Home Care Instructions
After Cosmetic Reconstruction
Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth.
- IT IS NORMAL to experience HOT and COLD sensitivity to your teeth and soreness or tenderness on your gums for few days.
- A mild PAIN MEDICATION (TYLENOL OR ADVIL) and rinsing with WARM SALT WATER should ease residual discomfort after treatment.
- Daily BRUSHING AND FLOSSING is a must for new dental work.
- Avoid BITING OR CHEWING hard food such as PEANUTS, HARD CANDIES AND ICE to prevent cracks, chip or damage to your teeth.
- Don’t be concerned if your SPEECH is affected for first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally after a few days.
- SMOKING will stain your teeth and minimize or avoid food that will stain your teeth such as COFFEE, RED WINE, TEA, or BERRIES.
- If you continue to detect any HIGH SPOTS or problems with your bite, call our office so we can schedule an adjustment appointment at no extra charge.
- If you have any PROBLEMS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE let us know. We always welcome your questions and opinions.
Care of Temporary Crowns (after Crown/Bridge Preparation)
- AVOID FLOSSING the temporary as much as possible, unless something gets stuck, if necessary floss down and pull out the side. Pulling down or up could dislodge the temporary crown. Avoid using toothpick.
- AVOID eating hard, chewy or crunchy food like peanuts, beef jerky, caramel, tootsie rolls or gum.
- BRUSH thoroughly specially around the gum line 2-3 times a day.
- It is normal to have a little sensitivity (especially temperature) for first few days. TYLENOL or ADVIL should work to reduce sensitivity or tenderness. If sensitivity lasts longer than 4-5 days, please call our office so we can check the tooth.
- If the temporary BREAKS, LOOSENS or COMES OFF please call our office immediately.
- IT IS IMPORTANT to know that temporary crown not only protects the tooth but it also prevents other teeth from moving and saves the space where the permanent crown will be placed.
- IF YOUR BITE FEELS UNEVEN, IF YOU HAVE PERSISTENT PAIN, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT (858) 485-6900.
After Tooth Extraction
Now that oral surgery is completed, follow these procedures to make yourself more comfortable, promote healing and help prevent possible complications.
- AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment.
- WHEN YOU GET HOME, wash hands and remove gauze, have something soft to eat. Take medications as directed by the doctor.
- A LITTLE BLEEDING OR OOZING IS NORMAL, if bleeding is excessive, put a piece of folded sterile gauze on the socket and bite on it firmly, with pressure for a minimum of one hour without opening.
- A TEA BAG MAY BE USED FOR HEAVY BLEEDING.
- IF THERE IS SWELLING, apply an ice bag or cold towel with ice immediately to your cheek or jaw, do this 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off until bedtime.
- DO NOT USE STRAW WHEN DRINKING, NO SMOKING, DON’T RINSE VIGOROUSLY OR SPIT FORCEFULLY FOR 2 DAYS FOLLOWING SURGERY, THIS COULD CAUSE MORE BLEEDING.
- DIET: A nutritionally balanced diet is important, during the first 24 hours, do not eat or drink anything excessively hot or cold. Eat soft food and gradually progress to solid food. Take any prescribed food supplements as directed.
- MEDICINE: TYLENOL OR ADVIL, if taken every four hours (adults) will allay most post-surgical pain, if other medication has been prescribed, it must be taken according to the instructions. VITAMIN B COMPLEX (one daily) and 500 mg. VITAMIN C (3x a day) will promote rapid healing.
- BRUSHING AND CLEANING, avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for one day. Avoid commercial mouth rinses, as they tend to irritate the site.
- IN CASE OF EMERGENCY OR EXCESSIVE BLEEDING, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT (858) 485-6900
After Composite Fillings (white/tooth colored fillings)
- WHEN AN ANESTHETIC HAS BEEN USED, 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.
- It is normal to experience some HOT, COLD AND PRESSURE SENSITIVITY after your appointment. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or Aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) 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.
- 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.
- IF YOUR BITE FEELS UNEVEN, IF YOU HAVE PERSISTENT PAIN, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT (858) 485-6900
Arestin Aftercare
- After your treatment, AVOID touching area(s) of treatment with toothbrush, toothpicks, etc..
- WAIT 48 HOURS before brushing and flossing the area where the Arestin was placed.
- You may BRUSH AND FLOSS the rest of your mouth as you normally would, but don’t put too much pressure on the area of treatment.
- AVOID FOOD that may hurt your gum tissues such as popcorn, nuts, sesame, etc.
- Return in 1 month for your no charge FOLLOW UP EVALUATION of the treated area.
- POCKETS MAY RE-OCCUR and need to be checked regularly. Follow up ARESTIN treatment may be needed.
- Start using PERIO AID after one month.
In-Office Beaching Post Operative Instructions
- Expect some SENSITIVITY. It can last anywhere from one hour to three days.
- Regular PAIN MEDICATION can be taken to help lessen the sensitivity.
- Do not eat for at least ONE HALF-HOUR. When you do eat, stay away from staining foods and beverages such as red wine, tea, dark soda, spaghetti sauce and etc.
- If CALCIUM SPOTS (white spots) appear after bleaching, they will disappear within a week.
- Use your CUSTOM BLEACH TRAYS to touch up when needed.