Post-Operative Instructions

At Limestone Dentistry, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of treatments to restore and beautify your smile! If you’ve recently completed a dental procedure with us, the next step is to properly care for your teeth and gums. Simply follow the post-operative care instructions listed below to ensure your recovery is as quick and comfortable as possible! Scroll down to the appropriate section to find tips, notes, and what to expect after receiving a particular treatment. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Pain Management

It’s natural to experience some discomfort after major dental procedures. While you should feel back to normal within a few days to a week, there are several ways you can ease your symptoms as you heal. Two of the most reliable options are via applying ice packs and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed:

  • Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for 3 hours
  • Take 600mg of Ibuprofen every 8 hours for 3 days
  • If more relief is needed, take 600mg of Acetaminophen between Ibuprofen doses
  • If you cannot take Ibuprofen, take 600-800mg of Acetaminophen every 8 hours for 3 days

Should your pain persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to call our emergency line at (262)676-2495.

Download Post-Op Pain Management Instructions

New Dentures

It’s normal for your new dentures to feel strange or uncomfortable at first. It’s also natural to take more time to get used to a lower denture than an upper denture. Read aloud for several minutes a day while wearing your dentures to help your mouth adjust. When eating, begin with soft foods that have been cut into small pieces, and be sure to chew evenly on both sides.

It’s important that you remove your dentures every night to allow your gums to rest. Don’t let your dentures dry out- always keep them in water or denture solution when they are not in your mouth. Before returning them to your mouth, brush them thoroughly.

Download New Denture Post-Op Instructions

Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing

Though periodontal scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment, it is not unusual to experience slight discomfort and gum sensitivity for a short time after your treatment. To alleviate symptoms and speed up the healing process, follow these steps:

  • Avoid eating until the numbness in your mouth has worn off completely
  • Take Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen as instructed on the packaging to address sensitivity or discomfort
  • A desensitizing toothpaste can also help alleviate tooth sensitivity
  • Rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with warm salt water rinses
  • If you are prescribed Peridex/Chlorhexidine, use as instructed
  • Resume brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the treated area
  • Refrain from smoking for at least 24-48 hours after your procedure

Download Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing Post-Op Instructions

Dental Implants

Typically, it will take 1-2 weeks to fully recover from dental implant placement surgery. During this time, it is normal to experience some redness, swelling, and tenderness near the surgical site. It is essential that you adhere to proper post-operative care to maximize the success of your treatment. Keep these steps in mind:

  • Do not chew or eat until the numbness in your mouth has worn off completely
  • When numbness has subsided, drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, nutritious foods
  • Use ice packs and/or over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or acetaminophen to address pain and swelling
  • You can quell any intermittent bleeding with firm pressure on the area with gauze or a tea bag
  • Avoid or reduce smoking as much as possible
  • Relax, rest, and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours after surgery
  • Begin gently brushing around the silver “posts” (abutments) after two weeks

If you notice an increase in pain, swelling, redness, or discomfort, contact our office or your physician right away. Our emergency after hours line is (262)676-2495.

Download Dental Implant Placement Post-Op Instructions

Temporary Restorations

If you are improving your smile with a veneer, crown, or bridge, you will need to wear a temporary version of your restoration before receiving the final, permanent one.

The temporary will not be as strong as the final restoration, so it can easily be dislodged with too much pressure. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods, chewing on objects, and using your teeth as tools.

If your temporary falls off, make sure to call us right away. We will need to re-cement it into place. In the meantime, you can use denture adhesive or petroleum jelly to hold it to the tooth.

Should you experience any sensitivity while wearing your temporary restoration, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. You should also continue to brush and floss carefully.

Download Temporary Restoration Post-Op Instructions

Dental Surgery

After any dental surgery, it is important that a blood clot forms on the area and stays in place. For the next 48 hours, do NOT:

  • Smoke
  • Suck through a straw
  • Drink alcoholic beverages or eat spicy foods
  • Rinse your mouth vigorously
  • Blow your nose (if instructed)

As you heal, here are a few important things you SHOULD DO:

  • Rest and keep your blood pressure low for the first 24 hours
  • Use an ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off to address swelling and discomfort
  • Use pain medication and antibiotics as directed
  • Drink lots of fluids and eat soft, nutritious foods
  • Gently rinse your mouth with salt water 3 times a day the day after your surgery

You should be feeling back to your normal self in 3-4 days. Call us right away if you notice:

  • Heavy bleeding
  • Severe pain
  • Swelling that doesn’t subside in 2-3 days
  • An adverse reaction to the medication

Download Dental Surgery Post-Op Instructions