After-Treatment Instructions

You can view a list of after-treatment instructions below based on some of our different services. If you have any questions, please contact us.

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Post-Op Instructions After Fillings
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After Composite (tooth-colored) Fillings
  • When anesthesia has been used, your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off. It is easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while numb. It is recommended that you take some ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil, 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed) before the anesthetic completely wears off. This will help with any swelling or pain at the injection sites where your anesthetic was administered. It will also help diminish any swelling in the nerve that may be existent (swelling often occurs in the nerve after cleaning out decay from the tooth).
  • It is normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Your gums may be sore for several days. Rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water (put a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse and spit) to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Your new composite fillings are fully hardened before you even leave the office; however, it is wise to chew on the opposite side from the location of the newly placed filling(s). One of the most common problems following filling placement with anesthesia, is an incorrect bite. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please contact our office immediately to obtain help or advice.
Post-Op Instructions After Crown/Bridge Prep
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  • Following the first appointment for a crown or bridge procedure, a provisional temporary is usually placed on the tooth or teeth involved. This will protect them while the custom restoration is being made.
  • The use of temporary cement is for easy removal on your next appointment. If your temporary comes off between appointments, slip it back on and call us for an appointment.
  • Many crowns fit below the gum line. Therefore, you may experience some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of that area during the procedure. The discomfort should improve with time.
  • Sensitivity to cold or pressure is also possible. Sensitivity to hot and cold lasting a couple seconds is typical after dental treatment. If the sensitivity persists longer than one week and lingers for more than a minute, please call our office for a follow-up evaluation.
  • After the anesthetic wears off, it may take a few days to get used to the provisional temporary crown or bridge. If you feel the bite in not correctly balanced, be sure to call our office immediately for a simple adjustment.
  • Be sure to be aware of what you are eating while wearing your temporary crown or bridge. Avoid any foods that are sticky or may be too hard like gum and hard candy.
  • Proper care includes BRUSHING and FLOSSING a minimum of twice daily. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of the restoration but will also help to prevent problems elsewhere in your mouth.
Post-op Instructions - Tooth Extraction
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DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA: For the next few days, and especially the first 24 hours, it is very important to allow your body to form a good clot and start the natural healing process. Swishing, sucking through a straw, and smoking can all dislodge the clot. Keep anything sharp from entering the wound (crunchy food, toothpicks, eating utensils). Be sure to chew on the opposite side for 24 hours.

BLEEDING: When you leave the office, you might be biting on a gauze pad to control bleeding. Keep slight pressure on this gauze for at least 30 minutes. Don’t change it during this time; it needs to remain undisturbed while a clot forms in the extraction socket. After 30 minutes you may remove it. You may bite on gauze or a tea bag for another 30 minutes if you feel it is still bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day after the procedure.

SMOKING: Smoking should be stopped following surgery. Healing and success of the surgery will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke chemicals in your body. Also the suction created when inhaling cigarettes can dislodge the clot. Smokers are at greater risk of developing a painful Dry Socket.

PAIN: Some discomfort is normal after surgery. To minimize pain, take two Tylenol, Nuprin, Advil, or similar non-aspirin pain reliever every 3 to 4 hours until bedtime to maintain comfort. Take it before the anesthesia wears off. If prescription pain medication is prescribed, take it as instructed on the label. Don’t exceed the dose on the label. Taking with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking pain prescriptions. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

NAUSEA: This is most often caused by taking pain medications on an empty stomach. Reduce nausea by preceding each pain pill with soft food, and taking the pill with a large glass of water. SWELLING: Applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 15 minutes, and then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the first day.

NUMBNESS: The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area. Sometimes the extraction causes residual numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.

BRUSHING: Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After this, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery for 3 days.

RINSING: Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours after extraction. Rinsing can disturb the formation of a healing blood clot which is essential to proper healing. This could cause bleeding and risk of dry socket. After 24 hours you may begin gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 1/2 teaspoon soda + 8 ounces warm water). Avoid commercial mouth rinses. DIET: Eat soft foods for the first two days. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Return to normal regular meals as soon as you are able after the first two days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.

ACTIVITY: After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and aid healing.

ANTIBIOTICS: If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them as directed until they are gone. Women: some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birth control methods for two months.

SINUS: If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose or playing a wind musical instrument for one week. Use of decongestant medications might be recommended.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS: You may need to return to the office to have sutures removed, or just for a brief follow-up healing check.

Please call your dentist if you have:

  • uncontrollable pain
  • excessive or severe bleeding
  • marked fever
  • excessive warm swelling occurring a few days after the procedure
  • reactions to medications, especially rash, itching, or breathing problems

Following these instructions very closely will greatly help your comfort, and promote uneventful healing of the area. If any of the instructions are not followed, you might have significantly more discomfort, and the success of the procedure may be affected.

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This is a wonderful dental office, I have been going here for years. Pam is amazing. Dentists are great. I would highly recommend!

- Leslie E 01/16/2024

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For the past twenty (20) years, the Oswego Dental Group has been my go to for all dental treatment needs. I have found that they consistently improve by providing excellent treatment using the most up-to-date practice tools and technologies. Additionally, the Staff from the front office to technicians are the best with a special shout-out to Pam.

- Roger B 01/09/2024

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Dr. Milazzo and his staff were very attentive to my situation and were willing to make time for me the day I called. I would highly recommend Oswego Dental Group.

- Gail K

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Our family needed to find a new dentist since ours retired. We were going to him for over 35 years so picking a new office was a little nerve racking. From the very beginning the office made us feel very welcome. My children were very nervous at first but the moment the hygienists called their names the nerves faded since they were both very warm, friendly and caring. They were even comfortable enough to go by themselves.
I also had Amy for my appointment the next week and she was excellent. Also, Dr. Milazzo was great as well. I highly recommend Oswego Dental Group!

