What should you expect after treatment? What to pay special attention to? What is allowed and what is not?
It is worth knowing that dental treatment can be a lengthy process. The duration of the treatment depends on the type of dental procedure and the severity of the problem. It may require several visits and it should take however long is necessary to treat the identified needs and planned procedures for the patient. Likewise, the treatment does not end when the patient leaves the clinic. It is important to follow instructions provided by the dentist and to take proper care of your teeth and gums, to ensure proper healing. The more advanced the procedure, the longer the healing process.
Looking after your teeth should be something you aim to achieve daily. However, when it comes to looking after them after you have undergone treatments, well, that can be a little more challenging. However, looking after your pearly whites post-treatment or surgery can often be reasonably straightforward and take no more time than your regular dental hygiene routines. If dentist instructions are not followed properly and adequate oral hygiene is not practised, it may lead to infection and other complications.
Dental treatment aftercare:
1. Root canal treatment (endodontics) – is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth. It is needed when dental X-rays show that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection. The pulp may become inflamed, allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread. During the treatment, the inflamed pulp is removed, the surfaces inside the tooth are then cleaned and disinfected, and a filling is placed to seal the space. Therefore, we may experience toothache even a few days after the visit. This is caused by interference in the deep layers of the tooth. You can take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to relieve any discomfort. The use of cold compresses should also alleviate the pain. Return to your dentist if you still have pain or swelling after using painkillers.
2. Oral surgery – you should refrain from eating anything for about two hours. Hard and hot foods should definitely be avoided; we advise eating only soft food for at least a week. Rest the day of your oral surgery, as your body needs to recover. And don’t do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the first few days after your oral surgery. Apply ice throughout the day to reduce the swelling. Sometimes, doctors decide to prescribe an antibiotic. It all depends on how complicated the procedure was. Brush your teeth as normal, but be gentle around the treated area. Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery. This might wash out the blood clot (a clump of blood that prevents too much bleeding) and delay healing.
3. Dental implants aftercare – the first two weeks after the procedure are crucial and following your doctor’s advice is very important. You should try to only eat soft foods for at least a week following the treatment. Keep your mouth as clean as possible and rinse it with recommended mouthwash at least three or four times a day, but not until 24 hours after treatment. Take any antibiotics you’ve been prescribed and over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if you need to ease any pain. You shouldn’t eat hot food and drinks for at least 24 hours. Don’t exercise or do anything strenuous for a few days after the surgery and do not touch your implant with your fingers or tongue. You also shouldn’t drink alcohol or smoke for at least one week, as these can slow down the healing process. You need an appointment 7 to 14 days after treatment to have your stitches removed. Your dentist also checks how your wound is healing.
4. Sandblasting –Teeth sandblasting is a standard and simple dental procedure performed to improve oral hygiene. It is about cleaning teeth from scale and sediment with a high-pressure suspension containing particles of the cleaning substance. The granules added to the liquid are called dental sand – hence, the name of the whole procedure. The procedure gives an immediate effect of clean teeth, however, its lasting effect depends greatly on the patient’s carefulness. Immediately after the procedure it is recommended to refrain oneself from any food or drinks for up to 3 hours. It is also recommended to avoid foods of strong colour that are known for staining, such as beetroot, berries, spinach, coffee, tea, red wine or carbonated drinks for at least 24 hours. After sandblasting, the teeth may be a little sensitive to hot and cold and feel sore. These symptoms are temporary and usually disappear in about a week. Patients should also practise good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing regularly. It is also important to attend regular dental checkups and cleanings to maintain good dental health.