Extractions
- In order to protect the blood clot, maintain firm pressure by biting on the gauze sponge that has been placed over the surgical area, or by biting on a tea bag which has been gently moistened and wrapped in a piece of gauze. Keep steady firm pressure for 45 minutes. Repeat as often as needed.
- Do not rinse or use mouthwash for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon table salt in 8 oz. of warm water) every 1-2 hours is recommended.
- Discomfort: It is normal to experience some discomfort following dental surgery. If medication has been prescribed, take as instructed.
- The toothbrush may be carefully used in the area of the mouth not involved in the surgical procedures. A clean mouth heals faster.
- Eating: do not eat or drink for 2 hours following surgery, except to take medications. After 2 hours, you may resume eating a soft diet (It is important to have adequate food and fluid intake following surgery.)
- Avoid all excessive activity, don’t pick at the surgical area. Don’t consume liquids through a straw; avoid alcoholic beverages and refrain from smoking for 24 hours.
- Sutures: if nonresorbable were used, be sure to keep your appointment to have them removed.
- Control of swelling: Gently apply ice packs to the area for periods of 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. This procedure should continue for the first 24 hours only.
- Allergic reactions: for generalized rash, itching, etc., call the dentist immediately.
- Do not hesitate to call if any questions arise.
Fillings
- Do not eat until your numbness is gone. If your new filling is silver, avoid biting on it for 24 hours, and chew on the other side.
- If you are supervising children who had fillings placed, make sure they don’t bite their lips or tongue (it can cause serious injury to their soft tissue).
- You may experience cold and heat sensitivity and some soreness on your gum, this usually subsides within a few days.
- Call our office if you experience pain or discomfort for more than a few days after the fillings, or if you have any questions.
Crown and Bridge (also inlays and onlays)
- Crown and bridges usually take 2 or 3 appointments to complete. Many times, on the first appointment, the tooth/teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed on your tooth/teeth.
- You may experience sensitivity, gum soreness, and slight tooth discomfort temporarily.
- Whenever anesthesia is used, avoid chewing until the numbness has worn off.
- A temporary crown is usually made of a plastic-based material or a soft metal. It could break if too much pressure is placed on it. The temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth and prevent other teeth from moving. If it comes off, it should be replaced. To avoid losing your temporary, avoid chewing on sticky and hard food (chewing gum, ice). Try to chew on the opposite side from the treatment as much as possible.
- Continue your normal brushing but be careful while flossing around the temporaries (remove the floss gently from the side).
- Do not hesitate to call if any questions arise.
Root Canal Treatment
- You may experience sensitivity to pressure on your tooth. Also, you may feel gum soreness after your treatment.
- Take any medication that has been prescribed to you according to instructions.
- Usually, a temporary filling has been placed on your tooth, do not bite on the tooth for one hour or until the numbness wears off. Also, until the permanent restoration is placed, be very gentle with the tooth. Try to chew on the opposite side.
- Continue your brushing and flossing.
- Follow up with the placement of your permanent restoration as you have been advised.
- Call our office if you are in severe pain, experience swelling, or if you have any questions.
Teeth Cleaning (Deep Cleaning)
- You may experience some temperature sensitivity (especially after deep cleaning).
- If you have received anesthesia, do not eat anything until the numbness has worn off.
- Continue your regular brushing and flossing.
- Some bleeding for a day or two after cleaning is normal, but if you experience any excessive bleeding or pain please call our office.
Denture Delivery
- With any new denture there is an adjustment period. It takes some time for the tissue in the mouth to conform to the new denture. Initially, they may need some minor adjustments as they settle in to fit comfortably in your mouth.
- Usually, we recommend removing your dentures at night and placing them in a denture container with water or denture cleaner. This is to allow your gums to rest.
- Clean dentures thoroughly with a brush and rinse with water before putting them back in your mouth or into the denture container.