- Brooke T

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Dr. MacDonald is very personable and offers all treatment options! He makes dental visits less stressful! I highly recommend him!

- Eileen O 12/26/2023

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My appointments always run smoothly. With their help, my teeth have been in great shape. Have been going there for more than 20 years.

- Sharlene M

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Thanks Pam. Always does an outstanding job. Pam is very friendly and makes it a great experience. My teeth look great.

- Steve O 12/13/2023

What Our Patients Say

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From the start to finish true professionals, Dr.Milazzo explained every step, he made you feel at ease during the procedure.

- Christopher A 09/06/2023

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Another great experience at Oswego Dental! Sally and Dr. MacDonald are amazing!

- Tina D

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Always have the utmost faith in Dr. Milazzo’s dental skills and his staff is always so friendly and professional.

- Nancy H 08/22/2023

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Jen is amazing, very informative and always makes myself feel comfortable and relaxed during my visit. Dr. Macdonald is very efficient as well. Highly recommend Oswego Dental group.

- Marissa M

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Always very professional and friendly. Been coming here 30 years — the best!

- Cheryl J 09/05/2023

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I’m grateful and thankful, everything was fine. Service was great, I had issue with my tooth and now I feel perfect. Thanks to doctor Tony 🙏

- Tina K 05/24/2023

What Our Patients Say

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Dr. Milazzo was amazing with my 7 year old daughter. She got her first filling done and I loved that he spoke to HER (as the patient) and not just me. He showed her what everything did and sounded like before he started. He also explained what everything was that was going in her mouth. I was very impressed with how everything went! The dental hygienists are also amazing!

- Lindsay C 06/13/2023

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Absolutely fantastic from Theresa, to Liseldy upfront!

To the amazing Ann and Dr Milazzo!

Highly recommend you make these folks at Oswego Dental, on route 71, your go to for all dentistry!

- Christopher C. 01/18/2023

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I’ve been going to Oswego Dental for 20+ years. Not your typical Dentist Office that you dread to go to. Warm and welcoming with a great staff! Amy, Pam and Sally are the best!

- Bryan C 01/26/2023

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Very happy with my care at this office. I have not had a hygienist or dentist at this office that hasn’t treated me very compassionately and professionally. Have been a patient here over 30 years!

- Tom B. 07/13/2022

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Teeth look amazing!!! I would highly recommend Oswego Dental Group if you are looking to have work done!

- David L. 05/23/2022

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Super friendly and very professional. My whole family have been patients there for many years. Wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.

- Kevin O. 04/15/2022

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I have been going to Oswego Dental Group for years. They are excellent. Pam has been my hygienist and she is thorough, extremely professional and very kind. My family and I highly recommend this dental office.

- Wendy K. 04/11/2022

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Another great experience from the Oswego Dental Group! Jen took great care of my teeth, they have never looked so white! Everyone was super friendly and made sure I was comfortable through my whole visit. See you in 6 months!

- Collin M. 03/02/2022

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Our family has been seen by this practice for many years. Always professional and thorough. They have taken great care of us! Highly recommend!

- Susan R. 01/25/2022

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Dr. Milazzo and Dr. MacDonald are awesome!! So glad I found them after I moved to their area. They are the best. Pam cleans my teeth and she is wonderful, painless too! They take very good care of my teeth! If you are looking for a new Dentist and a good office, then this place is for you!

- Marion G. 06/24/2021

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Dr Milazzo, Sally and the whole staff are the best. THE BEST. I was a mess and had been in pain for a long time before finally finding Dr. Milazzo. I spent a lot of time and a lot of money going to another dentist that just kept making everything worse…I was literally living on protien drinks because it hurt too much to chew. It took a little time (I needed a lot of work done) but Dr Milazzo fixed everything and I can finally eat again. I’m forever grateful for Oswego Dental Group and would without hesitation recommend them.

- Sonya 05/25/2021

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Great experience! Amy did a great job cleaning my teeth and Dr. MacDonald was also professional and very thorough and helped me understand what treatment options were available to me. I highly recommend this dental practice!

- Kristina L. 02/23/2021

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Oswego Dental Group has a staff of kind and caring hygienists and the entire staff does a great job of keeping the entire office clean and safe for people coming in as well as for themselves.

- Karen A. 12/28/2020

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Dr. Milazzo’s dental office is fabulous!!! Very patient friendly!! Sally my dental hygienist is awesome!! Very personable, thorough and gentle!! I love the way you feel after a cleaning! I would not go anywhere else!!

- Cheryl K. 09/22/2020

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I have been a dental patient at the Oswego Dental Group for nearly 15 years and have always been very happy with the care that I have received. Dr MacDonald and all of the hygienists I have ever had are fantastic people and do a great job on my teeth! Love coming here!

- Susan E. 08/18/2020

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Very friendly staff and professional. Always a great experience.

- Kristine F. 04/09/2020

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Always a great experience.

- John S. 02/09/2020

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I love going to my dentist! For 13 years I have never been disappointed and I greatly appreciate how personable and kind the Hygenists have always been! Today my visit was with Pam. I appreciate the time she took to ask how My family and I were going. Dr, MacDonald also took the time to explain a small upcoming procedure I would be having and in doing so put my doubts at ease! Thank you!!!!

- Jeanne P. 02/08/2020

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Best dentist experience. Everyone from the receptionist to Dr Milazzo and Dr Macdonald are very friendly. Pam is an amazing dental hygienist. She is absolutely fantastic. Extremely thorough and friendly. I’m sure everyone is great as well but I’ve only had the pleasure of having my teeth cleaned by Pam and have no need to search elsewhere. Thanks everyone at Oswego Dental Group for making my dental visit a good one.

- Ryan I. 08/17/2019