After Your Appointment

After your procedure or treatment, Dr. Garry Lunn strongly recommends following these post-operative instructions. If you have further questions or concerns not answered below or in our FAQ section, please contact us. Quality dental care and client service are our priority.

Crown & Bridge Instructions

• Rinse with warm salt water (1 tablespoon of salt in half a glass of warm water) frequently for 2–3 days.

• Take a painkiller before the freezing wears off and another before bedtime. Continue every 6 hours as needed.

• Brush and floss carefully. Pull floss out sideways to avoid dislodging the temporary crown.

• Avoid extreme hot or cold on the treated side.

• Avoid chewy or sticky foods on the temporary crown.

• If the temporary crown comes off, place it back on the tooth with a little Vaseline inside and call the office.

Post Surgery

Pain Management

• You may be prescribed pain medication. Follow instructions carefully.

• Alternatively, alternate 400mg Advil and 500mg Tylenol every 2 hours (if no allergies).

• Take pain medication before the freezing wears off.

Bleeding

• Some oozing is normal for the first 24 hours.

• If bleeding occurs, bite on moistened gauze for 20 minutes.

• Contact Dr. Fonseca or go to the nearest hospital if concerned.

Swelling

• Apply ice to the area: 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off.

Eating

• Wait until freezing wears off before eating or drinking.

• Start with a soft diet and avoid straws, rinsing, or spitting for 24 hours.

• After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water for 7 days.

Avoid

• Alcohol and tobacco for at least 24 hours.

• Smoking may cause extreme pain and delay healing.

Healing Timeline

• Tissue healing: ~7 days

• Surface healing: ~3 weeks

• Bone healing: 3–6 months

Emergency Contact
Call Dr. Fonseca or Dr. Gustafson at 604-738-7710 or visit the nearest hospital.

Gum Surgery

• Take 400mg Advil or Ibuprofen three times a day for 2 days after freezing wears off.

• Eat a semi-solid diet; avoid spicy or hot foods and chewing on the surgical site.

• Don’t worry if sutures fall out before your follow-up.

• Rinse with the medicated mouthwash provided. Avoid commercial rinses.

• After day one, warm salt water rinses can promote healing.

• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.

• Brush all areas except the surgical site.

• Limit exertion and sun exposure. No swimming or athletics for 3 days.

If bleeding occurs

• Use gauze in a “U” shape with gentle pressure for 10 minutes.

• Do not remove gauze early to check. If bleeding persists, call the office.

Root Canal Therapy (Endodontic Treatment)

• Tenderness for a few days is normal.

• Take painkillers or anti-inflammatories every 4–6 hours as needed.

• Bathe the area with warm salt water.

• A temporary filling has been placed—it may flake but will remain intact.

• Chew cautiously and keep the area clean.

• If pain worsens or swelling develops, contact our office.

Suggestions to Minimize Bruising Prior to Botox® Injection

• Avoid aspirin and vitamin E for 7 days before your appointment.

• Avoid Ibuprofen, Aleve, and other NSAIDs for 3 days prior. Tylenol is okay.

• Avoid herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba for 3 days.

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before.

• Eat 2 kiwi fruit daily for 2 days before and after your appointment.

• Notify us if you’re on blood thinners or have a bleeding condition.

• Bruising can usually be covered with makeup.

• Avoid scheduling Botox before major social events.

Nightguard

• Nightguards protect your teeth, gums, and jaw joints from nighttime clenching or grinding.

• They won’t stop the habit, but they do prevent damage.

• Wear the guard during the day to get used to it before sleeping with it.

• Insert using both hands—don’t bite into place.

• It may feel snug or uneven at first; this will subside in 10–15 minutes.

• In the morning, your bite may feel off for a short time—this is normal.

• Clean it with toothpaste and store in the provided case.

• Keep it away from pets.

• Bring it to your dental recall visits. Adjustment fees may apply.

Whitening

• Apply a thin line of bleach to the tray and wear overnight for two weeks.

• Rinse and clean the tray after use. Brush your teeth to remove excess gel.

• Alternate days or use MI paste if you experience sensitivity.

• Dark areas in trays from amalgam fillings are normal.

• Final results will appear ~2 weeks after completion.

• Don’t eat or drink with trays in place.

• Wipe off excess gel from gums.

• Avoid smoking, stained foods, and drinks for 30 minutes post-bleaching.

• Use an electric toothbrush to prolong results.

Laser Treatment

• Do not brush or floss the treated area for 24 hours.

• Resume normal cleaning once the area feels comfortable.

• Rinse daily with warm salt water for one week.

• Use the prescribed mouthwash once daily for 2 weeks.

• For pain, take 400mg Advil plus extra strength Tylenol.