Post Op Instructions

The instructions found below are guidelines. After your dental surgery the doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions on how to properly recover from surgery. 

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER COSMETIC RECONSTRUCTION

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at 813‐672‐4900 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after treatment and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. Ask your dentist if any OTC pain medications are recommended.  

Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long‐term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouth-guard. If you grind your teeth at night, we recommend a custom made Night Guard. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions. 

ANESTHETIC

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips, gums, tongue and /or roof of the mouth may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb. In addition, injection sites may also be sore. Please feel free to ask what medications to take in order to control any soreness. 

AFTER ROOT CANAL THERAPY  

You can expect soreness after a root canal procedure for a few days. You should avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed so you do not irritate the area and also to ensure that the temporary restorative material properly set. If you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling) call your dentist immediately. 

AFTER CROWNS, BRIDGES, VENEERS

Before you receive your permanent crown/bridge you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in. In the event of your temporary coming off, please give us a call and bring the temporary with you so that we can re-cemented. 

There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent restoration is placed. This is normal and should subside after the soft tissue heals. If any discomfort is persistent or increasing please do not hesitate to call us.  

When the permanent crown or bridge is placed it may feel a little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should feel like one of your natural tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly. 

AFTER A COMPOSITE FILLING (Bonding) 

After the anesthesia wears off your teeth will likely be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. After that initial period, your treated teeth will feel as good as new. Continue your normal hygiene plan to ensure that your fillings last for a long time. You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 813‐672‐4900 

AFTER SCALING AND ROOT PLANING 

After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. This will cleanse the area and promote healing. Brushing and flossing should be continued right after the procedure, but you should brush gently so that you do not further irritate the area. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days contact your dentist. 

AFTER EXTRACTIONS 

After the surgery you will need to rest. You can expect for the extraction site to bleed for a little while after the surgery. You will be instructed to bite on a gauze pad for 30‐45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site. 

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications only as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. 

Some recommended foods are: 

  • Gelatin
  • Pudding
  • Yogurt
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Ice Cream
  • Thin Soups
  • Food  that you can eat without chewing.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth . This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2‐3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 813‐672‐4900 

You will be limited to soft foods for a few days after your surgery. 

AFTER-CARE BASICS

ANESTHETIC

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips, gums, tongue and /or roof of the mouth may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb. In addition, injection sites may also be sore. Please feel free to ask what medications to take in order to control any soreness.

Gum Sensitivity

If gum tissue is sensitive, we recommend rinsing your mouth with warm salt to help cleanse the area and speed healing of the tissue.

Temporary Fillings

Do not floss around temporary fillings. Brush normally. Eat normally if comfortable. Some temperature and sweet sensitivity is normal around temporary fillings, crowns and new dental work. Also, some discomfort to biting is normal.

Discomfort

Some discomfort is normal for a few days after dental procedures are completed. Symptoms should improve and diminish for the next few weeks. If significant discomfort or swelling occurs, please call the office immediately at

813‐672‐4900.



Our Location

13051 Summerfield Square Dr., Riverview, FL 33578

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

GC Dental Arts

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "Very clean and wanted to make sure I was safe. One person helped me along with the doctor so I didn’t interact with many people. Friendly warm and welcoming. Great report no cavities."
    Deborah Talley
  • "One of my crowns broke off… I was hoping just to get it glued back on, but unfortunately I had to go get a root canal and then go back to get a post put in and the crown back on. They were able to get me into a specialist the next day and then the following day back to the dentist. Entire staff very professional and caring. If you are in need of a new dentist go to GC Dental Arts you won’t be disappointed. Thank you for taking such good care of all of your clients. Highly recommend them."
    Chris Davis
  • "This place is top-notch I had my appointment I don't know if it's during or after pandemic started on May 20th. I was treated as if I was going into a surgical procedure. Went straight from my car to the exam room where I sterilized my mouth with a peroxide water mixture, and the hygienist was covered from head to toe to do my cleaning. They are a great place with a great staff and amazing doctors. Don't hesitate to book an appointment with them!"
    Gina Nowack
  • "Caring, honest, excellent service. Referred by a friend and have been very pleased with my visits since I became a patient last year. Highly recommend this office"
    Vivian Campbell
  • "he staff here was wonderful and made me feel right at home. They were quick and thorough and I was very pleased with the level of service I received. I would highly recommend this Dentist!!!"
    Jeff Roberts
  • "I have been with Gc dental arts for awhile now and every time I go it’s a great experience. The staff do a good job and Gc dental arts did very well with their preparations and safety during COVID-19 outbreak. I would highly recommend giving them a try."
    Zachary Judd
  • "Great service! Clean, honest and friendly. They do not overbook so don’t have to wait pass your appointment time."
    Kruskaya Urbina
  • "They did a really good job. Love the people and atmosphere."
    Deborah Judd
  • "The staff is too notch taking all the necessary precautions. It was nice to see then and be treated so well."
    Cristine Lybbert
  • "I’m one of those people who are not fans of dental visits but Dr Gulle and his staff are very caring and knowledgeable. Starting with the front office and his assistants, they insure you are comfortable and welcome. I just recommended him to my daughter and would highly recommend to others."
    Mary Beth Scanlon
  • "The staff was pleasant and professional. Was able to get the needed help in a timely manner."
    Joseph
  • "The hygienist was very good and explain everything."
    Odrys
  • "Thank you for the excellent service, as usual, by Gabby and Dr. Joe Gulle. Thank you also for the toothbrushes you donated for our medical mission."
    Valentin