Your First Visit
Patient Instructions for a Successful Procedure and Recovery
If you experience severe pain at any time, please contact us immediately at one of our locations in Anaheim, Santa Ana, or Buena Park.
To ensure the best outcome for your dental treatment, it is important to follow these instructions before and after your procedure. Our doctors and staff at Smilee Dental will guide you through every step, but this guide serves as a helpful supplement to keep your family’s smiles healthy and strong.
Before Treatment: How to Prepare
Proper preparation is the first step toward a smooth procedure and a fast recovery.
1. Communication is Key
We want you to feel confident. If you have questions about the treatment, or if there have been changes to your medical history or medications, please let us know early. This allows us to tailor our care to your specific needs.
2. Supporting Our Youngest Patients
In our “village,” parents and guardians are an essential part of the team. We explain each step to children in a calm, reassuring way. You are welcome to stay close to help your child feel safe and supported.
3. Pre-Treatment Diet Guidelines
Depending on the type of treatment (especially if sedation is involved), please follow these dietary restrictions:
- Infants under 12 months: Avoid formula for 6 hours and breastfeeding for 4 hours before the appointment.
- Children & Adults: Avoid solid foods and non-clear liquids starting at midnight before the procedure. Stick to clear liquids only if advised by our staff.
Post-Operative Care
After your procedure, special attention over the next few days will ensure a successful recovery.
Numbness
If you had anesthesia applied, your mouth may be numb for approximately two to four hours. During this time, be careful to not accidentally bite or injure your cheeks, lips, or tongue.
Bleeding
Bleeding will have been controlled before you are discharged. Some occasional oozing may occur in the form of pink or blood-tinged saliva. If that happens, Hold gauze with firm pressure against the surgical site until oozing has stopped. You may need to change the gauze or repeat this step. Contact us if bleeding continues for more than two hours.
Surgical Site Care
Do not disturb the surgical site the day of treatment. Do not stretch lips or cheeks to inspect the area. Do not rinse vigorously. Do not use mouthwash. Do not prove the area with fingers or other objects. Beginning the following day, you may rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup water) after meals.
Sutures
Two different types of sutures (stitches) may be placed to help control bleeding and promote healing. Your sutures may either dissolve on their own, or will be removed at your follow up visit. If sutures fall out during the first 48 hours, contact our office.
Daily Activities
Depending on the type of treatment, we recommend having you avoid physical exercise and exertion on that day.
Diet
Until healing is more established, avoid drinking from straws or anything that can be sucked. Avoid carbonated liquids. Avoid hard foods, such as nuts or popcorn, that may get lodged into surgical areas. Drink more fluids to help avoid dehydration. Cold and soft foods are ideal for the first 24 hours after treatment. By the second day, consistency of food can be progressed.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping the mouth clean is essential. Teeth and gums may be gently brushed and flossed. However, avoid stimulating the surgical site. Soreness may deter brushing. Do your best to keep your mouth clean within the bounds of comfort.
Pain
Some discomfort is expected. You may take acetaminophen (Tylenon), naproxen (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Advil) before numbness wears off. Follow instructions provided with the pain medication. Do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin has been linked with Reye’s Syndrome, which can cause brain and liver swelling in children.
Prescriptions
Take prescribed medication as directed by the doctor.
What to Watch For During Recovery
Pay attention to the factors that directly impact your healing, comfort and long-term gum stability. Here’s what matters most.
Slight Swelling
Mild swelling or tenderness is normal for the first 48 hours. Use ice packs intermittently during the first 24 hours to keep symptoms minimal.
Low-Grade Fever
A slight rise in temperature is a common response to healing. If a fever lasts longer than two days or becomes high, please call us.
Dry Sockets
To prevent persistent throbbing pain, avoid using straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing for at least 3–5 days. These actions can disturb the healing blood clot.
Oozing vs. Bleeding
Light pink oozing is normal for the first few hours. If bleeding becomes heavy, bite down firmly on a clean gauze pad for 30 minutes.
What Our Patients Say About Us
"Best experience ever"
First timers at this kid dental center best experience ever having a kid that hates the dentist and she did awesome she felt comfortable. Staff here is super friendly Pricilla and Dr Lee made us feel welcomed and comfortable throughout the whole process. They explained the whole process which I love communicating and knowing what’s going on. I recommend this location to everyone with kids.
"Amazing staff and amazing strategies"
Amazing staff and amazing strategies to make kids willing to do the work on their teeth. My son tried 2 different places and he would not open his mouth to fix his cavities but here 3 amazing staff members were able to make him comfortable and fix 5 cavities at once. I’m very happy that he got his feeling finally done.
Questions About the Instructions?
Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have.