Pre- & post-op instructions
At Seaview Dental, we want your procedure to go smoothly and your recovery to be as comfortable as possible. Find your treatment below for simple instructions to follow before and after your visit. Please read them carefully, and call or text our Eatontown office if you have any questions.
Since 1981 in Eatontown • Coordinated patient care • Clear instructions for every procedure
Instructions by procedure
Dental Implants (Implant Placement)
Pre-op
- Keep your oral hygiene routine as thorough as possible in the days before surgery.
- Tell us about any medications or health conditions that could affect healing.
Post-op
- Take any prescribed medication as directed to manage discomfort.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid putting pressure on the implant site.
- Continue brushing and flossing, but be extra gentle around the implant area.
Dental Veneers
Pre-op
- Brush and floss thoroughly in the days leading up to your appointment to prepare your teeth.
Post-op
- Avoid biting or chewing hard foods with your veneered teeth for the first few days.
- Keep up your regular oral hygiene routine, being gentle around the veneers.
Teeth Whitening
Pre-op
- Make sure your teeth are clean and freshly flossed.
- Avoid foods or drinks that stain, like coffee, red wine, or tobacco, in the day before treatment.
Post-op
- Avoid staining foods and drinks for at least 48 hours.
- Continue your regular oral hygiene routine.
Temporary Crowns
Pre-op
- No special preparation is needed. Let us know if you have any concerns about sensitivity before your visit.
Post-op
- Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that could pull the temporary crown off.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth when possible until your permanent crown is placed.
- Floss gently, sliding the floss out sideways rather than pulling it up, to avoid dislodging the temporary.
- Call us right away if your temporary crown comes off or feels loose before your next visit.
Invisalign & Spark Clear Aligners
Pre-op
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned before starting treatment, if it has been a while since your last visit.
Post-op / ongoing care
- Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day for treatment to stay on track.
- Remove aligners before eating or drinking anything besides water.
- Brush and floss before putting aligners back in to avoid trapping food or bacteria.
- Rinse aligners with lukewarm water each time you remove them, and clean them daily as directed.
- Some pressure or mild discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners is normal and typically fades within a day or two.
Tooth Removal
Pre-op
- Eat a normal meal beforehand if you are having local anesthesia only, unless we tell you otherwise.
- Arrange a ride home if you are receiving sedation.
Post-op
- Bite on the gauze we provide for 30 to 45 minutes to help a clot form.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting forcefully, smoking, or using a straw for at least 24 hours, these can dislodge the clot and lead to a painful dry socket.
- Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day and avoid the extraction site while chewing.
- Take any prescribed medication as directed, and use an ice pack on your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Call us if you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, or a fever after 24 hours.
Gum Grafting & Periodontal Surgery
Pre-op
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene in the days before surgery.
- We may prescribe antibiotics beforehand to help prevent infection.
Post-op
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to soothe your gums, starting the day after surgery.
- Take any prescribed medications as directed.
- Stick to a soft-foods diet and avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
- Avoid brushing directly over the treated area until we tell you it's safe to do so.
Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
Pre-op
- Keep up your normal oral hygiene routine to prepare your mouth for treatment.
Post-op
- Wait until the numbness has completely worn off before eating, to avoid accidentally biting your cheek, lip, or tongue.
- Brush and floss gently for the first few days, some tenderness or minor bleeding is normal.
- Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods for a week or two is common as your gums heal.
Pediatric Dentistry (Kids)
Pre-op
- Let us know about any anxiety your child has about dental visits so we can help them feel comfortable.
Post-op
- If your child received local anesthesia, watch them closely and remind them not to bite, chew, or suck on their lip, cheek, or tongue until the numbness fully wears off, usually two to three hours. Because the area feels numb rather than painful, kids can injure themselves without realizing it.
- Offer soft foods and lukewarm drinks until sensation returns to normal.
Dentures & Partials
Daily and ongoing care
- Remove and rinse your dentures after meals to clear away food debris.
- Clean them daily with a denture brush and denture-specific cleanser. Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive.
- Remove your dentures at night unless your dentist advises otherwise. Soak them as directed to prevent them from drying out and to give your gums time to rest.
- Handle dentures carefully over a folded towel or a sink filled with water to help prevent breakage if dropped.
- Continue attending routine dental visits so we can examine your gums and check the fit of your dentures.
When to contact us
Your mouth naturally changes shape over time, so dentures may eventually feel loose or uncomfortable. Contact our Eatontown office if you notice slipping, clicking, sore spots, difficulty eating, or a change in fit. A simple adjustment or reline can often improve comfort and stability without requiring a new denture.
Get Started
Questions about your procedure?
If you have any questions about these instructions, or would like to schedule a visit, call or text our Eatontown office.