
Post-Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction Care
It’s normal to need time to adjust to the feel of your new bite after cosmetic dental reconstruction. When the bite or position of your teeth changes, it may take several days for your brain to recognize the new alignment or thickness as normal. If you notice any high spots or ongoing issues with your bite, please contact our office at Mogadore, OH Phone Number (330) 628-0066 schedule an adjustment appointment.
Some sensitivity to hot and cold is also expected as your teeth heal following the removal of tooth structure. This sensitivity should decrease over time. Additionally, your gums might be sore for a few days. To alleviate pain and swelling, rinse with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day. Taking a mild pain reliever, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin), every 3-4 hours can help manage any residual discomfort.
Adjusting to Your New Dental Work
Don't worry if your speech is affected during the first few days; you'll soon adapt and speak normally. You may also notice increased salivation as your brain adjusts to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should normalize within about a week.
Maintaining daily brushing and flossing is essential for the longevity of your new dental work. Regular plaque removal and routine cleaning appointments are crucial for the ongoing success of your new teeth.
Be cautious with foods that can crack, chip, or damage natural teeth, as they can also affect your new dental work. Avoid hard items like beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils, as well as sticky candies. Smoking can stain your new teeth, so minimize or avoid stain-causing foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries.
If you play sports, let us know so we can provide a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, use the night guard we supplied. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any issues or concerns, please contact us—we are always here to answer your questions.
Care Instructions for Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges typically require two or three appointments to complete. During the first visit, your teeth will be prepared, and molds of your mouth will be taken. Temporary crowns or bridges will be placed to protect your teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Because anesthesia is used, your tongue, lips, and the roof of your mouth may feel numb. Please avoid eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off completely.
If a temporary crown comes off, please call us at (330) 628-0066 and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. Keeping the temporary in place is crucial as it helps prevent other teeth from shifting and ensures a proper fit for your final restoration.
To maintain the temporary crown, avoid sticky foods (like gum) and hard substances, and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Continue to brush your teeth as usual, but floss carefully to avoid dislodging the temporary crown. Don’t pull up on the floss; instead, pull it out from the side.
It’s normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. This sensitivity should diminish within a few weeks after the final restoration is placed. Mild pain medications, as directed by our office, can help manage any discomfort.
If your bite feels uneven, you experience persistent pain, or you have any other questions or concerns, please contact our office at (330) 628-0066
Post-Tooth Extraction Care Instructions
After a tooth extraction, forming a blood clot is crucial for stopping bleeding and starting the healing process. To facilitate this, bite down on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately following the procedure. If bleeding or oozing persists, replace the gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this several times.
Once the blood clot forms, it's essential to avoid disturbing it to support proper healing. For the next 72 hours, do not rinse your mouth vigorously, use straws, smoke, consume alcohol, or brush the teeth near the extraction site. These actions can dislodge or dissolve the clot, impeding the healing process. Also, limit vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours to avoid increased blood pressure, which could lead to additional bleeding.
You may experience some pain and swelling after the extraction. Applying an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn to the area can help minimize swelling. Follow your prescribed pain medication regimen, and if you find it ineffective, contact our office at (330) 628-0066. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue taking them for the full course, even if symptoms improve.
On the day of the extraction, focus on drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious, soft foods. Resume your normal eating habits as soon as you are comfortable. After 24 hours, return to your regular dental routine, including brushing and flossing at least once a day, to speed up healing and maintain oral hygiene.
You should feel better and be able to resume normal activities after a few days. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, persistent swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, contact our office immediately at (330) 628-0066.
Post-Op Instructions for Fillings
Dr. Rob has provided important instructions to follow after receiving a dental filling. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maximize the benefits of your treatment. If you have any questions or wish to make an appointment with our dentist in Mogadore, OH, please call us at (330) 628-0066.
It’s essential to be cautious while you’re still numb. Avoid drinking alcohol or hot liquids until the numbness subsides, which could last for several hours. During this time, you won’t have normal pressure or temperature sensation, which increases the risk of accidentally burning your mouth or biting the inside of your cheek.
For pain management, take Ibuprofen or another recommended pain reliever for five days. Post-operative sensitivity is a common response after receiving a filling. However, if the sensitivity persists beyond a week, we may need to recheck your bite. Sometimes the filling may be slightly too high, and adjusting it can alleviate any ongoing discomfort.
If sensitivity continues for more than five days, please contact us for a re-evaluation. For any other questions regarding post-operative care for dental fillings, feel free to reach out to Dennis Dental Care, and one of our team members will be happy to assist you.