Your emergency dentist is the best authority on after-procedure care and medication for your specific situation. We recommend closely following your doctor’s instructions, as every case is different and might require specific steps. In this article, we discuss general aftercare tips following emergency dental treatment.
Aftercare Tips Following Emergency Dental Treatment
Below, we list several general rules that can help you avoid complications after your emergency treatment:
Medication, Pain, and Swelling Management
In some cases, your dentist can prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections at the procedure site. It is essential to take the entire course of the prescribed medication according to the provided schedule.
Additionally, you can take over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen or other types recommended by your dentist, to manage post-procedure pain when necessary. However, be careful not to exceed the daily dose and the duration of medication intake, as it can be dangerous for the health of your kidneys, liver, and other organs.
If you experience swelling, apply cold compresses to the outer side of your cheek. You can use over-the-counter cold compresses or wrap an icepack in a clean towel. Hold the compress to your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes with 30-minute breaks between applications.
Rest and Sleep
Recovery after any type of intrusive dental procedure entails sufficient sleep and rest. We recommend sleeping for at least 8 hours every night and taking plenty of breaks and rest during the day. Also, avoid sports and other strenuous activities, as they can increase blood flow to the procedure site, leading to bleeding and swelling.
Additionally, we recommend keeping your head elevated when lying down. For this, you can use additional pillows or sleep in a reclining chair. Also, avoid sleeping on the procedure side and leaning forward during the day.
Diet Adjustments
We recommend switching to a liquid diet for the first 2 days after your emergency dental treatment. This way, you will allow your jaw to rest and prevent disturbing the surgical site. Examples of liquid diets include yogurt, broths, smoothies, and pureed soups. However, avoid very cold or hot foods and beverages and do not use a straw, as it creates suction in the mouth and can disturb the healing process.
Follow with a soft diet for the next several days, including soft-boiled vegetables, bread without seeds, soups, soft cutlets, cheese, and cottage cheese. Also, chew your food on the non-procedure side of your mouth.
Additionally, we recommend ensuring your diet includes plenty of minerals, vitamins, and protein, which are necessary for healing.
Oral Hygiene
Sufficient oral hygiene is essential for swift and complication-free recovery after any dental procedure, including emergency treatments. We recommend following these steps to reduce bacterial growth in the mouth and avoid infections at the procedure site:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two full minutes, but be careful when cleaning around the surgical area to avoid disrupting healing. It is best to switch to a soft brush for the duration of your recovery.
- Floss every evening to remove plaque and food debris between the teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution after meals to suppress bacterial growth.
- Never swish water in your mouth, as it can disturb the tissue healing process and cause bleeding.
Get an Emergency Treatment at OC Dental Specialists
If you have a dental emergency, do not hesitate to contact OC Dental Specialists and make an appointment with an experienced dentist. At our office, we use modern equipment and diagnostic and treatment methods to accommodate the needs of every patient. We are looking forward to your visit.