Patient Information | General

You have probably been prescribed antibiotics to combat bacteria in your tooth. It may take 24 to 48 hours for these to become effective. Some discomfort can be normal and varies from person to person. If you experience sensitivity or pain during this time, take Advil, if your health allows, or Tylenol. If pain persists beyond this period, please contact us.

Congratulations! You have just started orthodontic treatment! Although the brackets are smaller than previous generations, you may experience minor irritations on your cheeks. Apply the orthodontic wax from your kit to the bracket causing discomfort until it heals completely or until you feel comfortable. You can also rinse your mouth with saltwater (mix 8 ounces of water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt) to aid in healing.

Regarding Invisalign aligners, injuries are rare but can occur depending on the position of your teeth and the attachments placed on them. If you experience any discomfort in this regard, apply orthodontic wax to the area where you feel the irritation.

1. DO NOT SMOKE for 24 to 48 hours after surgery to maximize treatment success. Nicotine can cause treatment failure. 
2. Refrain from eating or drinking for the first 2 hours after the operation. 
3. It is crucial to apply an ice pack wrapped in a damp towel for at least 15 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours. Mild swelling and bruising (blues) on the face are likely and normal.  
4. Swelling may occur, peaking over 48 to 72 hours after surgery and subsiding in the following days. Warm compresses can be applied, 15 minutes per hour, to help reduce swelling. 
5. Skin discoloration may occur, which is normal and requires no treatment. It will resolve within approximately 1 week. 
6. Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. Afterwards, you may rinse with medicated mouthwash for the next 2 weeks (2 times per day or as prescribed). 
7. Take your antibiotics as prescribed. 
8. Do not drink through a straw for the first 24 hours after surgery, as suction can damage the affected area and delay healing.  
9. Avoid spitting for the first 24 hours after surgery.  
10. It is normal for saliva to be tinted with blood for a few days. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze pad with a wet tea bag and apply gentle jaw pressure for 2 hours. 
11. Restrict your diet to cold liquid foods for the first 24 hours. During this time, avoid spicy foods. Your diet should be soft (pureed vegetables, soup, yogurt, applesauce, pasta, eggs) during the first week (e.g., no chips). 
12. AVOID OVEREXERTION and any excessive activity (sports) for the first 48 hours after surgery.  
13. Clean the operated area gently with Chlorhexidine (prescribed mouthwash) and Q-Tips 3 to 4 times a day starting 48 hours after surgery. Brush your teeth gently, being careful not to bump the sensitive area.  
14. For mouth rinsing, use the prescribed mouthwash (if unavailable, use a mixture of ½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water). Do not use commercial mouthwash.  
15. The stitches are non-absorbable and will be removed during your follow-up appointment 7 to 10 days later.

To promote your healing, we recommend following the instructions outlined below. Please note that it is normal to experience some discomfort after the procedure.

The installation of bridges/crowns is done in two appointments. During the first visit, we prepare the teeth and take digital impressions. Then, we place temporary crowns or bridges to protect your teeth until the replacement teeth are ready.

DAY OF TREATMENT Take prescribed medication, if needed.

AVOID Consuming hot liquids while under anesthesia. Eating sticky or hard foods (chewing gum, candies).

DIET Chew on the opposite side.

FROM THE NEXT DAY UNTIL COMPLETE HEALING Brush your teeth normally, using caution with flossing to avoid dislodging the temporary crown. If a temporary crown comes off, you will need to return so we can recement it. This prevents other teeth from shifting and ensures the new tooth installation is not compromised.

For pain or any questions, please call us at 1-450-906-4606.

To promote your healing, we recommend following the steps outlined below. Please note that it is perfectly normal to experience some discomfort after the procedure.

The installation of bridges/crowns is done in two appointments. During the first visit, we prepare the teeth and take digital impressions. Then, we place temporary crowns or bridges to protect your teeth until the replacement teeth are ready.

DAY OF TREATMENT

• Take prescribed medication, if needed. 

