Home Care Instructions

Care of the mouth: Keep gauze pack in the mouth, applying pressure for 30 minutes following extraction. Remove gauze gently and replace with fresh gauze given to you until bleeding stops. Do not rinse your mouth vigorously for at least 24 hours following extraction. After this period, use warm water rinses several times during the day and especially after meals. Brush gently, avoiding surgical site.

Pain: A noticeable throbbing may be expected after anesthetic has worn off, which may be 2-4 hours after the extraction.

Moderate pain: Two aspirin or Tylenol tablets may be taken every 4 hours as needed.

Severe pain: Use prescription as directed. If nausea or dizziness occurs, discontinue use of these drugs and contact our office. If the pain persists more than 24 hours, please call our office.

Bleeding: A slight amount of bleeding is not unusual during the first 24-48 hours. If bleeding fails to stop within a reasonable time, place a roll of sterile gauze or a warm moistened tea bag over the affected area and bite down for 30 minutes, repeat if necessary. Avoid hot liquids and mouth rinses. If bleeding persists, call our office.

Swelling: This is not unusual following surgery. Apply an ice bag externally over the affected area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for 4 hours following surgery.

Bony Edges: Small, sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots. If annoying, please call for an appointment for simple removal.

Diet: Soft foods are advisable for the first 24 hours. Milk, eggs, cheese, meat, fruit juices and water are essential for normal healing.

Numbness: For several hours following extraction, there may be numbness of your lip or tongue. Avoid biting these areas as ulcerations may occur. Especially watch children.

Sutures (Stitches): Sutures will be removed within 7 days following surgery. A future appointment will be given for their simple removal.

Paresthesia: Numbness of the lower lip may be present after removal of lower wisdom teeth (third molars) and from injections. There is a possibility that this may last several months.

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 or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office so we can schedule an 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 interim. 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 will reduce pain and swelling.

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 in about a week. However, every patient is different and it could take a few months to adjust to your new teeth.

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 beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies.

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 that we can make a custom mouth guard. 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.

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds 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 until the numbness is completely worn off.

Occasionally, a temporary crown may come off. 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 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.

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 you are numb.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office.

You may chew with your composite (white) fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office. For silver amalgam fillings, you must wait at least one hour prior to eating anything. After the first hour, avoid chewing on the silver amalgam fillings for the first 24 hrs as they will need to set up completely.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office.