Post-Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction Care
Experiencing mild discomfort or bite-related issues following cosmetic dental reconstruction is completely normal. Your brain may need time to adjust to changes in your bite alignment or the thickness of your new restorations. If you feel any high spots or continue to have bite-related concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (330) 628-0066 to schedule an adjustment appointment.
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is also common during the healing process, especially after the removal of tooth structure. This sensitivity typically fades with time. Additionally, your gums may feel sore for a few days. To reduce discomfort and swelling, rinse your mouth with warm salt water (mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times daily. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) can be taken every 3–4 hours to help manage any lingering pain.
Adjusting to Your New Dental Work
It’s completely normal to experience temporary changes in speech or increased saliva production during the first few days after receiving new dental work. These effects typically subside as your mouth adapts. Continue brushing and flossing daily to maintain the longevity of your restorations, and don’t skip regular cleanings to keep plaque at bay and support the ongoing success of your dental work.
To protect your new teeth, avoid hard or sticky foods that can cause damage—such as ice, peanut brittle, beer nuts, sticky candies, fingernails, and pencils. Additionally, limit your intake of stain-causing substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. Smoking can also stain restorations and negatively impact your oral health.
If you play sports, let us know so we can provide a custom mouthguard. For nighttime teeth grinding, consistently wear the night guard provided. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile may take time, but if you have concerns or questions, please reach out to us—we’re here to help.
Caring for Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are typically completed over two or three appointments. At the initial visit, your teeth will be prepared, and impressions will be taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect your teeth while your permanent restorations are being made. If you experience numbness from anesthesia, avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until full sensation returns.
If a temporary crown becomes dislodged, contact our office at (330) 628-0066 and bring it with you so we can reattach it. Keeping the temporary in place prevents surrounding teeth from shifting and ensures the proper fit of your final restoration.
Avoid sticky or hard foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth to protect the temporary. Brush as usual, but floss carefully to prevent loosening it. Some sensitivity to pressure or temperature may occur after each visit—this typically subsides within a few weeks. Use mild pain relievers as recommended to ease discomfort.
If your bite feels uneven, you experience persistent pain, or have any concerns, please call us.
Post-Tooth Extraction Instructions
Proper healing after a tooth extraction starts with forming a blood clot to stop bleeding. Bite down on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes right after the procedure. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and bite down firmly again. This may need to be repeated a few times.
Once a clot forms, protect it. For the next 72 hours, avoid vigorous rinsing, drinking through straws, smoking, consuming alcohol, or brushing near the extraction site, as these actions can dislodge the clot. Also avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours to reduce bleeding risk.
Some swelling and discomfort are expected. Use an ice pack or frozen vegetables on the affected area to reduce swelling. Take prescribed pain medication as directed. If discomfort continues or worsens, call our office. If antibiotics were prescribed, complete the full course even if symptoms improve.
On the day of the extraction, stay hydrated and eat soft, nourishing foods. Return to normal eating as you feel able. After 24 hours, resume brushing and flossing daily to aid healing and maintain oral hygiene.
You should start to feel better in a few days. If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, swelling lasting more than 2–3 days, or an adverse reaction to medication, call our office at (330) 628-0066 immediately.
Aftercare Instructions for Dental Fillings
Following a filling, it’s important to adhere to Dr. Rob’s instructions to ensure the best results. If you have questions or need to schedule a follow-up, call our office at (330) 628-0066.
While numb, avoid hot drinks and alcohol. Numbness may last several hours, during which you're at increased risk of biting your cheek or tongue or burning your mouth.
For discomfort, take Ibuprofen or another pain reliever as recommended for up to five days. Mild sensitivity is common after a filling. If sensitivity lasts beyond a week, it may be due to a high spot on the filling, which we can easily adjust.
Should sensitivity continue for more than five days, or if you experience other issues, contact us for a re-evaluation. Our team at Dennis Dental Care is always here to support your oral health needs.
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