Aftercare Instructions

Crowns and Bridges may take one to three visits to complete. The dentist will inform you of your treatment options and the time needed to complete the procedure. You may have some sensitivity following treatment with tenderness around the gum and tooth for a day or two. If the tenderness or sensitivity lasts longer than this please contact our office. If anesthesia is used, avoid chewing, biting, and eating until the numbness has worn off. If you have a temporary placed eat softer foods and avoid foods that are particularly crunchy, chewy or hard. If the temporary restorations become loose or break, please call us immediately.

Carefully clean around the restoration, brushing and flossing daily. When flossing, take extra care not to loosen the temporary restoration by removing the floss too roughly. You can slowly thread the floss out by one end if necessary to avoid too much pressure on the temporary.

Once your final restoration has been placed avoid chewing on hard, crunchy or sticky foods for 24 hours in order to give time for the cement to fully bond. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods is not unusual and should dissipate after a few weeks. If sensitivity lasts more than six weeks please let the office know, although this happens infrequently.

Ongoing care for your restoration includes brushing your teeth after every meal and snack, and flossing at least once a day before bedtime. Rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash with also help to remove any additional particles that may have been missed during brushing and flossing.

Please call our office if you are in pain or have any questions regarding your treatment.

Do not eat or chew until any numbness from anesthesia has worn off. If you are supervising a child who had treatment, make certain that they are not eating or chewing while numb. Please make sure they do not bite their lips or tongue as it can cause serious injury to their soft tissue. Avoid sticky, crunchy or hard foods for 24 hours.

Sensitivity to cold and heat, as well as any soreness, shouldn’t last more than a few days. Please call our office if you experience pain or discomfort for more than a few days.

Immediately following surgery, keep the gauze pad placed over the surgical area with pressure applied by biting down until the bleeding stops. A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following a surgical procedure. Placing the gauze pad over the area and biting firmly may control excessive bleeding. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Repeat as necessary within a one-hour period following surgery.

If you have been prescribed pain medication besides aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), do not drive, operate heavy equipment, work around machinery or tools or engage in any other activity that may be unsafe when groggy, as your reflexes and judgment will be affected by the medication. Do not take more than 800mg every 4-6 hours. Medication should not be taken on an empty stomach. If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the medicine as directed. Antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection.

Swelling around the face, eyes and surgical site is not uncommon. This swelling may not appear until the day following the surgery and may become more noticeable two to three days following surgery. You can help to minimize the swelling by applying a cold compress on the face near the extraction site alternating on for 20 minutes then off for 20 minutes. After 36 hours the ice will have no further impact on swelling. After this period, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face can help reduce swelling.

For 24 hours following your surgery, do not suck on a straw, brush, rinse, spit, or smoke. Avoid hot and spicy foods, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. During the first few days after surgery restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods such as soups, yogurt, juice, and smoothies. Restrict your activities on the day of your surgery, avoid excessive work or play and resume normal activity the following day as tolerated.

After the first day, gently rinse with a warm salt water rinse, approximately one-half teaspoon of salt in an eight ounce glass of water, three times a day.

If any sutures were required, they will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. It will not be necessary to return to the office for sutures to be removed.

Children should be supervised after having an extraction to make sure they do not bite or their tongue or lips as it can cause serious injury to their soft tissue.

Please call our office if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding or swelling, or if you have any questions or concerns. In the event of an emergency, please call our office. If you are experiencing a serious or life threatening emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

