After Cosmetic Reconstruction
After a cosmetic reconstruction it can take time to feel normal. The position of your teeth has changed, and you must adjust. Patients experience hot and cold sensitivity while their teeth heal from cosmetic reconstruction, and your gums may be sore. Pay special attention to your diet during this time. If you experience pain or discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Due to adjustment time, your speech may be affected for the first few days post-procedure. Patient typically adapt within a few days and their speech returns to normal.
Just as before, your new dental work requires brushing and flossing. Maintaining good oral health is essential to the longevity of your treatment. Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries.
Please let our office know if you play sports so you can be fitted for a custom mouthguard. Please wear the provided nightguard if you grind your teeth. Contact us with any questions or concerns, we are happy to help with anything you may need!
After Crown and Bridge Appointments
Crown and bridge installation take one, two or more visits to complete. At home between visits please continue oral health routines as directed by our offices. Between appointments temporary crowns may be placed. It is essential that the crowns stay on between appointments, so if they fall off please call the office and make an appointment to have it replaced as soon as possible. After each appointment there may residual anesthesia for a few hours, please avoid eating and drinking until you regain complete feeling.
To keep your temporary crowns in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary, but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office. If you experience persistent pain, discomfort, or an ill-fitting bite, please call our office.
After Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction it is extremely important for a blood clot to form over the empty tooth socket. This clot begins the healing process. You can use gauze for 20 minutes intervals with light pressure when bleeding occurs. When the blood clot forms it is important that you do not dislodge it. Do not use a straw, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush the site of extraction rigorously until the clot heals. It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 12 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After extraction you may experience pain and swelling which can be mitigated with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication. Typically, pain subsides within 48 hours of the procedure. If discomfort and pain persist, please call our office. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. Written instuctions are provided and all questions are answered prior to you leaving the office.
After Composite Fillings (white fillings)
After a composite filling appointment your teeth, tongue, and surrounding area may be numb for several hours. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb. You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen or Tylenol can work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity increases, contact our office.
