Our Patient Resource Center

Home Care Instructions

After some dental procedures, you could experience some side effects the days following your visit. Some side effects include teeth sensitivity, sore gums, or increased salivation. Rinsing with a saltwater rinse can help most of these symptoms disappear altogether. For some dental procedures, you may have a longer recovery time - those are listed below.

• Crown and Bridge Appointments

  Crowns and bridges usually take a few visits to complete. During the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed onto the teeth to protect them while the final restoration is being made. During the procedure, your tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb since the teeth will be anesthetized. It is important to refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is worn off completely.

  Sometimes, a temporary crown can come off. If this occurs, please call our office and we will re-cement the crown. It is important for the temporary to stay in place because it will prevent other teeth from moving. In order to keep your temporaries in place, you should avoid eating sticky and hard foods. You should brush normally but floss carefully.

  Sensitivity is normal to experience after these appointments and should subside in a few weeks. You can always take mild pain medications to decrease the pain. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office.

• Tooth Extraction

  After having a tooth extracted, a blood clot needs to form in order to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. You’ll be asked to bite down on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If bleeding or oozing persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another half hour. This may need to be done several times.

  Once the blood clot forms, it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot while it heals. You should avoid rinsing aggressively, sucking through straws, smoking, drinking alcohol and brushing teeth next to the extraction site for the next 72 hours. You should also consider limiting exercise for the next 24 hours since it can cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

  Some pain and swelling is normal after having a tooth extracted. You can use an ice pack to keep swelling at a minimum and take pain medications as prescribed. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots 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 have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

• Composite Fillings and Metal Restorations

  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.

  Sensitivity is normal after your appointment and injection sites can be sore. Every 3-4 hours, you can take an over-the-counter pain killer to help with the pain. If it persists, contact our office.