Dr. Luis Keys, Dr. Karina Keys, Dr. Claudio Cosio and Dr. Lakin Radeka will provide you with detailed pre- and post-op instructions when you receive a dental procedure. Some of these instructions are listed below. If you have questions about these instructions or to schedule an appointment with our dentists in Chandler, Arizona, please call Artistic Dentistry at 480-878-5570.
Pre- & Post-Operative Dental Instructions
Before Your Dental Procedure
To help ensure a smooth experience and successful results, please carefully follow these pre-operative instructions:
- Fasting Guidelines: If you are scheduled for sedation or general anesthesia, avoid solid foods after midnight before your procedure. For later appointments, do not eat for at least eight hours prior. Clear liquids, such as water or diluted electrolyte drinks, are acceptable up to six hours beforehand.
- Avoid Certain Substances: Refrain from using tobacco products or consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before your surgery. These can interfere with anesthesia and delay your healing.
- Medication Restrictions: Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatories and MAO inhibitors at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.
- Continue Essential Medications: Take any essential medications — such as those for blood pressure, heart conditions, seizures or chronic illnesses — with a small sip of water unless instructed not to.
- Preparation on the Day Of:
- Brush your teeth gently without swallowing any water or toothpaste.
- Do not wear contact lenses, makeup, nail polish, jewelry or removable prosthetics.
- Choose comfortable clothing with short sleeves and flat-soled shoes.
- A parent or legal guardian must be present for patients under 18.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you for the first 12 hours after your procedure.
If you are feeling unwell or develop symptoms such as fever, coughing or congestion, please call our office before your appointment so we can assess your readiness for surgery.
Post-Op Instructions By Procedure
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Avoid eating until numbness has fully worn off — usually about two hours. If you are wearing a temporary crown or bridge , take special care: avoid sticky, hard or crunchy foods. Brush gently and slide floss out sideways. Sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common and should subside. Contact us if your temporary becomes loose or uncomfortable. Mild sensitivity is normal, and discomfort can be managed by rinsing with warm saltwater rinses or over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
Dentures
Adapting to new dentures may involve soreness or speaking difficulties. Clean dentures daily using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Remove them nightly to soak in water or denture solution. Never attempt to adjust them yourself. Follow up regularly to assess fit and prevent irritation.
Tooth Extractions
After your extraction, avoid chewing until the numbness fades. Some swelling and bleeding are normal. Do not rinse vigorously, spit or use straws, as this can dislodge the clot. Rest with your head elevated and eat soft foods. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and take medications as directed.
Dental Fillings
Wait until numbness resolves before eating. Temporary sensitivity to pressure or temperature after receiving a filling is normal. Avoid very hot, cold or hard foods for the first day. Brush and floss as usual, but be gentle. If discomfort persists or worsens, contact our office for evaluation.
Dental Veneers
Post-procedure sensitivity after receiving dental veneers is common and should improve over time. Do not eat until the anesthetic wears off. Temporary veneers should be treated gently — avoid sticky or hard foods. Once permanent veneers are placed, maintain regular oral hygiene and report any changes in your bite or comfort.
Gum Surgery
Avoid food or drink for three hours after gum surgery. Eat soft foods only for the first few days. Some bleeding and swelling are normal—apply ice and change gauze as needed. Brush gently the first night and floss cautiously the next day. Do not smoke or use a water flosser unless cleared to do so.
Scaling & Root Planing
After scaling and root planing avoid eating until numbness fades. Do not smoke, exercise or eat spicy or hot foods for 24 hours. Rinse gently with warm saltwater and use pain relievers as recommended. Resume brushing and flossing the next day unless otherwise instructed. Use any prescribed rinses as directed.
Root Canal Treatment
Wait two hours before eating. You may experience mild soreness or pressure for a few days. Avoid chewing on the treated side until a permanent restoration is placed. Continue brushing and flossing. Call us if you notice increasing pain, swelling or a loose temporary crown.
Teeth Whitening
For 48 hours after professional whitening, avoid items that can stain your teeth — such as coffee, tea, red wine and tomato sauce. Use a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Some sensitivity is normal and should fade within 24 hours. Use touch-up trays only as recommended for maintenance.
Dental Implants
Our dentists recommend the following after your dental implant procedure to support healing and implant success:
- Diet: Wait at least two hours before eating. Begin with soft foods and avoid anything that is crunchy, spicy or overly hot.
- Bleeding and Swelling: Slight bleeding is expected. Bite on gauze and use cold compresses to manage swelling in the first 24 hours.
- Oral Hygiene: Do not brush the surgical area for 24 hours. Rinse with warm saltwater gently starting the next day.
- Activity and Lifestyle: Limit physical activity for the first two days. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and any activity that may raise your heart rate.
- Medications: Take all medications exactly as prescribed. Notify us immediately if you experience unusual pain or symptoms.
Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor your progress and plan the next phase of your restoration.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Following your wisdom teeth removal, you can expect your recovery to take several days. The following will help minimize complications in your healing process:
- Eating and Drinking: Do not eat until the anesthetic wears off. Stick to soft, cool foods. Avoid straws, alcohol and hot beverages.
- Bleeding: Replace gauze as needed. If bleeding continues, gently bite on a damp tea bag for 30 minutes.
- Swelling and Discomfort: Apply ice for the first 24 hours. Swelling may increase before it subsides. Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief as directed.
- Oral Care: Skip rinsing and brushing near the site for 24 hours. Resume gentle saltwater rinses and normal brushing on other teeth the next day.
- Restrictions: Avoid smoking, forceful spitting or heavy exercise, as these may lead to dry socket.
Call us right away if you have signs of infection or prolonged discomfort.
Bone Grafting
After bone grafting, please follow these instruction closely to support your healing and graft success:
- Bleeding: Minor oozing is normal. Apply gauze with light pressure for 30–45 minutes as needed.
- Diet and Hydration: Stick to cool, soft foods and avoid straws for at least one week. Stay hydrated.
- Medications: Take all prescriptions exactly as directed. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications unless instructed otherwise.
- Oral Hygiene: Do not brush near the graft for two days. Begin gentle saltwater rinses after 24 hours. Avoid mouthwash and aggressive rinsing.
- Swelling: Apply cold compresses in intervals during the first day. Keep your head elevated while sleeping.
- Smoking: Avoid tobacco for at least two weeks, as it may impair healing and jeopardize graft success.
Reach out to our office if symptoms worsen or you notice signs of infection.
Schedule Your Follow-Up Visit
To schedule a follow-up appointment or discuss your recovery, please contact our team. We will gladly assist you in arranging a convenient time to meet with our experienced dentists and answer any questions you may have. Your comfort and healing are our top priorities.