A little care after your visit goes a long way toward a smooth, comfortable recovery. Follow the guidance below for your procedure. If your bite feels uneven, you have persistent pain, or any other concern, please call our office at (770) 957-5214.
Fillings, crowns & cosmetic dentistry
It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity for a couple of weeks with new dental work. The teeth require time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt-water rinses, two to three times a day, will reduce discomfort. Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) as directed, if there are no interactions with your current medications; this should ease any residual discomfort. Daily brushing and flossing and routine cleaning appointments are critical for the success of your new dental work.
Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances such as nuts, hard or sticky candy, ice, and fingernails. Minimize or avoid foods that stain, such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries. Smoking can stain your new fillings as well. If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (770) 957-5214.
Temporary crowns & bridges
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (like gum) and hard foods, and if possible chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully. Don't pull up on the floss, which may dislodge the temporary — instead, pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
Occasionally, temporary crowns come off. If so, place toothpaste inside the temporary crown and seat it back on your tooth, then call the office at (770) 957-5214 so we can schedule you to re-cement it. It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment; the sensitivity should subside a few weeks after placement of the final restoration.
Extractions
After a tooth extraction, it is normal to feel discomfort and to experience some swelling. Follow the directions for any analgesics we prescribed — the first week is the worst. It is important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That's why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after the appointment. If bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes; you may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge it, as it aids healing. Do not smoke, rinse vigorously, suck on straws, or drink alcohol for 72 hours — these activities can dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow healing. Also limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this raises blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
You may use an ice pack — 5 minutes on and 10 minutes off the area — to help with initial swelling, and sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night. It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours, including brushing and flossing at least once a day, which speeds healing and keeps your mouth fresh and clean. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable, and take medications only as directed.
Root canal
After a root canal procedure, you may have slight pressure or mild discomfort due to tissue inflammation for a few days. This is managed by over-the-counter pain medications. If discomfort worsens or swelling occurs, call our office at (770) 957-5214.