Post Op Care

Your health and comfort are top priorities at McCall Dental Studio. Click below to show care instructions for dental work you have had done or our preparing to have completed. As always, if you have questions please contact us directly!

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete.  On the first appointment, the teeth are prepared. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. After each appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.

On rare occasions temporary crowns come off. Call us if this happens, and keep the temporary so we can re-cement it. It is very important that temporary crowns stay in place in order to ensure the proper fit of your final restoration.

It’s normal to experience some heat, cold, and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. Your gums may be sore for several days. Rinse three times a day with warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water; rinse/swish/spit) to reduce pain and swelling.  Use medication, as directed.

To help keep your temporary crown in place, avoid eating sticky foods (especially gum), and hard foods; and, if possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth. It’s important to continue to brush normally, but floss very carefully, and remove the floss from the side to prevent removal of the temporary crown.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office.

Root Canal Therapy

The most important thing for you to do for the next seven-to-ten days is to not put pressure on that tooth.  Following root canal therapy, it is normal to experience soreness for several days. Therefore, if the pain was severe before treatment, it may be severe for a couple of days after the treatment.  Discomfort following visits in no way affects the outcome of treatment.  To minimize any discomfort, follow the instructions given below:

  • After the procedure, take aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or ibuprofen (Advil®) before the anesthetic wears off. Continue to take 600mg (over the counter pills) every six hours for two days.  Do NOT take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems or if you are allergic to aspirin.
  • If pain medication was prescribed, take three hours after each dose of ibuprofen.
  • If antibiotics were prescribed, take as directed until completely gone.
  • A saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon soda + 8 ounces warm water) swished in your mouth for 2 to 3 minutes every hour may make your mouth more comfortable.
  • Use a soft toothbrush at least two times a day. Be gentle and clean thoroughly. Slight bleeding may occur while brushing as the tissues begin to heal.
  • Smoking should be stopped. Success of the treatment will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke’s chemicals in your body.

In case of considerable tooth structure loss, a metal or plastic rod or post may be placed in the root canal for structural support. Most root canal teeth need to have crowns made to go over the tooth.  The two main reasons for crowns are as follows:  1) the tooth has been severely weakened by decay; and, 2) the root canal teeth become very brittle since there is no longer any blood supply to the them.  The more brittle a tooth is, the more likely it is to break or fracture. A crown goes over the entire tooth to strengthen it and to protect it from breaking.  If a crown is recommended for your tooth, you will be given another appointment for this procedure. If you have any questions please call 918.686.6527.

Scaling and Root Planing- (Deep Cleaning)

To minimize the discomfort and encourage proper healing following your scaling and root planing, follow these instructions:

  • After the procedure, take aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or ibuprofen (Advil®) before the anesthetic wears off. Continue to take one tablet every four hours for the next two days.
  • A saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon soda + 8 ounces warm water) swished in your mouth for two-to-three minutes every hour may make your mouth more comfortable.
  • Use a soft bristle toothbrush at least two times a day. Be gentle and clean thoroughly. Slight bleeding may occur while brushing as the tissues begin to heal.
  • Avoid strong, spicy seasonings, and hard, crunchy foods for the next few days.
  • Smoking should be stopped. Success of the treatment will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke’s chemicals in your body.
  • As the tissues heal, some temporary sensitivity to cold may occur. Use a desensitizing toothpaste (such as Sensodyne®), or a fluoride gel (such as PreviDent® or Gel-Kam®) frequently (at least four times/day) for one-to-two weeks. Also, the cleaner the teeth are kept, the less sensitive they will be.
  • Faithfully use any other oral hygiene aids that have been recommended (floss, Perio-Aid®, rubber tip, Sonicare®, Proxabrush®, Gel-Kam® fluoride, Peridex® mouthrinse, etc).
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office.
Bone Grafts

What to expect following surgery:

  • Bleeding: Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day after the procedure.
  • Pain: Moderate discomfort may be noticed when the anesthetic first wears off, and may continue for several days.
  • Swelling: Some swelling and discoloration of the lip and/or cheek may occur and may last for a few days.
  • Sensation: There may be a temporary loss of feeling in the gums in the operated area. The teeth may also feel loose for a time or may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.

What to do following the surgery:

  • After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and will aid healing.
  • Take two Tylenol®, Nuprin®, Advil®, or similar non-aspirin pain reliever every three-to-four hours until bedtime to maintain comfort. Take it before the anesthesia wears off.
  • If pain medication is prescribed, take it as you need it. Don’t exceed the dose on the label. Taking with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking pain prescriptions. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
  • Nausea is most often caused by taking pain medications on an empty stomach. Reduce nausea by preceding each pain pill with soft food, and by taking the pill with a large glass of water.
  • Applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the first day.
  • Eat soft foods for the first two-to-four days. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Drink plenty of water. Do not drink through a straw. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.
  • Avoid chewing directly over the operated area until the sutures are removed.
  • Brush all of your teeth after each meal. Avoid the operated area for the first day. Take care to avoid pulling the sutures.
  • Do not rinse vigorously; do not use a Waterpik®.
  • A saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon soda + 8 ounces warm water) held in your mouth for two-to-three minutes every hour may make your mouth more comfortable.
  • If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose or playing a wind musical instrument for one week. Use of decongestant medications might be recommended.
  • Avoid lifting the lip with your fingers to look at the area. It is possible to accidentally tear the sutures, to open the incision, and to delay healing.
  • Smoking should be stopped following surgery. Healing and success of the surgery will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke’s chemicals in your body.
  • If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them, as directed, until they are gone. For women…some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills; use alternate birth control methods for two months.
  • You may be instructed to use a prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse.
  • Return to your dentists’ office for removal of the sutures or for follow-up checks, as directed.

