after composite fillings (white fillings)
After we complete your composite fillings, your lips and tongue feel numb for several hours after your appointment due to the anesthetic. During this time, we recommend the following until your numbness wears off.
Avoid chewing
Drinking hot beverages
If you are still feeling numb, it can be easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Your anesthetic injection site may also feel sore. If you are feeling pain and sensitivity, you can take Ibuprofen, Tylenol or aspirin. If you are experiencing pressure sensitivity beyond a few days or your pain increases, contact our office at 763-205-0526.
after tooth extraction
After your tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form. This will stop any bleeding and get you on your way toward healing.
Immediately After your Tooth Extraction
We'll ask you you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after your procedure. If your bleeding still persists, we recommend placing another moist gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes until your bleeding stops.
The next 72 Hours
It's important not to disturb or dislodge the clot once it forms. We recommend the following to aid in healing.
- Avoid rinsing vigorously
- You should also stay away from sucking on straws, smoking, or drinking alcohol
- Don't brush the teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours
- Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours
These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow your healing process.
You may experience pain and swelling in the first few days after your tooth extraction. You can apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas or corn to keep your swelling down. Take any pain medications as prescribed.
Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
Resuming your normal Dental Routine
To prevent an infection, continue taking antibiotics for the length of your prescription.
Plan on resuming your normal dental routine after 24 hours which will include brushing and flossing once a day.
Please call our office if you are experiencing heaving bleeding, severe pain and continued swelling after 72 hours.
after crown and bridge appointments
Crowns and bridges typically take two or three appointments to complete.
Your first Visit
On your first crown or bridge visit, your teeth are prepared for your crown and molds will be taken of your mouth. We will place temporary crowns to protect the teeth while your crown or bridge is being made. Your mouth will be anesthetized so you may experience numbness in your tongue, lips and roof of the mouth. We recommend you avoid eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
Temporary Crown Care
To keep your temporaries in place, we recommend the following:
Avoid eating sticky foods like gum and hard foods
Chew on the opposite side of your mouth
Brush normally, but floss carefully pulling the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
If your temporary crown comes off, please call our office. You'll want to bring your temporary crown with you to your appointment so we can cement it back on. Keeping your temporary crown in place will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your crown or bridge.
Tooth Sensitivity and Crowns
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. Your sensitivity should subside in a few weeks. We recommend using over the counter pain medications to help with sensitivity. .
Please call our office if you have persistent pain, your bite feels uneven, or if you have any questions.
after cosmetic reconstruction
It will take time to adjust to your new bite. Any time the position of the teeth changes, it can take several days for your brain to recognize the new position of your teeth.
hot and cold sensitivity
Your teeth will require some time to heal after cosmetic reconstruction and will be sensitive as your mouth adjusts. You may also experience sore gums for a few days. You can use warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) to reduce pain and swelling. We also recommend using over-the-counter pain relievers to ease discomfort.
Other At Home Care Recommendations
Your may notice that your speech is affected and increased saliva for the first few days as your brain and mouth adjust to your reconstruction. These symptoms will most likely subside and you will return to normal within a week.
Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal will ensure success of your new teeth,
Be sure to avoid hard foods (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, pizza crust, or sticky candies). As much as possible, avoid things that stain teeth like coffee, red wine, tea and smoking.
Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please call our office. We always welcome your questions
