Thank you for choosing Cornerstone Dentistry for your dental onlay or inlay procedure. We are dedicated to providing you with high-quality dental care, and we want to ensure a smooth recovery and the long-lasting success of your restoration. 

Please follow these post-operative instructions carefully to optimize the healing process and maintain the integrity of your dental onlay or inlay.

Immediate Post-Op Care

After your dental onlay or inlay procedure, it’s important to take some immediate precautions to ensure a successful recovery:

  1. Numbness: You may experience numbness in your mouth and lips due to local anesthesia. To avoid inadvertently biting your lip, cheek, or tongue, wait until the numbness has fully worn off before chewing or eating.
  2. Rest: Plan to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day after your dental onlay or inlay. Avoid strenuous physical activities to allow your body to recover.
  3. Pain Management: As the anesthetic wears off, you can feel some soreness or some pain. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions when using any pain medication. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which are available without a prescription, are also good pain relievers.

Oral Hygiene

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healing after a dental onlay or inlay. Here’s how to care for your mouth:

  1. No Spitting or Rinsing: Avoid spitting, rinsing your mouth vigorously, or using mouthwash for the first 24 hours after the procedure. These actions can dislodge the onlay or inlay and hinder the healing process.
  2. Brushing: Resume brushing your teeth gently the day after your dental onlay or inlay procedure, being cautious around the treated tooth. Continue to brush and floss your other teeth as usual.

Diet and Hydration

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for a swift recovery:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinking through a straw during the first 24 hours, as it can disrupt the onlay or inlay and healing process.
  2. Soft Foods: While you’re still feeling nauseous from the surgery, it’s best to eat soft meals for at least a few hours. Healing can be accelerated with the help of nutrient-rich diets.

Activities to Avoid

To prevent complications and promote healing, avoid the following activities:

  1. Smoking and Tobacco: Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products for at least 72 hours after your dental onlay or inlay procedure, as they can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
  2. Alcohol: Because it can affect the bonding of the restoration and interact with pain medications, it is important to refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 72 hours following the treatment.
  3. Physical Activities: Refrain from strenuous physical activities for the first 24-48 hours after the dental onlay or inlay procedure to minimize the risk of discomfort.

Signs of Concern

While some discomfort is normal after a dental onlay or inlay procedure, it’s essential to be aware of any potential issues. Contact Cornerstone Dentistry immediately if you experience any of the following:

  1. Severe Pain: Severe or worsening pain that is not relieved by prescribed medications may indicate a problem.
  2. Chipping or Damage: If you notice any chipping, cracking, or damage to your dental onlay or inlay, contact us for evaluation and possible repair.

Follow-Up Appointments

Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to assess the healing process, monitor the condition of your dental restoration, and address any concerns. It’s essential to attend these appointments to ensure the long-term success of your dental onlay or inlay.

At Cornerstone Dentistry, your comfort and oral health are our top priorities. If you have any questions or concerns about your dental onlay or inlay or the post-op care instructions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you throughout your recovery and ensure the continued strength and functionality of your treated tooth.