Post-Operative Dental Care Instructions | Ventura Dentist

Ventura Bright Dental – Office: 3450 Loma Vista Rd, Ventura, CA 93003 | Phone: (805) 666-1919

Proper post-operative care is essential to ensure a smooth recovery after dental procedures such as tooth extractions, crowns, bridges, cosmetic dental treatments, and composite (white) fillings. Follow these instructions to protect your oral health and maximize the success of your dental work.

Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction Aftercare in Ventura, CA

Adjusting to a new bite may take several days as your brain adapts to the new position and thickness of your teeth.

Key Tips:

• Call our office at (805) 666-1919 if you notice high spots, bite issues, or discomfort.

• Mild hot and cold sensitivity is normal.

• Sore gums are common—rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water) three times daily.

• Over-the-counter pain relief such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen/Motrin every 3–4 hours can help.

• Temporary speech changes and increased saliva usually resolve within a few days.

Daily Dental Care:

• Brush and floss gently to protect your dental work.

• Avoid hard foods, sticky candies, and stain-causing items like coffee, tea, red wine, or berries.

• Avoid smoking, which can discolor new teeth.

• Use a custom mouthguard for sports and wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

What to Expect:

• Teeth are prepared and molds are taken.

• Temporary crowns or bridges are placed.

• Numbness may last a few hours; avoid hot beverages until it wears off.

Temporary Crown Care:

• Avoid sticky or hard foods; chew on the opposite side if possible.

• Brush normally, but floss carefully—slide floss out from the side.

• If a temporary crown comes off, call (805) 666-1919 immediately.

Post-Appointment Sensitivity:

• Mild pressure or temperature sensitivity is common.

• Use Ibuprofen or Tylenol to manage discomfort.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare in Ventura, CA

Forming a blood clot is essential for proper healing.

Care Steps:

• Bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes; replace if bleeding continues.

• Avoid rinsing vigorously, using straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing near the site for 72 hours.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours.

Managing Discomfort and Swelling:

• Apply ice packs or frozen vegetables to reduce swelling.

• Take prescribed pain medications as directed.

• Start with soft foods and gradually return to your normal diet.

• Resume gentle brushing and flossing after 24 hours.

Call Immediately If:

• Heavy bleeding occurs

• Severe pain or swelling persists for 2–3 days

• You experience a reaction to medication

Composite (White) Fillings Recovery Tips

What to Expect:

• Numbness may last several hours—avoid chewing and hot drinks until it wears off.

• Mild hot, cold, or pressure sensitivity is normal.

• Injection sites may feel sore; take Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin as needed.

Chewing and Bite:

• You may resume normal chewing once numbness subsides.

• If sensitivity persists or your bite feels uneven, call (805) 666-1919.

Foods to Avoid After Dental Work

• Hard foods: ice, nuts, peanut brittle

• Sticky foods: gum, candies

• Staining foods: coffee, tea, red wine, berries

Protect your oral health and ensure a smooth recovery by following these post-operative instructions carefully. For questions or concerns after any dental procedure, call our Ventura dentist office right away.

Contact Ventura Bright Dental
Phone: (805) 666-1919
Office: 3450 Loma Vista Rd, Ventura, CA 93003