Patient Information: Home Care InstructionsAfter Cosmetic Smile ReconstructionRemember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the size or position of the teeth is changed, it takes several days for the brain to recognize the changes as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office so we can schedule an evaluation and adjustment appointment.
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 sensitive in the meantime. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day may reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort. Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and begin speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth and should return to normal in about a week. Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new restorations. 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 and substances (such as nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies (such as taffy or chewing gum). Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries. If you engage in sports, let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard for you. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions. After Crown and Bridge AppointmentsCrowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and impressions 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 and avoid biting your lips, cheeks, or tongue until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. If this happens, call us as soon as possible 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. Pulling up on the floss may dislodge the temporary, so pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown instead. Should the temporary dislodge and come off, remember it is on only temporarily and is intentionally placed for easy removal. A small amount of toothpaste inside the temporary crown will keep it in place until you are able to contact the office for recementation. 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. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (210) 648-4411. After Tooth ExtractionAfter 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. If after four (4) hours the site is still oozing bright red blood, replace the gauze with a moistened tea bag for ten (10) minutes.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids in the healing process. 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 interrupt the healing process. 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, it is normal feel some pain 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. Take pain medications as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. 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 feel comfortable to do so. It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. This will aid the healing process and help keep your mouth fresh and clean. After a few days, you should 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 your medication, call our office immediately at (210) 648-4411. After Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored Fillings)When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for up to 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, or pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold becomes more severe, 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 your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (210) 648-4411. |
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