Post-Op Instructions

Anesthetic:

• There are several kinds of anesthetic used depending on health conditions and where the tooth is located. Some types wear off quicker than others.
• If you are still experiencing numbness following your appointment, be cautious and avoid hot foods and liquids

Deep scaling and root planing (periodontal procedure):

• If you are having discomfort following a periodontal scaling and root planing appointment, a warm salt water rinse (1 tsp. salt to 1 cup water) and 800 mg. of Ibuprofen will help

Extractions:

• Bite down on the folded gauze over the extraction site until bleeding has stopped
• Eat soft food for the next meal
• Do not smoke or use a straw for twenty_four hours following the extraction so the area can clot

Fillings:

• If you had a silver filling done it needs time to harden. Eat soft foods for your next meal.
• If you had a tooth colored filling done it is as hard as it will get. You can eat anything you want.

Fluoride (prescription):

• Prevident Gel is used at night. After you have brushed and flossed, brush with the gel, spit, don’t rinse, nothing to eat or drink for thirty minutes.
• Prevident 5000 is used in place of toothpaste twice a day

Guard for TMJ/bruxism and partial dentures:

• Appliances are fragile and slippery when wet
• When cleaning, hold in the palm of your hand over a sink filled with water or with a washcloth lining the bottom
• Brush with a toothbrush to remove particles and food debris
• Rinse
• When it is not in your mouth keep it in the case provided to you

Implants:

• Following cementation be aware of your bite. If you notice your implant crown hitting harder than your natural teeth, please let us know. It will need to be adjusted.

Porcelain crowns or veneers on front teeth:

• Do not use these teeth to bite into foods (carrots, apples, corn on the cob) or to tear food such as beef jerky. Cut into smaller bite size pieces.

Removable partial dentures:

• DO clean denture every day
• DO rinse denture after eating
• DO soak in water or a cleansing solution when it is out of your mouth (night time)
• DON’T use household cleaners or abrasives
• DON’T try to remove stains with steel wool, emery boards, sandpaper or other materials that could scratch your denture and affect their fit
• DON’T try to adjust or repair your own partial

Teeth whitening instructions:

*If your teeth are extremely sensitive to cold you may benefit from using fluoride two weeks prior to using the whitening product*

• Replace the cap on the end of the syringe with the mixing tip
• Slowly push the plunger to release small dots of solution into the bleach trays
• Pull back slightly on plunger (helps prevent solution from leaking)
• Place plastic cap over end of syringe
• Store in a drawer or medicine cabinet
• Insert trays
• Using a Q-tip or Kleenex remove any excess material on your gums
• Leave trays in place for 30-45 minutes twice a day for two weeks when using the Day White solution
• If you have issues with sensitivity (which goes away when bleaching process is completed) you can use the trays and material every other day

Temporary crowns and bridges:

These are designed to protect the remaining tooth structure until the lab designs and delivers the crown that will be seated with a long lasting cement. Temporary crowns also hold the space open so the tooth on either side doesn't shift towards the opening.

• Avoid sticky foods such as candy and gum
• Do not pop the floss up between the temporary and a natural tooth
• Guide the floss down and then pull it through between the teeth
• Do not toothpick around the temporary
• If your temporary should break or come off please call the office