• Please do not wear the removable tooth-replacement appliance, unless you specifically have been requested to do so. Be sure to follow the directions given to you.
• Many people experience a headache following the procedure. This is typically of no significance and the prescribed medication usually brings relief.
• Consume a cold diet the day of surgery (ice cream, yogurt, milk shakes). For the following 14 days you should have a soft diet with plenty of protein (fish, pasta, eggs, overcooked meat and vegetables) and fluids (vitamin water). Avoid crispy and sticky foods (toast, chips, nuts, bagels, popcorn, cookies, dry fruit) and stay away from carbonated or acidic drinks (soda, fruit juices). Try chewing mostly on the untreated side and remember not to suck through a straw following surgery (that will dislodge the clot that’s being formed).
• Brush and floss all areas of the mouth, except the surgical site, as directed. You can start cleansing the surgical site within 24 hours using the prescribed rinse (Chlorhexidine/Peridex) twice daily. At 1 day following the procedure, a Q-tip may be used to clean the teeth in the area.
• Avoid excessive exertion for forty-eight (48) hours following surgery (no running, swimming, or lifting weights).

Medications

Please follow the instructions on any prescribed medications very carefully.

1. Prescriptions given for discomfort need to be taken only as long as you feel that you need them. However, take the combined Advil and Tylenol described below for at least four (4) days, whether you have discomfort or not. This will minimize swelling and improve healing.
2. Antibiotic prescriptions, including mouth rinses, should be used as directed. This is very important.
3. Take 2 tablets of Advil 200mg and 2 tablets of Tylenol 325mg together every 6
   hours. Do this, whether or not you are in pain, for four (4) days. If you are still in discomfort 1-2 hours after taking the Advil and Tylenol combination, you may take the prescription medication (Vicodin, Percocet) we may have prescribed for you à you may than fall back on the Advil/Tylenol combination after 6 hours. Remember, you cannot drive or operate machinery after taking this narcotic (Vicodin, Percocet), since it will make you drowsy. At night, before going to bed, consider taking the pain medication (Vicodin, Percocet) prescribed instead of the Advil/Tylenol combination for a good night sleep. Remember to add an Advil 200mg to the narcotic and the anti-nausea medication (Compazine 10mg, if prescribed) for optimal results.
4. Take the antibiotic medication with a probiotic yogurt (live enzymes; i.e. Dannon Activia) to maintain the natural balance of your gastro-intestinal flora. A great alternative, if you can’t have yogurt, are Culturelle capsules made specifically for use with antibiotic treatment (available at drug/health stores, or online).
5. Start the Peridex rinse after 24 hours have passed, and use it twice daily for 2 weeks following brushing and flossing.

Smoking can be very damaging to healing and should be avoided. Alcohol consumption should be deferred to 24 hours, or as directed on your prescription bottles.

Please remember that we are always available for advice.

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• The sutures should remain intact until removed in the office. Please call if any loosen.
• Please wear temporary tooth replacement appliances only as directed. Excess pressure can cause severe complications.
• Swelling and discomfort can be minimized by holding an ice pack on the outside of your face, adjacent to the treated area. This should be done for several hours (4 hours is best), keeping the cold on for ten minutes and removing it for ten minutes.
• Swelling does not usually mean that there is an infection. If mild swelling and puffiness does occur after the first day, apply warm compresses (preferably moist) to the affected area. Swelling usually peaks on the third day after the treatment.
• Consume a cold diet the day of surgery (ice cream, yogurt, milk shakes). For the following 14 days you should have a soft diet with plenty of protein (fish, pasta, eggs, overcooked meat and vegetables) and fluids (vitamin water). Avoid crispy and sticky foods (toast, chips, nuts, bagels, popcorn, cookies, dry fruit) and stay away from carbonated or acidic drinks (soda, fruit juices). Try chewing mostly on the untreated side and remember not to suck through a straw following surgery (that will dislodge the clot that’s being formed).
• Brush and floss all areas of the mouth, except the surgical site, as directed. You can start cleansing the surgical site within 24 hours using the prescribed rinse (Chlorhexidine/Peridex) twice daily. At 1 day following the procedure, a Q-tip may be used to clean the teeth in the area.
• Avoid excessive exertion for forty-eight (48) hours following surgery (no running, swimming, or lifting weights).

Medications

Please follow the instructions on any prescribed medications very carefully.

