Procedure-Specific Instructions

Below are guidelines to help you heal after your dental procedure. Please follow these instructions carefully and contact our office with any concerns.

Instructions After Scaling and Root Planing

This treatment removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline to reduce inflammation and help your gums heal.

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold is normal for the first day.

  • Avoid eating or drinking hot foods until the numbness wears off.

  • Skip intense physical activity for 24 hours.

  • Do not consume alcohol or smoke for at least 48 hours.

  • Mild bleeding is expected; if heavy, call our office.

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers may be taken as directed.

  • Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp in 8 oz of water) up to 3 times daily.

  • Brush and floss gently until discomfort subsides.

  • Follow any additional instructions provided during your visit.

Instructions After Osseous Surgery

  • Do not rinse, spit forcefully, or use straws for 24 hours.

  • Minor bleeding is expected; use gauze for 30 minutes if needed.

  • Begin warm salt water rinses after 24 hours, 4–5 times daily.

  • Use a soft toothbrush; be gentle around the surgical site.

  • Swelling/bruising may occur—apply ice (15–20 min on/off) for 2–3 days.

  • After 72 hours, switch to a warm compress if swelling remains.

  • Avoid hard, sharp, or spicy foods. Stay hydrated.

  • Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.

  • Avoid strenuous activity for a few days.

  • Follow all prescribed medications carefully.

Instructions After Soft Tissue Graft

  • Do not disturb the grafted area or rinse/spit forcefully for 24 hours.

  • Mild bleeding is normal—apply gentle pressure with gauze if needed.

  • Take prescribed medications and rinses as directed.

  • Begin warm salt water rinses 4–5 times daily after meals starting on day two.

  • Brush gently with a soft toothbrush; avoid brushing the surgical area directly.

  • Use ice packs (15–20 min on/off) for swelling during the first 48–72 hours.

  • Stick to soft, bland foods; avoid spicy, crunchy, or sharp foods.

  • Do not use tobacco or alcohol during healing.

  • Limit physical activity for a few days.

  • If a protective dressing is placed, allow it to come off naturally.

Instructions After Crown Lengthening

  • Avoid touching or rinsing the surgical site for 24 hours.

  • Slight bleeding is normal—apply pressure with gauze if needed.

  • Use ice packs for swelling during the first 48–72 hours.

  • Begin brushing and flossing other areas the next day.

  • Brush treated areas gently with a soft toothbrush; avoid flossing for one week.

  • Stay hydrated; avoid acidic, spicy, or crunchy foods.

  • Do not use tobacco or alcohol, especially while on medication.

  • Limit physical activity for 2–3 days.

  • Contact our office if bleeding continues or swelling worsens.

Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

Mild bleeding, swelling, and discomfort are common after implant placement.

  • Apply a cold compress on the outside of your face (30 min on/off) during the first day.

  • Do not touch, probe, or brush the implant site.

  • Continue brushing/flossing other areas of your mouth carefully.

  • Eat soft foods (yogurt, soup, smoothies) for the first few days.

  • Avoid hot or spicy foods, drinking through straws, rinsing, or spitting for 24 hours.

  • Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 48 hours.

  • Take prescribed medications and antibiotics as directed.

  • Call our office if bleeding or discomfort persists beyond 72 hours.

Instructions After a Direct Sinus Lift

  • Do not blow your nose or hold your nose when sneezing for 4 weeks.

  • Avoid air travel, scuba diving, heavy lifting, or any activity that increases sinus pressure.

  • Take all prescribed medications (including decongestants) as directed.

  • Begin warm salt water rinses the evening of surgery or the next day.

  • Brush with a soft toothbrush starting the night of surgery.

  • Eat a soft diet; avoid chewing near the surgical area.

  • Do not smoke or drink alcohol for 1–2 weeks.

  • Dentures/partials must be checked for fit before use.

  • Use ice packs for swelling during the first 48–72 hours.

  • Call our office if you experience ongoing sinus pressure or discomfort.

Emergency Instructions (For All Procedures)

Call or Text our office immediately at  718-625-4085, if you experience:

  • Uncontrolled bleeding

  • Severe pain not relieved by medication

  • Signs of infection (fever, swelling, pus)

 If it’s life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.