Aftercare Guide

After Cosmetic Reconstruction

Adjusting to your new bite will take time. When the bite or position of your teeth changes, it takes several days for your brain to recognize the new position or thickness as normal. If you detect any high spots or issues with your bite, please call our office to schedule an adjustment appointment.

Experiencing some hot and cold sensitivity is normal. Your teeth require time to heal after the removal of tooth structure and may be sensitive during this period. Your gums might also be sore for a few days. To reduce discomfort and swelling, rinse with warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day. A mild pain medication like Tylenol or Ibuprofen (one tablet every three to four hours) can ease any residual discomfort.

Do not worry if your speech is affected initially. You’ll quickly adapt and speak normally again. Increased salivation is also normal as your brain responds to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside within a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are essential for your new dental work. Removing plaque daily is critical for the long-term success of your new smile, as are regular cleaning appointments.

Avoid foods that can crack, chip, or damage natural teeth, as they can do the same to your new teeth. Stay away from hard foods and substances like beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, pencils, and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth, and it’s best to minimize or avoid foods that stain, such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries.

If you engage in sports, let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard provided. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please contact us. We always welcome your questions.

After Crown & Bridge Appointments

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. During the first visit, your teeth are prepared, and molds of your mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect your teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since your teeth will be anesthetized, your tongue, lips, and the roof of your mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off.

If a temporary crown comes off, call us and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place to prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum) and hard foods, and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Brush normally but floss carefully, pulling the floss out from the side of the temporary crown rather than pulling up, which may dislodge it.

Experiencing some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment is normal. This sensitivity should subside a few weeks after placing the final restoration. Mild pain medications may be used as directed by our office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent discomfort, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Please bite on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to repeat this several times.

After the blood clot forms, avoid disturbing or dislodging it as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush your teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities can dislodge or dissolve the clot and delay healing. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as it increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted, you may feel some discomfort and experience swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will minimize swelling. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use the pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 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 a few days, you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe discomfort, continued swelling for two to three days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid 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. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol, or aspirin (one tablet every three to four hours as needed for discomfort) works 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.