1. Prescriptions given for discomfort need to be taken only as long as you feel that you need them. However, take the combined Advil and Tylenol described below for at least four (4) days, whether you have discomfort or not. This will minimize swelling and improve healing.
2. Antibiotic prescriptions, including mouth rinses, should be used as directed. This is very important.
3. Take 2 tablets of Advil 200mg and 2 tablets of Tylenol 325mg together every 6
   hours. Do this, whether or not you are in pain, for four (4) days. If you are still in discomfort 1-2 hours after taking the Advil and Tylenol combination, you may take the prescription medication (Vicodin, Percocet) we may have prescribed for you à you may than fall back on the Advil/Tylenol combination after 6 hours. Remember, you cannot drive or operate machinery after taking this narcotic (Vicodin, Percocet), since it will make you drowsy. At night, before going to bed, consider taking the pain medication (Vicodin, Percocet) prescribed instead of the Advil/Tylenol combination for a good night sleep. Remember to add an Advil 200mg to the narcotic and the anti-nausea medication (Compazine 10mg, if prescribed) for optimal results.
4. Take the antibiotic medication with a probiotic yogurt (live enzymes; i.e. Dannon Activia) to maintain the natural balance of your gastro-intestinal flora. A great alternative, if you can’t have yogurt, are Culturelle capsules made specifically for use with antibiotic treatment (available at drug/health stores, or online).
5. Start the Peridex rinse after 24 hours have passed, and use it twice daily for 2 weeks following brushing and flossing.

Smoking can be very damaging to healing and should be avoided. Alcohol consumption should be deferred to 24 hours, or as directed on your prescription bottles.

Your success or lack thereof will be determined by how well you follow and adhere to these instructions.

Click Here to print these instructions.

• Swelling and discomfort can be minimized by holding an ice pack on the outside of your face, adjacent to the treated area. This should be done for several hours (4 hours is best), keeping the cold on for ten minutes and removing it for ten minutes.
• Swelling does not usually mean that there is an infection. If mild swelling and puffiness does occur after the first day, apply warm compresses (preferably moist) to the affected area. Swelling usually peaks on the third day after the treatment.
• A small amount of blood in the saliva is normal for the first 24 hours. You may consider placing a towel over your pillow the first night. Small amounts of bleeding can also be remedied by biting onto a tea bag for a half hour. If bleeding continues, consider repeating with new tea bags. Excessive bleeding which you can not control with simple pressure is not normal and should be reported immediately.
• A dressing may cover the treated area. It should remain intact and in place until your next appointment. If it should loosen or break apart, you may peel it off in its entirety from the area.
• Consume a cold diet the day of surgery (ice cream, yogurt, milk shakes). For the following 14 days you should have a soft diet with plenty of protein (fish, pasta, eggs, overcooked meat and vegetables) and fluids (vitamin water). Avoid crispy and sticky foods (toast, chips, nuts, bagels, popcorn, cookies, dry fruit) and stay away from carbonated or acidic drinks (soda, fruit juices). Try chewing mostly on the untreated side and remember not to suck through a straw following surgery (that will dislodge the clot that’s being formed).
• Brush and floss all areas of the mouth, except the surgical site, as directed. You can start cleansing the surgical site within 24 hours using the prescribed rinse (Chlorhexidine/Peridex) twice daily. At 1 day following the procedure, a Q-tip may be used to clean the teeth in the area.
• Avoid excessive exertion for forty-eight (48) hours following surgery (no running, swimming, or lifting weights).

Medications

Please follow the instructions on any prescribed medications very carefully.