Please call if you have:

  • Uncontrollable pain
  • Excessive or severe bleeding
  • Marked fever
  • Excessive, warm swelling occurring a few days after the procedure
  • Reactions to medications, especially rash, itching, or breathing problems

Following these instructions very closely will greatly help your comfort, promoting uneventful healing of the area. If any of the instructions are not followed, you might have significantly more discomfort, and the success of the procedure may be affected.

Tooth Extractions

DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA:  For the next few days, and especially the first 24 hours, it is very important to allow your body to form a good clot and to start the natural healing process. Swishing, sucking through a straw, and smoking can all dislodge the clot. Keep anything sharp from entering the wound (crunchy food, toothpicks, eating utensils). Be sure to chew on the opposite side of your mouth for 24 hours.

BLEEDING:  When you leave the office, you might be biting on a gauze pad to control bleeding. Keep slight pressure on this gauze for at least 30 minutes. Don’t change it during this time; it needs to remain undisturbed while a clot forms in the extraction socket. After 30 minutes, you may remove it. You may bite on another gauze pad or on a tea bag for another 30 minutes if you feel it is still bleeding.  Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day after the procedure.

SMOKING:  Smoking should be stopped following surgery. Healing and success of the surgery will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke’s chemicals in your body. Also the suction created when inhaling cigarettes can dislodge the clot. Smokers are at greater risk of developing a painful dry socket.

PAIN:  Some discomfort is normal after surgery. To minimize pain, take two Tylenol®, Nuprin®, Advil®, or similar non-aspirin pain reliever every three to four hours until bedtime to maintain comfort. Take it before the anesthesia wears off. If prescription pain medication is prescribed, take it as instructed on the label. Don’t exceed the dose on the label. Taking with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking pain prescriptions. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

NAUSEA:  This is most often caused by taking pain medications on an empty stomach. Reduce nausea by preceding each pain pill with soft food, and by taking the pill with a large glass of water.

SWELLING:   Applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the first day.

NUMBNESS:  The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area. Sometimes the extraction causes residual numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.

BRUSHING:  Do not brush your teeth for the first eight hours after surgery. After this, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery for three days.

RINSING:  Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after extraction. Rinsing can disturb the formation of a healing blood clot which is essential to proper healing. This could cause bleeding and risk of dry socket. After 24 hours you may begin gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon soda + 8 ounces warm water). Avoid commercial mouth rinses.

DIET:  Eat soft foods for the first two days. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Return to normal, regular meals as soon as you are able after the first two days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.

ACTIVITY:   After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and aid healing.

ANTIBIOTICS:  If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them as directed, until they are gone. For women…some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills; use alternate birth control methods for two months.

SINUS:  If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose or playing a wind musical instrument for one week. Use of decongestant medications might be recommended.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS:  You may need to return to the office to have sutures removed, or just for a brief follow-up healing check.

Please call your dentist if you have:

  • Uncontrollable pain
  • Excessive or severe bleeding
  • Marked fever
  • Excessive, warm swelling occurring a few days after the procedure
  • Reactions to medications, especially rash, itching, or breathing problems

Following these instructions very closely will greatly help your comfort, and promoting  uneventful healing of the area. If any of the instructions are not followed, you might have significantly more discomfort, and the success of the procedure may be affected.

Implant Placement

BLEEDING:  Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day after the procedure.

SMOKING:  Smoking should be stopped following surgery. Healing and success of the implant will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke’s chemicals in your body.

PAIN:  Some discomfort is normal after surgery. To minimize pain, take two Tylenol®, Nuprin®, Advil®, or similar non-aspirin pain reliever every three to four hours until bedtime to maintain comfort. Take it before the anesthesia wears off. If prescription pain medication is prescribed, take it as instructed on the label. Don’t exceed the dose on the label. Taking with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking pain prescriptions. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

NAUSEA:  This is most often caused by taking pain medications on an empty stomach. Reduce nausea by preceding each pain pill with soft food, and by taking the pill with a large glass of water.

SWELLING:   Applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the first day.

NUMBNESS:  The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area. Sometimes the implant procedure causes residual numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.

BRUSHING:  Do not brush your teeth for the first eight hours after surgery. After this, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery for three days.

RINSING:  Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after your procedure. After 24 hours you may begin gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon soda + 8 ounces warm water). Avoid commercial mouthrinses. You may be instructed to use a prescription antimicrobial mouthrinse.

DIET:  Eat soft foods for the first two days. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Return to normal regular meals as soon as you are able after the first two days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.

ACTIVITY:   After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and aid healing.

ANTIBIOTICS:  If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them, as directed, until they are gone. For women… some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills; use alternate birth control methods for two months.

SINUS:  If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose or playing a wind musical instrument for one week. Use of decongestant medications might be recommended.

REMOVABLE APPLIANCES/DENTURES:  Your dentist will give you specific instructions about your prosthesis. To avoid putting any pressure on the new implants before they have healed, your denture might be adjusted or significantly modified. In certain cases you will need to go without your dentures for a period of time (days or weeks) after the implants are placed. Sometimes a temporary, removable appliance is made for cosmetic purposes, until a new, non-removable one can be made.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS:  You may need to return to the office within the first 14 days to have sutures removed, or just for a brief follow-up healing check. You may need to return after the implant has integrated for a small second procedure to expose it in preparation for the final restoration.

Please call your dentist if you have:

  • Uncontrollable pain
  • Excessive or severe bleeding
  • Marked fever
  • Excessive, warm swelling occurring a few days after the procedure
  • Reactions to medications, especially rash, itching, or breathing problems

Following these instructions very closely will greatly help your comfort, promoting uneventful healing of the area. If any of the instructions are not followed, you might have significantly more discomfort, and the success of the procedure may be affected.