We’re committed to making your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible following your crown lengthening, osseous surgery, or gingivectomy. Please take a moment to review these important post-operative care instructions.

🛌 Rest & Activity
After your procedure, plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid any strenuous activity for at least 72 hours to support proper healing.

💊 Managing Discomfort
Some discomfort is normal once the anesthesia wears off.
If you were prescribed medication, please take it exactly as directed. Staying ahead of pain helps ensure a more comfortable recovery.

🦷 Periodontal Dressing (Perio Coe-Pak / Reso-Pac)
Dr. Velasquez may place a protective dressing over the surgical site. This acts as a bandage to help protect the area and will typically be removed after 7 days.

🧊 Swelling Care
To minimize swelling:

• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of your face
• Use for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off
• Continue this cycle for the first 8 hours

🩸 Bleeding
Mild bleeding or pink-tinged saliva is normal.
If you experience persistent bleeding, please contact our office immediately at 562-424-9473.

🥣 Eating & Drinking
For the next few days:

• Stick to soft foods and moderate-temperature liquids
• Chew on the side opposite the surgical area
• Avoid using straws, as suction can disrupt healing

🪥 Oral Hygiene
After 24 hours:

• Gently brush with a very soft toothbrush
• Avoid flossing the surgical site for 5–7 days
• Continue normal brushing and flossing elsewhere

You may also:

• Rinse gently with warm salt water (½ tsp salt in 8 oz water)
• Use Peridex rinse twice daily, as directed

🚭 Smoking
Please avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks, as it can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

🧵 Sutures
Your sutures will be removed at your follow-up visit in approximately 7 days.

⚠️ Pain Relief Guidelines (Over-the-Counter Options)
For Moderate Pain:

• 1 tablet Tylenol (Acetaminophen) 500 mg
  +
• Ibuprofen 400 mg (2–3 tablets of 200 mg)
• Take every 4–6 hours as needed

For Severe Pain:

• 2 tablets Tylenol Extra Strength (500 mg each)
  +
• Ibuprofen 600 mg
• Take every 6–8 hours, or use prescribed medication as directed

⚠️ Do not take these medications if you are allergic or have been advised by your doctor not to use them.

📞 We’re Here for You
​If you have any questions, concerns, or unexpected symptoms, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your comfort and recovery are our top priorities.

Thank you for trusting us with your care. We wish you a smooth and speedy recovery!

Jeff Velasquez, DDS
541 W. Willow St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
562-424-9473

Your tooth extraction site needs proper care to heal comfortably and prevent complications. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

STOPPING THE BLEEDING
After your extraction, bite firmly on the gauze provided for 30 minutes. This pressure helps a blood clot form, which is essential for healing.
If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and keep applying pressure. You can also use a tea bag—soak it in cold water and bite down on it for another 30 minutes to help control bleeding.

WHAT TO AVOID FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS
To protect the blood clot and prevent a painful condition called dry socket, avoid the following:

• Smoking
• Drinking through a straw
• Alcohol or carbonated beverages
• Hot foods or drinks
• Blowing your nose (especially for upper extractions)
• Excessive spitting or vigorous rinsing

Dislodging the clot can delay healing and cause unnecessary pain. If this happens, contact our office right away.

REDUCE SWELLING AND DISCOMFORT
Apply a cold compress to the area:

• Use ice chips inside the mouth
• Place an ice pack on the outside of your face near the surgical site

This helps minimize swelling and provides comfort.

EAT SOFT FOODS
Stick to a soft diet for the rest of the day. Good options include:

• Warm (not hot) soup
• Ice cream
• Milkshakes
• Smoothies (no straw)
• Yogurt or soft desserts

Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or hot.

MEDICATION GUIDELINES
If medications were prescribed, take them exactly as directed.
Begin pain medication before the numbness wears off to stay ahead of discomfort.

PAIN MANAGEMENT (OVER-THE-COUNTER OPTIONS)
For Moderate Pain:

• 1 tablet Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500 mg
• Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) 400 mg
  
• Every 4–6 hours as needed
  (Note: Ibuprofen typically comes in 200 mg tablets—take 2–3 tablets per dose.)

For Severe Pain:

• 2 tablets Extra Strength Acetaminophen (500 mg each)
• Ibuprofen 600 mg
  
• Every 6–8 hours as needed
• Or take prescribed medication as directed

Important: Do not take these medications if you are allergic or have been advised by your doctor not to use them.

AFTER 24 HOURS: GENTLE RINSING
Begin rinsing gently with warm salt water:

• Mix ¼ teaspoon salt in 1 cup of warm water
• Rinse after brushing at night for the next 2 days

Do not rinse forcefully.

WHEN TO CALL US
If you experience:

• Persistent or worsening pain
• Continued bleeding
• Swelling that does not improve
• Any concerns about healing

Please contact our office right away at (562) 424-9473. We’re here to help you heal safely and comfortably.

TAKEAWAY
Caring for your extraction site properly is the key to avoiding complications and ensuring a smooth recovery. A little extra attention now will help you get back to normal quickly—with a healthy, comfortable smile.

​Jeff Velasquez, DDS
541 W. Willow St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
562-424-9473

ROOT CANAL THERAPY: SAVING YOUR NATURAL SMILE
A tooth can be a contrary thing. It may become infected when you least expect it—due to deep decay or injury. When this happens, you might notice sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure, often accompanied by significant pain. And let’s face it—no one needs that kind of discomfort.
Interestingly, not all infections are immediately obvious. In some cases, only an X-ray can reveal a problem, which is why regular dental check-ups are so important. Similarly, if a tooth experiences trauma or injury, it’s always wise to have it examined promptly.
When a tooth becomes infected, the nerve inside may die, leading to an abscess. Left untreated, this infection can spread and even damage the surrounding jawbone.

THE GOOD NEWS: ROOT CANAL THERAPY CAN HELP
Teeth that once would have been extracted can now often be saved through root canal therapy (RCT). This procedure treats the inside of the tooth by removing infection and restoring its function. After treatment, the tooth can continue to serve you just like a natural, healthy tooth.
Because treated teeth can become more fragile, a crown is usually recommended afterward. A crown provides full 360-degree protection, restoring strength and preventing fractures during normal chewing.

WHY SAVE YOUR NATURAL TOOTH?
Root canal treatment, even when combined with a crown, is often more cost-effective than removing a tooth and replacing it with a bridge or implant. More importantly, nothing truly replaces your natural tooth—preserving it is always the best option when possible.

MANAGING DISCOMFORT AFTER TREATMENT
It’s important to begin pain management before the numbness from anesthesia wears off.
For Moderate Pain:

• Take 1 tablet of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500 mg
• Combine with Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) 400 mg
• Repeat every 4–6 hours as needed
  (Note: Ibuprofen is commonly available in 200 mg tablets—take 2–3 tablets per dose.)

For Severe Pain:

• Take 2 tablets of Extra Strength Acetaminophen (500 mg each)
• Combine with Ibuprofen 600 mg
• Repeat every 6–8 hours as needed
• Or take prescribed medication as directed

Important: Do not take these medications if you are allergic or have been advised by your physician to avoid them.

TAKEAWAY
Root canal therapy is a safe, effective way to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and preserve your natural tooth. With proper care and restoration, your treated tooth can last for many years—keeping your smile healthy and strong.

​Jeff Velasquez, DDS
541 W. Willow St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
562-424-9473