Surgical Instructions
Here at Onalaska Smiles Dental, we are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are informed about their treatments, so they can feel prepared and comfortable at all times. To do this, we have provided surgical instructions for several of our treatments. We encourage you to review these instructions prior to your treatment. Our team can discuss these instructions with you further and answer any questions during a consultation. To schedule your appointment with one of our dentists in Onalaska, Wisconsin, please call us today at 608-783-6384.
After Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is one that is lodged into the jaw bone and does not erupt properly. In many cases, this happens because there is not enough room for the tooth to erupt normally within the upper or lower dental arch. If left untreated, an impacted tooth can cause a variety of dental problems later on.
After our dentist has removed an impacted tooth, it is normal to have some discomfort and minor swelling. To help alleviate these side effects, we recommend that you apply a cold compress or icepack to the treated area in 20-minute segments. We can also provide you with prescription pain medication, which you should always take as directed.
Eat a diet of soft foods until the extraction site has healed.
If you have any questions about how to care for your mouth after a surgical procedure, or about impacted teeth in Onalaska, Wisconsin, we encourage you to contact Onalaska Smiles Dental at 608-783-6384. We can help answer your questions and provide additional instructions.
After Implant Surgery
Our team at Onalaska Smiles Dental wants your procedures and recovery to go as smoothly as possible. To do this, we encourage you to review our instructions as to how to care for your mouth after receiving dental implants in Onalaska, Wisconsin. If you have any questions, and for further information, we encourage you to contact us at 608-783-6384 and set up an appointment.
After your implant placement surgery, you should take it easy for 48-72 hours. We recommend that you:
- Stay well-hydrated
- Apply an icepack to your face at 20-minute intervals for 2 days following your surgery
- If you received implants in your upper jaw, do not blow your nose for 2 weeks
- Do not chew directly onto the bone graft
- Maintain a soft diet for a couple of days following your procedure
- Take all prescribed medications as directed
You may experience slight bleeding for two days following surgery. An increase in temperature of 1-2 degrees is also normal and is no cause for concern. Please follow all post-operative instructions provided to minimize your risk of infection and complications after your implant surgery.
Before Anesthesia
At Onalaska Smiles Dental, our dentists and team are highly trained and experienced in administering anesthesia during surgical procedures. We carefully monitor your status throughout your treatment to ensure that you remain safe and comfortable. While we do our best to ensure your safety, it is important that you review the instructions below to prepare for receiving anesthesia.
Prior to receiving anesthesia:
- Do not drink or eat anything for at least 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time
- Do not use tobacco products or smoke for at least 12 hours before your surgery time
When you come in for your scheduled surgery time, you will need to bring someone with you to drive you home once your treatment is complete
On treatment day:
- Wear comfortable clothing, with no jewelry, dentures, or contact lenses
- Discuss any medications you take with the dentist prior to your surgery
If you have any questions about preparing for your surgical treatment, we invite you to contact our team at 608-783-6384. Our caring team and dentists in Onalaska, Wisconsin, are here to help in any way.
After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Removing wisdom teeth is a surgical procedure, and it does require some recovery time post-treatment. In order to help you prevent complications after your treatment, such as infection, we encourage you to follow our post-operative instructions carefully.
Once your procedure is complete, our dentist will use a gauze pad to help control and stop bleeding at the extraction site. Leave this gauze pad in place for at least 45 minutes post-surgery. You can change out the gauze pad if you are still bleeding after the initial 45 minutes.
When you return home from your surgery, be sure to:
- Avoid drinking with a straw or rinsing your mouth, as this can cause the blood clot to become loose and result in dry socket
- Rest and participate in minimal activities, and keep your head elevated to help stop bleeding and lessen swelling
- Follow the instructions for any pain medications
If you have any questions as to how to care for your mouth after wisdom teeth removal, or to schedule a follow-up appointment with our dental office in Onalaska, Wisconsin, we invite you to contact Onalaska Smiles Dental today at 608-783-6384.
Multiple Tooth Extractions
The procedure and recovery for removing one or two teeth is fairly quick and simple. However, if a patient requires multiple tooth extractions in Franklin, Wisconsin, our dentists will need to take some additional steps to prepare for your treatment. In most cases, our dentist will need to shape your jawbone to help prepare you and your mouth for receiving dentures after your surgery.
Once your teeth have been extracted, you may experience:
- Large amounts of swelling throughout the mouth and face, possibly around the eyes
- Discoloration around the eye area — to relieve this, use a warm compress
- A sore throat and other muscle soreness
- Dry and cracked mouth
After a multiple-tooth extraction, most patients will have a follow-up appointment with our dentists within the first 48 hours. This is to ensure that your recovery is going smoothly. We encourage you to follow all and any post-operative instructions that our dentists and team provide to give you the most comfortable and positive experience possible.
For additional information about multiple tooth extractions, we invite you to contact Onalaska Smiles Dental at 608-783-6384 and set up a consultation with our doctor.