Important guidelines for your post-treatment care to ensure a smooth recovery and lasting results.
After Cosmetic Reconstruction
Adjustment Period: Expect several days for your brain to adjust to the new bite/teeth position. Call 510-505-0123 for adjustment appointments if high spots or problems persist.
Sensitivity: Hot and cold sensitivity is normal. Use warm salt water rinses (1 tsp salt in a cup of warm water, 3 times/day) to reduce pain and swelling. Mild pain medication (Tylenol or Ibuprofen/Motrin every 3-4 hours) can ease discomfort.
Speech & Salivation: Speech may be affected and increased salivation is normal initially; both should subside within about a week as your brain adapts.
Oral Hygiene: Daily brushing and flossing are essential for new dental work and long-term success, along with regular cleaning appointments.
Diet & Habits: Avoid hard foods (beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, pencils) and sticky candies. Minimize or avoid staining foods like coffee, red wine, tea, and berries. Smoking will stain new teeth.
Protective Gear: Inform the office for a custom mouthguard if you play sports. Wear the provided night guard if you grind your teeth.
After Crown and Bridge Appointments
Procedure: Typically involves 2-3 appointments: preparation, molds, temporary crown/bridge placement, and final restoration.
Numbness: Expect numbness in the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth due to anesthesia. Avoid eating and hot beverages until numbness completely wears off.
Temporary Crown Care: If a temporary crown comes off, call 510-505-0123 and bring it for re-cementation. It's crucial for preventing other teeth from shifting.
Diet & Flossing: Avoid sticky foods (gum) and hard foods. Chew on the opposite side if possible. Brush normally, but floss carefully by pulling the floss out from the side of the temporary crown, not pulling up.
Sensitivity: Temperature and pressure sensitivity is normal after appointments and should subside within a few weeks after final restoration. Mild pain medications can be used as directed.
After Tooth Extraction
Blood Clot Formation: Essential for healing. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If bleeding persists, replace with a new gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes, repeating as needed.
Protecting the Clot (72 hours): Do not disturb or dislodge the clot. Avoid vigorous rinsing, sucking on straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing teeth directly next to the extraction site for 72 hours.
Physical Activity: Limit vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours to prevent increased blood pressure and bleeding.
Pain & Swelling: Expect some pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack or unopened bag of frozen peas/corn to the area to minimize swelling. Take pain medications as prescribed. Swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Medication & Diet: Use pain medication as directed; call 510-505-0123 if it's not working. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them for the full duration. Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious soft food on the day of extraction.
Oral Hygiene: Resume your normal dental routine (brushing and flossing at least once a day) after 24 hours to speed healing and keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)
Numbness: Lips and tongue may be numb for several hours. Avoid chewing and hot beverages until numbness completely wears off, as it's easy to bite or burn your tongue/lip.
Sensitivity: Hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity is normal. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol, or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed) can alleviate tenderness. Contact 510-505-0123 if sensitivity persists beyond a few days or increases.
Chewing: You can chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, as they are fully set when you leave the office.
Have Questions or Concerns?
Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or need further assistance with your recovery.