, eat softer food textures that don’t require much chewing. Such as mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, grits, etc. As you start to eat firmer foods, try to chew them on the other side of your mouth, away from the surgical site.
4. Take Medication as Directed
One of the most important things to do is to take all medications as prescribed. If our dentist in Arvada prescribes an antibiotic, make sure you’re taking each dose every day until the prescription runs out, even if you feel like you don’t need it.
Pain reliefers or anti-inflammatory medications are usually only necessary the first one or two days in most cases. It’s best to stay ahead of the discomfort by taking the medication as directed. If you’re feeling fine after a couple of days, it’s no longer necessary to take it.
5. Be Careful Cleaning Your Mouth
You’ll have a modified oral hygiene routine immediately after your dental procedure. For surgeries, you’ll typically rinse your mouth after meals rather than brush and floss. With temporary crowns, make sure not to floss around the restoration. However, permanent treatments like fillings or custom crowns should be flossed and brushed as usual.
Arvada Dental Center will review your specific home care instructions with you, so that you know exactly what to do or not do. We can also provide you with written post-op instructions in case you forget anything or have the procedure completed under sedation. And when in doubt, feel free to give us a call afterward.
6. No Heavy Exercise
If you’re a runner, cross fit junkie, or even a high school athlete, make sure you’re giving yourself several days before any hard workouts. Otherwise, higher blood pressure could interfere with surgery sites, such as around dental implants, bone grafting, or extractions. If you need a medical release for school, let our Arvada dentist know.
Most people can return to their normal workout routine within two weeks of their oral surgery, or a day or two after routine dental work.
7. Call Us if You Have a Problem
Arvada Dental Center is always happy to answer any questions you may have. If there are concerns after your dental procedure, please call our office. One of our staff will be on hand to address your concerns or instruct you on what to do next. Occasionally we will want to see certain patients for a follow-up appointment, but it depends on the type of procedure you’re getting that day.
For experienced, quality dental care close to home, call our dental office in Arvada.
