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Home Care Instructions
Home Care Instructions
After Your Cosmetic Reconstruction
We kindly remind you that you will need some time to get used to the sensation of your new bite. When the bite is adjusted, or the position of your teeth is altered, it takes a few days for your brain to acknowledge the new position of your teeth or their thickness as typical. Should you notice any high spots or encounter any issues with your bite, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 250-585-2185 so that we can arrange an adjustment appointment for you.
It’s common to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold. After tooth material extraction, the teeth require a period to recover and may experience temporary sensitivity. Your gums may also feel tender for a few days. It is recommended to perform saltwater rinses, created by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, three times a day to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Additionally, taking a mild pain reliever such as a Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) tablet every 3-4 hours can help manage persistent discomfort.
Please don’t be alarmed if you notice changes in your speech during the initial days. You will soon adjust, and your speech will revert to its usual state. You may also experience increased salivation, which results from your brain adapting to your teeth’ new size and shape. This should return to normal within about a week.
Maintaining your new dental work requires daily brushing and flossing. Consistent daily removal of plaque, coupled with routine dental cleanings, is vital for the enduring success of your new dental work.
Avoid foods that could crack, chip, or damage a natural tooth, as they can also affect your new teeth. Steer clear of hard foods and substances such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, pencils, and sticky candies. It’s important to note that smoking can stain your new teeth, so minimizing or avoiding foods that can cause staining, such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries, is best.
Please let us know if you are active in sports so we can create a personalized mouthguard. If night-time teeth grinding is an issue for you, use the night guard we have given you. Getting used to your new smile’s appearance and sensation might take a little while. If you encounter any issues or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know. We always welcome any questions you may have.
After Crown And Bridge Appointments
The process of fitting crowns and bridges generally takes two to three sessions. At the first session, your teeth will undergo preparation, and mouth impressions will be captured. While your permanent restorations are being crafted, you will be fitted with provisional crowns or bridges to protect your teeth. The anesthetic used on the teeth may cause numbness in the tongue, lips, and the mouth’s roof. It is wise to avoid eating food and drinking warm beverages until all sensation returns.
If a temporary crown becomes dislodged, please get in touch with us at 250-585-2185 and bring it with you so that we can re-cement it. The temporary crown must stay in position since it prevents the other teeth from moving, which could alter how the final restoration fits.
To ensure the stability of your temporaries, it is recommended that you avoid sticky and hard foods and, whenever possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is also essential to maintain regular brushing habits and floss carefully by pulling the floss out from the side of the temporary crown rather than pulling up on it, as this may dislodge the temporary.
It is expected to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. However, this sensitivity should diminish within a few weeks after the final restoration is placed. Additionally, mild pain medications may be used as directed by our office.
Should you notice any unevenness in your bite or persistent pain or have any other inquiries or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at 250-585-2185.
After Tooth Extractions
After a tooth extraction procedure, forming a blood clot to halt the bleeding and initiate the healing process is crucial. To achieve this, we respectfully ask you to exert pressure on the extraction site by holding a gauze pad between your teeth for 30-45 minutes following your appointment. If bleeding persists, firmly bite on another gauze pad for 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this process several times.
Once the blood clot has formed, it is vital not to disturb or dislodge it, as it is integral to the healing process. For 72 hours, abstain from intense mouthwash use, straw utilization, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and brushing around the extraction site to prevent compromising the clot, which can hinder the healing process. Also, refrain from heavy physical activity for the next 24 hours, which could increase blood pressure and cause more bleeding at the extraction site.
You may experience some discomfort and swelling after the extraction. Placing an ice pack or a closed bag of frozen peas or corn against the area can help diminish swelling. Please take pain medication as prescribed. Typically, swelling subsides after 48 hours.
Follow the instructions for using the pain medication and contact our office at 250-585-2185 if you feel that the medication is not effective. If antibiotics have been prescribed, complete the entire course, even if symptoms of infection disappear. Stay hydrated, consume nutritious soft foods on the extraction day, and return to your regular diet once you feel comfortable.
Once 24 hours have passed, it is important to resume your usual dental care routine, which should encompass at least one session of brushing and flossing your teeth per day. This will promote faster healing and maintain oral hygiene.
After a few days, you should return to normal and resume your regular activities. However, if you’re facing substantial bleeding or severe pain, swelling that persists for 2-3 days, or an adverse reaction to medication, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office without delay at 250-585-2185.
After Composite Fillings (white fillings)
It’s common for your lips and tongue to remain numb for several hours after receiving an anesthetic. To avoid accidental biting or burning, refrain from chewing and consuming hot beverages until the numbness subsides.
Following your appointment, it’s normal to experience sensitivity to heat, cold, and pressure. The injection sites may also feel sore. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol, or aspirin, taken as directed, can effectively alleviate any discomfort. Should you experience persistent pressure sensitivity or heightened sensitivity to temperature, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 250-585-2185.
You may resume chewing with your composite fillings once the anesthetic has completely worn off, as they are fully set by the time you leave the office.
If you notice an uneven bite or persistent pain or have any other concerns or questions, feel free to contact our office at 250-585-2185. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities.
Contact
The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is scheduling an appointment. Please contact our office by phone or complete this appointment request form: