Home Care Instructions Following Periodontal Treatment

• You can take over-the-counter pain medication for any discomfort you may have.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water today to help remove the bacteria that is present.
• Avoid eating crunchy, spicy, or hot foods today, ie: taco chips, carrots, crispy fried chicken.
• Rinse with warm salt water if your gums are sore and tender:  (1 tsp. salt in 1 cup warm water)
• Brush gently today even if your gums are tender to help remove the plaque that has started to reform.  Always use a gentle fluoridated tartar control toothpaste.
• You don't need to floss or use any home care aids (ie: toothpicks) today if there is too much sensitivity.  But starting tomorrow, do so each day.
• Follow all our home care instructions exactly as directed.  Success of treatment depends directly on the improvement of your oral hygiene.

Information Following Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment

• Endodontic treatment can take 1,2 or appointments depending on each case.  It is possible to experience any of the following symptoms after any one of the appointments:  sensitivity to hot and/or cold; sensitivity to pressure; possible swelling.
• It is difficult to predict which symptoms, if any, you may experience and to what extent.  In complicated cases, pain medication may be necessary.
• If you experience swelling, call our office; it may be necessary to prescribe an antibiotic for you.
• A temporary filling may be used to seal the tooth between visits.
• Be gentle on the tooth while eating until the final restoration is placed.
• During endodontic treatment the nerve, blood and nutrient supply to the tooth is removed.  This will cause the tooth to become brittle and prone to fracturing which can result in the need to extract the tooth.  In many cases a full coverage crown restoration (cap) may be recommended to prevent this from happening.

Information Following Crown or Bridge Treatment

• Following the first appointment for a crown or bridge procedure, a temporary is usually placed on the tooth or teeth involved.  This will protect them while the custom restoration is being made.
• Temporary crowns are of a universal size and shade that also serve a cosmetic function for front teeth.  Your final restoration will be shaped and shaded better than the temporary to match your other teeth in both color and function.
• The use of a temporary cement is for easy removal on your next appointment.  If your temporary comes off between appointments, slip it back on and call us for an appointment.
• Most crowns fit below the gumline.  Therefore, you may experience some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of that area during the procedures.  Sensitivity to cold or pressure is also possible.
• After the final cementation of your fixed restoration, it may take a few days to get used to the new crown or bridge.  If you feel the bite is not correctly balanced, be sure and call for an appointment for a simple adjustment.
• Proper brushing and flossing is recommended to help you retain your final restoration.  The only area that a crowned tooth can decay is at the edge of the crown at the gumline.

Care of Mouth After Extraction

• DO NOT RINSE MOUTH TODAY.  Tomorrow, rinse mouth gently every 3 to 4 hours (especially after meals) using one-quarter teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water.  Continue rinses for several days.
• BLEEDING.  Following extractions, some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pads over bleeding area and bite down firmly for one-half hour.  Repeat if necessary.
• SWELLING.  Ice bag or a cold moist cloth should periodically be applied to operated area.  Your dentist may give you specific instructions on how long and how often to use a cold compress.
• PAIN.  For mild to average pain, use any non-aspirin type of medication you like.
• FOOD.  Light diet is advisable during the first 24 hours.
• BONY EDGES.  Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing.  These are not roots; if annoying, return to this office for their simple removal.
• If any unusual symptoms occur, call the office at once.
• The proper care following oral surgical procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications.

Information Following Composite (White) Restorations (Filings)

• Composite fillings set up hard right away.
• Children should be observed until the anesthetic wears off.  Due to the strange feeling of the anesthetic, many children will chew the inside of their lips, cheeks or tongue which can cause serious damage.
• Sensitivity, especially to cold, is common for a few days following a dental restoration.  Usually, the deeper the cavity, the more sensitive the tooth will be.
• Sensitivity is usually most noticeable the first 12 to 24 hours after the anesthetic wears off.
• The gum tissue could have been irritated during the procedure and may be sore for a few days together with the anesthetic injection site.
• The finished restoration may be contoured slightly different and have a different texture than the original tooth.  Your tongue usually magnifies this small difference, but you will become accustomed to this in a few days.