Post Operative Instructions

Fillings, Crowns, and Cosmetic Dentistry

It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity for a couple of weeks with new dental work. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses, two to three times a day, will reduce discomfort.  Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin), as directed if there are no interactions with your current medications. This should ease any residual discomfort.  Daily brushing and flossing and routine cleaning appointments are critical for success of your new dental work.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances such as nuts, hard/sticky candy, ice, fingernails.  Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.  Smoking can stain your new fillings also.  If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 770-957- 5214.

Temporary Crowns and Bridges

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully.  Don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary, but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.  Occasionally, the temporary crowns come off.  If so, place toothpaste in the temporary crown and seat it back on your tooth.  Call the office at 770-957- 5214 so we can schedule you to re-cement the temporary crown.  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. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 770-957- 5214.

Extractions

After tooth extraction, it is normal to feel discomfort and to experience some swelling. Follow directions of your analgesics that we prescribed. The first week is the worst. It is 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. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not smoke, rinse vigorously, suck on straws, or drink alcohol for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow the healing process. Also, limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

You may use an ice pack, 5 mins on and 10 mins off the area to help with initial swelling. Sleep with head slightly elevated the first night.

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.  You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.  Take medications only as they are directed.

Root Canal

After a root canal procedure, you may have slight pressure or mild discomfort due to tissue inflammation for a few days.  This is managed by over the counter pain medications.  If discomfort worsens or swelling occurs, call our office at 770-957- 5214.