Post-Op Instructions

After a restorative dental treatment from our dentist in Lafayette, Colorado, is important to follow whatever instructions you receive from our team at Lafayette Dental Excellence. If you have any questions, Dr. Leo Polinkovsky is always happy to talk with you and help you to recover your oral health quickly. Call us at 303-664-1001 to set up your appointment today!

Biopsy Post-Op Care

Expect a certain amount of bleeding after your biopsy procedure. You can control bleeding by using some rolled gauze and applying pressure by biting down for a 90-minute period. After that time, you may remove the gauze and may eat or drink.

If bleeding persists, place a moist teabag in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour to aid in clotting the blood. Please note that herbal teas will not be effective. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding persists, contact our office.

After your procedure:

• Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours.
• Do not touch the surgical site with your fingers or tongue.
• Use cold packs to manage discomfort for the first 48 hours (20 minutes on and 10 minutes off).
• Use prescribed medications as directed and mild pain relievers as needed to manage discomfort.
• Stay hydrated but do not use a straw.
• Avoid smoking for at least five days.
• Avoid vigorous exercise for three to four days.
• Use warm, moist heat to relax any stiff muscles.
• Maintain a soft diet and avoid eating foods that could get stuck in your teeth.
• Rinse with a warm saltwater mixture after meals (½ tsp. salt in an 8 oz. glass of water).

Biopsy materials are usually sent to a pathologist for review. The pathologist will send back a formal result, which we will review with you when you return for your follow-up visit. We will also examine the biopsy site at the time of your follow-up appointment. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

Bone Grafting Post-Op Care

After your bone grafting procedure, you may find some small granules in your mouth during the first day. This is normal and will stop as you continue to heal.

After your procedure, please:

• Do not touch or disturb the surgical site.
• Do not rinse or spit for two days.
• Do not apply pressure with your tongue or fingers to the grafted area.
• Do not lift or pull up on your lip to look at your stitches.
• Do not smoke for at least five days after your surgery.
• Use all prescribed medications as directed.

You may gently rinse your mouth the second day after your procedure, but take care not to rinse vigorously. You may take mild pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed to manage discomfort.

Please contact our office if you have problems such as excessive bleeding, pain or difficulty in opening your mouth.

Implant Placement Post-Op Care

Please follow your post-op care instructions as closely as possible to help you recover quickly and avoid complications in your healing process following implant placement. We recommend that you:

• Do not rinse your mouth for the rest of the day after your procedure.
• On the day following your procedure, begin rinsing with warm saltwater every two to three hours. (Use ½ tsp. salt in 8 oz. water.) Do this for several days. Then rinse after meals and at bedtime for two weeks.
• Use prescribed medications, antibiotics and mouth rinses as directed.
• Use mild pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort.
• You may begin brushing your teeth the day after your procedure, but be sure to avoid the surgical site for several days.

• If a temporary crown was placed, do not bite down until given permission to do so.
• Do not wear your denture, partial denture or other oral appliance until given permission to do so.
• You will likely experience some swelling. Apply ice or cold compresses to the side of your face at 15-minute intervals for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, switch to heat instead and continue applying heat until the swelling diminishes.
• Keep your lips moist with lip balm or petroleum jelly to prevent cracking.
• Do not operate machinery for at least 12 hours following your procedure.
• Do not smoke or use tobacco products — they can cause your implants to fail.
• If the cover screw or healing abutment of your implant falls out, call our office so that we can replace it. Bring the loosened component with you to this appointment.
• If you use oral contraceptives and have been prescribed an antibiotic, use an alternate method of birth control until you have completed your course of antibiotics.

If you have questions or concerns about your post-operative care, please contact our office to speak with a member of our team or schedule a follow-up appointment with our dentist.

Tooth Extractions Post-Op Care

Your initial healing period after having a tooth or teeth extracted will be about one to two weeks. You will experience some swelling and discomfort for the first 48 hours.

We recommend that you:

• Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours.
• Do not touch the surgical site with your fingers or tongue.
• Use ice packs as needed for the first 48 hours (20 minutes on and 10 minutes off).
• Use all prescribed medications as directed and mild pain relievers to manage discomfort as needed.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated but do not suck on straws.
• Limit vigorous exercise for three to four days.
• Use warm, moist heat on the outside of your face for any stiff muscles.
• Gently rinse using a warm saltwater rinse every four hours and following meals (½ tsp. salt in an 8 oz. glass of water).
• Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods. Gradually resume a normal diet as you heal. Avoid foods that could become stuck in your teeth.

Please be aware that some bleeding is expected after many procedures, and you may see slight bleeding or redness in your saliva for up to 48 hours. This is normal and should stop, but if it continues or bleeding becomes heavy, please contact our office. Please also do not accept advice from friends. If you have questions or concerns, or are experiencing discomfort or pain, contact our office to speak with our dentist or a member of our team.