Post-Treatment Instructions

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new, improved 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 and shape of your teeth as normal. We have done extensive training to improve your bite and create a predictable healthy and stress free position for the jaw, muscles and teeth. Typically we plan for some refinement as your muscles relax into the improved position of the teeth. If you detect any high spots or discomfort with your bite, please call our office and have your follow up appointment scheduled sooner so refinement and adjustments can be made.

Any time teeth are treated, there has been trauma to the body and it is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be slightly sensitive in the interim. The amount of repair required is correlated to the amount of sensitivity sometimes experienced. Our office has the most current equipment and technology that speed up treatment time, cools teeth during treatment, and minimizes post treatment symptoms. Your gums may also be tender for a few days if therapy was performed. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will promote quicker healing. A mild pain medication (Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 4-6 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.

Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your newly restored teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as corn nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries to maintain the most beautiful results. We also offer more frequent polishing if you need a touch up between regular cleanings.

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 we have provided for you, or inquire if this may be a benefit for you. This will be your best insurance policy. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.

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

Occasionally a temporary crown may come off with eating sticky foods. Call us if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

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 and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown. If you have temporary provisionals on your front teeth, avoid using these temporaries to bite. These temporaries are often very thin and are designed to look great and protect the underlying teeth and not for function during this phase of treatment. We do want to know how you are feeling about your front temporaries and will frequently schedule a design approval appointment to discuss your feelings about the length, shape and color.

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. 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. It is normal to notice a small amount of blood in your saliva when brushing during the first 24 hours, but if you are needing to repeat the direct pressure with gauze beyond the first 2 hours, please call our office.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, spit aggressively, smoke, drink alcohol or brush the tooth surface next to the extraction site for 2 weeks. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process and can cause pain. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. In some cases we will provide antibiotics for you as well. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. We have found that if you take your pain medicine routinely every 6 hours for the first 2 to 3 days (or as specified by the doctor) there is very little pain experienced. Do not wait until you have pain to take your initially prescribed pain medicine. After the first 3 days typically you can take the pain medicine as needed for discomfort. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours. If after a few days you develop a fever, or have increased pain, please call the office, you may need some additional medication.

Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food the on the day of extraction. Avoid particle-like food such as chips or peanuts that might become lodged in the extraction sites for 2 weeks. After this initial 2 week healing period you can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental hygiene routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days typically you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 925-938-6000.

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. 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 & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin as directed 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 you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 925-938-6000.