HOme Care Instructions
After Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction
Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new 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 of your teeth. If you continue to detect any high spots or concerns with your bite, please call our office atNorth Sioux Dental Clinic Phone Number (605) 232-8802 so we can address your concerns.
It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity on new restorations. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm saltwater rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will help reduce discomfort and promote healing. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) every 3-4 hours) should also help ease any residual discomfort.
Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal within a short period of time.
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 new teeth. Avoid hard foods such as some nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth just like your natural teeth. Minimize foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.
Let us know if you participate in sports so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, it will be recommended that you wear a special custom fabricated night guard. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take some time. Please let us know if you have any concerns.
AFTER CROWN AND BRIDGE APPOINTMENTS
Many DENTAL CROWNS and DENTAL BRIDGES procedures take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and impressions and photographs 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 chewing until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally a temporary crown or bridge may come off before the final appointment. Please 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.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity will generally subside in a short period of time after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at North Sioux Dental Clinic Phone Number North Sioux Dental Clinic Phone Number (605) 232-8802.
After Tooth Extraction
After, tooth extraction it’s important for a blood clot to form to begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If 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 rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow down the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more oozing from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some discomfort and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
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 fluid 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. Please call our office if you have any additional concerns, please call North Sioux Dental Clinic Phone Number (605) 232-8802.
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 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 it is still sleeping.
It is normal to experience some mild hot, cold or pressure sensitivity after your dental filling appointment. The area where the anesthetic was placed may also be tender. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) may work well to alleviate this tenderness.
You may chew with your new composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic has completely worn off.
If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days, sensitivity to hot or cold increases, or if your bite feels uneven please contact our office (605) 232-8802 for further assistance.