Recovery & Post Care

Common
Questions

• Care After Composite Fillings

  If during your dental procedure an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue will continue to be numb for several hours after the appointment. It is very easy to bite or burn your lips or tongue when your mouth is numb, so try to avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness completely wears off.

  You will probably experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your procedure, and your injection sites may also be sore. To alleviate the pain and tenderness you may use Ibuprofen, Tylenol or aspirin as needed.

  After the anesthetic completely wears off, you may chew with your composite filings as they are fully hardened after the procedure.

  Please contact our office if after a few days your sensitivity to pressure, hot or cold persists, or if your bite feels uneven.

• Care After Crown and/or Bridge Procedures

  It usually requires two or three dental appointments to complete crowns and bridges. At the first visit, after the necessary preparation, an impression is taken.

  While the custom restoration is being made, your temporary crowns or bridges will be placed to protect your teeth. Since your teeth will be anesthetized, your tongue, lips and roof of your mouth will be numb. You should refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness completely wears off.

  If your temporary crown or bridge comes off, please call us and bring it with you so we can re-cement it. Your temporary crown and/or bridge prevents your other teeth from moving. It is very important for the temporary crown or bridge to stay in place so that the fit of your final restoration is not compromised.

  In order to avoid displacement of your temporary crown or bridge, avoid eating sticky and hard foods. Floss all of your temporary crowns carefully without pulling up on the floss, as it may dislodge the temporary crown. Instead, pull the floss straight out.

  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.

  Please feel free to contact our office if your discomfort persists or if you have any other questions or concerns.

• Care after Cosmetic Reconstruction

  It always takes some time adjusting to the feel of your new bite and the way your teeth fit together after your smile makeover. If your bite was altered or the position of your teeth was changed, it will usually take several days for your brain to recognize that new position and the different thickness of your teeth. If after several days you continue to feel discomfort or detect any high spots or problems with your bite, please call our office and we will schedule an appointment to make any necessary adjustments.

  You will also experience some hot and cold sensitivity, as your teeth will require some time to heal following the removal of tooth structure. Likewise your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt-water rinses three times a day will reduce your discomfort and swelling. Also, a mild pain medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen should ease any residual discomfort after your procedure.

  If your speech is also affected, do not be alarmed. In a few days you will quickly adapt to speaking normally.

  Please take seriously your daily oral hygiene. Daily brushing and flossing are critical to the longevity and proper condition of your new teeth. And of course, scheduling your regular cleaning appointments with us is equally important.

  If you grind your teeth at night, let us know and we will provide you with a custom-made mouthguard. This should be worn if you participate in sports too.

  It always takes a little time adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile, but please let us know if you have any problems or concerns. We are always happy to address them.

• Care after Tooth Extraction

  After a tooth extraction, it is important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and for the healing process to begin. In order to achieve this, you will be asked to bite on gauze for about 30 minutes after your appointment. If you notice that the bleeding or oozing still persists, simply repeat this with fresh gauze. It is not unusual to do this several times.

  Once formed, it is very important not to disturb or dislodge the blood clot. So avoid rinsing your mouth, do not smoke, or drink alcohol. And when you brush your teeth, avoid doing so near the extraction site for the next 72 hours. You also will have to limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this might increase your blood pressure and may cause more bleeding.

  It is normal to feel some discomfort and have some swelling after a tooth extraction. You can place an ice pack to the area to keep the swelling to a minimum. And take pain medication as prescribed. The swelling normally subsides after 48 hours.

  Please call our office if you find that the prescribed pain medication does not seem to work. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue taking them for the amount of time indicated, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink sufficient fluids and eat nutritious soft foods on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

  After 24 hours resume your normal dental routine, which will speed up your healing process and keep your mouth fresh and clean. After a few days you can resume your normal activities.

  In some cases heavy bleeding with severe pain and continued swelling may continue for 2-3 days. If this happens to you, please contact our office immediately.