DENTAL POST-OPERATIVE CARE CHECKLIST 2026: PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS & FOLLOW-UP

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--- IMMEDIATE POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS ---
[ ] Procedures Performed (Extraction, Root Canal, Dental Implant Placement, Crown/Bridge Delivery, Bone Grafting)
[ ] Immediate Post-Op Verbal Instructions Given
[ ] Gauze/Bite Pack Status (Placed and active, Removed by patient, N/A)
[ ] Date of Procedure
[ ] Clinician Verification

--- PAIN MANAGEMENT & MEDICATION PROTOCOL ---
[ ] Prescribed Medications Administered (Antibiotics, Analgesics (Pain Relief), Anti-inflammatories, Anesthetics)
[ ] Specific Dosage Instructions
[ ] Patient-Specific Medication Side Effects Noted
[ ] Pain Level Assessment (Post-Op) (Mild, Moderate, Severe)
[ ] Clinician Verification of Instructions Given

--- DIETARY RESTRICTIONS & NUTRITION GUIDELINES ---
[ ] Prohibited Food/Drink Types (Hot liquids/foods, Crunchy/Hard foods, Sticky/Chewy foods, Acidic/Spicy foods, Small seeds/grains)
[ ] Recommended Food Texture (Liquid Diet, Soft/Pureed Diet, Regular Diet)
[ ] Specific Dietary Restrictions
[ ] Additional Nutritional Advice
[ ] Patient/Guardian Acknowledgment

--- ORAL HYGIENE & WOUND CARE INSTRUCTIONS ---
[ ] Recommended Cleaning Methods Provided (Warm Salt Water Rinses, Chlorhexidine Rinse Usage, Soft-Bristled Toothbrush Instructions, Gentle Area Cleaning Techniques)
[ ] Specific Wound Care Precautions
[ ] Patient Demonstrated Understanding of Care (Yes, fully understood, Partial understanding, requires more explanation, No, requires re-instruction)
[ ] Clinician Verification of Instructions Delivered

--- ACTIVITY & LIFESTYLE RESTRICTIONS ---
[ ] Restricted Activities (Heavy Lifting/Strenuous Exercise, Contact Sports, Bending/Stooping, Driving/Operating Machinery)
[ ] Smoking/Tobacco Use Restriction (Strictly Prohibited, Permitted with Caution, No Restriction)
[ ] Custom Lifestyle Restrictions
[ ] Patient Acknowledgment of Restrictions

--- EMERGENCY RED FLAGS & CONTACT PROTOCOL ---
[ ] Symptoms Identified as Red Flags (Uncontrolled Bleeding, Severe Swelling/Difficulty Breathing, Fever or Chills, Intense, Unmanageable Pain, Loose Dental Work or Dislodged Sutures)
[ ] Patient-Specific Emergency Instructions Provided
[ ] Notes on Patient-Specific Alarms or Concerns
[ ] After-Hours Contact Method Communicated (Emergency Clinic Phone Line, Patient Portal Messaging, Direct Doctor On-Call Number)
[ ] Staff Confirmation of Emergency Protocol Review

--- FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING ---
[ ] Next Appointment Date
[ ] Next Appointment Time
[ ] Appointment Type (Routine Check-up, Post-Op Review, Suture Removal, Emergency Follow-up)
[ ] Patient Reminder Sent
[ ] Staff Verification Signature

--- POST-OPERATIVE DOCUMENTATION & RECORD KEEPING ---
[ ] Date of Instruction Delivery
[ ] Instruction Delivery Method (Verbal, Printed Handout, Email/Digital Portal, Phone Call)
[ ] Topics Covered in Instructions (Pain Management, Dietary Restrictions, Hygiene Protocols, Emergency Contact Info, Activity Limitations)
[ ] Clinical Notes & Patient Specific Deviations
[ ] Clinician Verification Signature

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