AVOID

• Consuming hot liquids while under anesthesia.
• Eating sticky or hard foods (chewing gum, candies). 

DIET

• Chew on the opposite side.

FROM THE NEXT DAY UNTIL COMPLETE HEALING

• Brush your teeth normally, using caution with flossing to avoid dislodging the temporary crown.
• If a temporary crown comes off, you will need to return so we can re cement it.
  This prevents other teeth from shifting and ensures the new tooth installation is not compromised.

For pain or any questions, please call us at 1-450-906-4606.

To expedite the healing process, please follow the suggested measures outlined below. However, please be aware that it is completely normal to experience some discomfort and mild facial swelling after a tooth extraction.

DAY OF SURGERY: 

• Keep the gauze pads in place in your mouth for one to two hours, maintaining firm pressure. Replace them every half hour, as needed.
• Keep your head upright at all times.
• Apply a cold compress (ice) to the cheek at regular intervals (15 minutes of cold per hour).
• If there is bleeding, use a slightly moistened gauze or tea bag and bite down for about twenty minutes.
• Many patients experience blood flow and notice a reddish color in their saliva.
• Limit physical exertion.

AVOID: 

Removing the clot of coagulated blood as it aids in optimal healing.

• Eating before bleeding stops.
• Drinking through a straw.
• Rinsing your mouth or spitting.
• Smoking or consuming alcohol.
• Eating hard-to-chew foods.
• Brushing teeth near the extraction site during the first 72 hours.
  

PAIN:

Take the prescribed medication as needed. Take the antibiotics prescribed for this treatment, following the specified number of days, even in the absence of symptoms.

SUGGESTED DIET: 

On the day of extraction, consume only soft foods or warm beverages. Once you feel better, you can gradually return to eating normally.

FROM THE NEXT DAY UNTIL COMPLETE HEALING:

• Rinse your mouth three times a day with warm water and salt (2 ml or 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 250 ml or 1 cup of water). 
• Brush your teeth and use dental floss daily to remove plaque and promote long-term success. Avoid brushing around the extraction site for the first 72 hours. 
• Avoid eating hard foods (nuts, candies, ice cubes). 
• You may find some words harder to pronounce and your saliva may be more abundant than usual. Everything will return to normal within a week. 
• Bruising on your face may appear. It will disappear within five to seven days. 
• Some people have difficulty opening their mouths for up to five days following the extraction.

If the pain worsens instead of subsiding after three days, do not hesitate to call us. Rest assured, you will likely feel better after a few days and can resume your usual activities.

If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to prescribed medication, please contact us immediately at 1-450-906-4606.

To expedite the healing process, we strongly recommend following the recommendations outlined below. However, please note that it is entirely normal to experience some discomfort and facial swelling after surgery.

DAY OF SURGERY:

• Use compresses and keep them in your mouth for one to two hours, maintaining firm pressure. Replace compresses every 20 to 30 minutes, as needed. 
• Apply ice to the cheek at regular intervals (15 minutes of ice per hour).
• If there is bleeding, bite on a slightly moistened gauze or tea bag for about twenty minutes.
  

AVOID:

• Rinsing your mouth or spitting
• Drinking through a straw 
• Smoking Consuming hot foods or beverages; opt for cold and soft food
• instead Engaging in strenuous activities
  

PAIN:

• During the first 24 to 72 hours, take acetaminophen-based medication (Tylenol, Atasol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or the prescribed pain relievers, but avoid aspirin.
• Rinse your mouth three times a day with warm water and salt (2 ml or 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 250 ml or 1 cup of water) starting the day after surgery until complete healing. 
• You may experience bruising on your skin, which will gradually fade after five to seven days. 
• You may also have difficulty opening your mouth, which should improve between four and five days. 
• If pain intensifies after three days, do not hesitate to call us.

You should feel better after a few days and can resume your usual activities.
If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to prescribed medication, please contact us immediately at 1-450-906-4606.