1. Prescriptions given for discomfort need to be taken only as long as you feel that you need them. However, take the combined Advil and Tylenol described below for at least four (4) days, whether you have discomfort or not. This will minimize swelling and improve healing.
2. Antibiotic prescriptions, including mouth rinses, should be used as directed. This is very important.
3. Take 2 tablets of Advil 200mg and 2 tablets of Tylenol 325mg together every 6
   hours. Do this, whether or not you are in pain, for four (4) days. If you are still in discomfort 1-2 hours after taking the Advil and Tylenol combination, you may take the prescription medication (Vicodin, Percocet) we may have prescribed for you à you may than fall back on the Advil/Tylenol combination after 6 hours. Remember, you cannot drive or operate machinery after taking this narcotic (Vicodin, Percocet), since it will make you drowsy. At night, before going to bed, consider taking the pain medication (Vicodin, Percocet) prescribed instead of the Advil/Tylenol combination for a good night sleep. Remember to add an Advil 200mg to the narcotic and the anti-nausea medication (Compazine 10mg, if prescribed) for optimal results.
4. Take the antibiotic medication with a probiotic yogurt (live enzymes; i.e. Dannon Activia) to maintain the natural balance of your gastro-intestinal flora. A great alternative, if you can’t have yogurt, are Culturelle capsules made specifically for use with antibiotic treatment (available at drug/health stores, or online).
5. Start the Chlorhexidine rinse after 24 hours have passed, and use it twice daily for 2 weeks following brushing and flossing.

Smoking can be very damaging to healing and should be avoided. Alcohol consumption should be deferred to 24 hours, or as directed on your prescription bottles.

Please remember that we are always available for advice.

Click Here to print these instructions.

You may have discomfort for a few days after receiving your final dentures or partials. Dentures and partials will often need several adjustments in order to fit comfortably. To help adjust to your dentures you can practice reading aloud for a little while each day. At night you should remove your dentures and clean them. They should be stored in a clean container filled with denture cleaning solution. Dentures should be removed for at least 6 hours a day to give your mouth and gums time to rest. Food particles can become trapped under dentures causing inflammation or sore spots. Brush the roof of your mouth, your tongue and lightly brush your gums after removing your dentures.

Ongoing care for your restoration includes brushing your teeth and surrounding tissues after every meal and snack, and flossing at least once a day before bedtime unless you have full dentures, in which case brushing them is very important. Rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash will also help to remove any additional particles that may have been missed during brushing and flossing.

You should visit our office at least once a year to have your dentures or partial adjusted and checked by the doctor. Wearing ill-fitting dentures or partials without proper care and adjustment can cause severe bone loss and very serious oral disease. Please call our office at the first signs of any symptoms or if you are experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort.

Scaling and root planing therapy includes removing tartar and bacterial plaque from the root surface below the gum line. This helps reduce inflammation and infection and improves the depth of periodontal pockets, therefore allowing more efficient flossing and brushing.

For the first 24 hours you may experience some cold and heat sensitivity. Do not eat, drink, chew or consume hot foods or beverages until the numbness has worn off following anesthetic. Avoid vigorous physical exercise as well as foods and are extremely hot or spicy for the first 24 hours. Do not consume alcoholic beverages or smoke for at least 48 hours. Some bleeding following a deep cleaning is normal, but if you experience excessive bleeding please call our office.

You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to the instructions on the label or those provided by your doctor as needed. A warm salt water rinse, approximately one teaspoon in an eight ounce glass of water, three times a day can be helpful. Brush and floss gently following a deep cleaning, resuming normal brushing and flossing when the soreness is gone.

Follow any other instructions provided by our office on your visit. Please take all medications as prescribed.

For the first 48 Hours Following Bleaching:

Teeth are more susceptible to staining for 48 hours after bleaching treatments. For the 48 hours after whitening, it is best to avoid dark-colored food or beverages that can stain your teeth. Any item that can stain your clothes, can also stain your teeth.

Avoid: berries, cola or other dark sodas, red wine, coffee and tea, tobacco and ketchup, soy or other dark sauces.

Using Your Custom Trays:

Follow the instructions given by our office, placing the bleaching gel in the center of each tooth position on the tray so that the gel will rest against the anterior surface of the teeth once it is placed in your mouth. Wear trays for the recommended time. Rinse the mouth and gently remove any gel remaining on your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush. Clean the trays.