Home Care Instructions

After Cosmetic Reconstruction

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at Solvang Office Phone Number 805-688-5557 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some 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 (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.

Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.

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 beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.

Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at Solvang Office Phone Number 805-688-5557 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Solvang Office Phone Number 805-688-5557.

After Tooth Extraction

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXTRACTIONS AND ORAL SURGERY.

DAY 1:  continue biting on the gauze for 30-60 minutes following your procedure.  do not spit, rinse, suck (do not use a straw), smoke, drink carbonated or alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours.  passively empty your mouth when needed.

the goal is to keep blood clot in the socket to prevent bleeding and painful complication known as dry socket.

SWELLING:  apply cold compresses to affected area at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours to minimize any swelling.  any swelling that occurs usually begins to diminish within 72 hours; call the office if there is no change.

DAY 2: you will most likely experience one or more of the following symptoms:  minor pain, swelling, bruising, limitation in opening or closing your mouth, pain in jaw or ear, sore throat.  it is important to listen to your body and take it easy.  no heavy lifting, spitting, sucking, alcohol or smoking.

ORAL HYGIENE:  brush gently.  a gentle lukewarm saltwater rinse can be used to freshen your mouth but again do not spit; just let the fluid passively empty.  the corners of your mouth may become cracked and dry – moisturize frequently.

DISCOMFORT:  over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen, Aleve & Tylenol) may be taken as directed on the BOTTLE TO RELIEVE DISCOMFORT.

SWELLING:  apply cold compresses to affected area at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours to minimize any swelling.  any swelling that occurs usually begins to diminish within 72 hours; call the office if there is no change.

BLEEDING:  some oozing of blood is normal for the first 12-24 hours.  put a hand towel on your pillow as some drooling can occur when you are numb.  if you experience excessing bleeding apply firm pressure with 1-2 folded gauze pads or damp tea bag on the affected area for 30-60 minutes and keep you head elevated.  call the office if the bleeding does not subside. 

DIET:  drink plenty of fluids.  avoid carbonated and alcoholic beverages.  a soft diet will be easiest:  yogurt, milkshakes (no straw), soups, fish, pasta.  nothing too spicy is recommended.  it is normal to have a little tenderness while chewing. 

STITCHES: if you have received sutures, avoid playing with them.  15 minute appointment will be needed to remove the sutures in 7-10 days.

PRESCRIPTIONS:  if you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed until they are gone, even if symptoms dissipate.  some antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills or other medications.  if medications or mouth rinse is prescribed, take as directed.

in case of any unusual disturbances, questions or any post surgical questions, call the office (805) 688-5557.    

After Composite Fillings (white fillings)

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at Solvang Office Phone Number 805-688-5557.

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Solvang Office Phone Number 805-688-5557.