• DISCOMFORT: After the tooth/teeth have been reshaped, you may experience some minor sensitivity. Aspirin or Ibuprofen usually works very well. Your gums may be irritated! We highly recommend rinsing with warm salt water or a half/half mix of hydrogen peroxide and water; three times per day. This is an excellent method for soothing sore gums. We may recommend gentle finger massage, as well!

The jaw joints may be sensitive, as well. This can easily be soothed with the application of warm compresses on the jaw joint. We suggest a heating pad that is designed to be moistened. Place the moist heat on the jaw joint areas - open and close the mouth slightly during this application. The heat should be applied at 10 - 15 minute intervals with 15 minutes of rest between placement.

• MEDICATION: We may prescribe medication to control discomfort. Please use only as directed. If this medication does not seem to work for you, do not increase the dosage; or mix with other pain medications. Call us! Medications work differently on each individual. It is common to change medications; and a new formulation may work very well. If the discomfort is prolonged; there is swelling, excessive bleeding or fever - again call us.

• CLEANING: Proper care of your temporary restoration is a must! Brush with a gentle motion on the sides of the tooth - flexing the soft bristles at the gum line of the interim restoration. We would like you to use dental floss. However, place the floss gently between the teeth, clean the gum areas as usual, then release your inside finger and pull the floss through space, toward the cheek.

• DISLODGMENT OF THE INTERIM CROWN or BRIDGE: If the restoration seems to loosen, do not be alarmed. Call our office and we will arrange a time so things may be placed in their proper positions. Even if there is no discomfort involved, it is very important that we re-cement this restoration; so that the teeth don't drift - making placement of your final restoration very difficult.