Adjusting to your new bite will take time. It can take several days for your brain to recognize the new position or thickness of your teeth as normal. If you notice any high spots or issues with your bite, please call our office to schedule an adjustment.

​

You may experience some hot and cold sensitivity as your teeth heal after the procedure. This is normal and temporary. Sore gums can be soothed with warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day. Mild pain medications, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, taken every 3-4 hours, can help alleviate any discomfort.

​

If your speech is affected initially, don't worry—it will normalize as you adjust. Increased salivation is also common and should subside within a week.

​

Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining your new dental work. Regular dental cleaning appointments are also crucial for long-term success.

​

Avoid hard and sticky foods that could damage your new teeth, and minimize or avoid foods that stain, such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries. Smoking will also stain your new teeth.

​

If you participate in sports, let us know so we can create a custom mouthguard for you. If you grind your teeth at night, be sure to wear the night guard provided to you. Adjusting to your new smile will take time.

If you have any problems or concerns, please contact us.

​

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

​

Crowns and bridges typically require two or three appointments. During the first visit, your teeth are prepared, and molds are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect your teeth while your custom restoration is made. Because the teeth will be anesthetized, refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off.

​

If a temporary crown comes off, call us and bring the crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is crucial to keep the temporary in place to prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid sticky foods, hard foods, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth if possible. Brush normally but floss carefully to avoid dislodging the temporary crown.

​

Some temperature and pressure sensitivity is normal after each appointment and should subside within a few weeks after the final restoration is placed. Mild pain medications may be used as directed.

​

If your bite feels uneven or you have persistent pain, please call our office.

​

After Tooth Extraction

​

After a tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze and bite firmly for another 30 minutes, repeating if necessary.

​

Do not disturb the blood clot by rinsing vigorously, sucking on straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. Limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours to prevent increased bleeding.

​

You may experience some pain and swelling after the extraction. Apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas to the area to minimize swelling. Take pain medications as prescribed. Swelling typically subsides after 48 hours.

​

Continue taking antibiotics for the prescribed length of time, even if symptoms of infection are gone. Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious soft foods on the day of the extraction. Resume normal eating as soon as you are comfortable.

​

Resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours to speed healing and keep your mouth fresh and clean.

​

If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

​

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

​

After receiving composite fillings, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours. Avoid chewing and hot beverages until the numbness wears off to prevent biting or burning yourself.

​

Some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity is normal after the appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin can help alleviate tenderness.

​

You can chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic wears off since they are fully set when you leave the office.

​

If your bite feels uneven or you have persistent pain, contact our office with any questions or concerns.