Home Instructions

After any dental procedure, you need to follow home care instructions to prevent any future dental issues. Your dentist will go over these in more detail during your appointment, but here’s some helpful information to get you started.

After Cosmetic Reconstruction

It is normal to experience hot and cold sensitivity as well as sore gums for a few days following cosmetic reconstruction. Warm saltwater rinses three times a day, and mild pain medications can reduce pain and swelling. Also, remember that it will take time to adjust to both speaking and the feeling of your new bite. If you continue to have any problems for more than a couple of days, call our office.

When it comes to taking care of your dental work, good oral habits are essential. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily. Also, try avoiding foods that can crack, chip, or damage your new or existing teeth. Furthermore, if you engage in sports or grind your teeth, let us know so we can make you a custom mouthguard.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

During these appointments, your teeth will be anesthetized, causing your tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth to become numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.

It’s normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. This should subside a few weeks after the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.

With our CEREC® technology, you will typically leave with your new crown on the same day. Occasionally, we may need to place a temporary. To help keep it in place, avoid eating sticky or hard foods and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

You can brush normally. However, try to floss with the utmost care. Rarely, the temporary crown may come off. If that happens, call us and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it.

After Tooth Extractions

After tooth extractions, it’s essential for a blood clot to form to stop bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why it’s important for you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes following the appointment. If bleeding persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. Repeat this process until it subsides.

After the blood clot forms, try not to disturb or dislodge it. Avoid rinsing vigorously, sucking on straws, smoking, and drinking alcohol for 72 hours. Also, try to limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours to aid the healing process.

If you experience pain or swelling, ice bags and pain medications can help. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time – even if symptoms of infection are gone.

It’s important to return to your normal dental routine of brushing and flossing after 24 hours. You can eat normally and resume your normal activities as soon as you are comfortable. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for two to three days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

After Composite Fillings

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours. During this time, avoid any chewing and hot foods or beverages until you no longer feel numb.

Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Aspirin work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at 610-323-9030.