Gum graft
Bleeding: In the hours after a gum graft, bleeding is common. Apply light pressure by biting on sterile gauze to reduce it. Never touch the graft site with your tongue or fingers, and do not spit. Traces of blood in your saliva may appear in the first 24 to 48 hours, which is completely normal. Contact us if the bleeding continues or gets worse for no apparent reason.
Bruising and swelling: Swelling commonly develops within 3 days of the surgery. It usually goes away after 7 to 14 days. You can reduce it by holding ice wrapped in a cloth over the graft site (20 minutes every hour for 24 hours). After that, we recommend warm compresses instead. A bruise may also form before gradually fading over the following days.
Rest: On the day of the procedure, rest quietly at home. For one week, avoid strenuous physical activity or anything involving force. When you go to sleep, raise your head on two or three pillows for comfort.
Medication: If your dentist prescribes antibiotics or pain relievers, take them exactly as directed. It is essential not to exceed the dose and to finish the treatment, even if you no longer have pain or other symptoms.
Caring for the graft: Clean the treated area by applying chlorhexidine with cotton swabs. Wait 48 hours before doing so, then repeat 3 to 4 times a day. After about two weeks, your dentist in Saint-Eustache should remove the stitches. In the days after the procedure, the graft may turn pale, but it will return to a normal colour once it has healed.
Hygiene and mouthwash: You must not spit, swish liquid in your mouth or drink through a straw (to avoid suction) for the first 48 hours. It is therefore fine not to brush your teeth on the first day. After that, rinse your mouth gently after eating, simply letting the liquid flow out without swishing it. You can then start flossing and brushing again, taking care to avoid the surgical side. You can gradually start brushing that area again once the pain and sensitivity have eased, but wait three weeks before flossing near the graft.
Also avoid commercial mouthwash or toothpaste for 14 days. To clean your teeth, simply use a solution of baking soda and water. Follow your dentist’s instructions if an antiseptic mouthwash is recommended; otherwise, use salt water (1/2 teaspoon per glass of warm water).
Diet: Although there are no real restrictions, it is best to avoid hard foods, foods that are hard to chew or very small (rice, other grains, sesame seeds, etc.), and fruits or vegetables with small pits and seeds. Make sure to chew on the other side of your mouth to avoid contact and discomfort. We also recommend avoiding hot and spicy meals and drinks for 48 hours and sticking to soft or liquid foods (well-cooked pasta, soups, purées, yogurt, nutritional supplements, etc.) for the first few days. During this time, do not drink through a straw.
Smoking: Do not smoke for at least 21 days. This will help healing and prevent complications (excessive bleeding, lingering infections, etc.).
Tooth extractions
Medication: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, it is essential to take them as directed for the full recommended period, even if the pain or symptoms go away. Take prescription anti-inflammatories (if any) or over-the-counter pain relievers for three days after the procedure. After that, use them only if needed.
Caring for the surgical site: Starting the day after surgery, rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water) three times a day to disinfect the surgical site and keep bacteria from multiplying, since they could cause an infection or slow healing. Continue until the site has fully healed.
Bleeding: Bleeding is common after an extraction. You can bite on the gauze your dentist gives you to help stop it. Replace the gauze whenever it is soaked with blood, or every 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues after two hours, bite on a damp compress or a slightly moistened tea bag. It is also essential to wait until the bleeding has stopped completely before eating or drinking.
Bruising and swelling: On the day of the surgery, apply ice to your cheek for 20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling. The swelling should then gradually go down. The same goes for any bruising, which usually disappears after 5 to 7 days.
Pain: Some pain is common in the first hours or days after surgery. However, if after three days the pain has not gone away, cannot be managed with medication or is getting worse, call our team right away.
Eating: As soon as the bleeding stops, you can start eating and drinking again. Eat liquid or easy-to-chew foods (well-cooked pasta, purées, yogurt, ice cream, liquid nutritional supplements such as Boost or Ensure). Hot or spicy foods should also be avoided. When you feel more comfortable, you can gradually return to your usual diet.
Other tips
- Avoid alcohol for a few days after the procedure, and smoking for two weeks.
- Avoid intense exercise for one week and take a full day of rest after the treatment.
- Avoid spitting, drinking through a straw or rinsing your mouth vigorously.
Oral hygiene: On the day of the procedure, you can start brushing your teeth again, but be gentle and use a brush with very soft bristles. To protect the stitches, take care not to touch the extraction site.
Getting a crown or dental bridge
Diet: After the procedure, you do not need to change your diet. However, while the anesthetic is still in effect, avoid hot liquids (coffee, herbal teas, tea, etc.). For the first few days, chew on the other side of your mouth to avoid putting pressure on the crown. Avoid hard or sticky foods such as popcorn, candy (jujubes, caramels, etc.), nuts and chewing gum.
Hygiene routine: You can start brushing again on the day the crown or fixed bridge is placed. Brush normally, but take care not to put too much pressure on the restoration. When flossing, pull the floss out sideways (like a sewing thread) rather than upward.
A few more tips
- In the days after the crown is placed, the treated tooth may be more sensitive. This should gradually go away. However, if the sensitivity persists, gets worse or turns into sharper pain, call us at Centre Dentaire Ethier & Nadeau. Contact us immediately if the pain keeps you from closing your mouth or eating normally.
- If you chose the traditional method and a temporary restoration was placed, let us know if it comes off. We will re-cement it promptly so the prepared tooth does not deteriorate or damage the neighbouring teeth.