Post-Op Patient Instructions
Tooth Fillings | Crown and Bridgework | Root Canals
After Composite / 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 Day Dental Care Phone Number Day Dental Care Phone Number 817-472-0888.
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 Day Dental Care Phone Number Day Dental Care Phone Number 817-472-0888.
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 Day Dental Care Phone Number Day Dental Care Phone Number 817-472-0888 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 Day Dental Care Phone Number Day Dental Care Phone Number 817-472-0888.
After Root Canal Appointments
Root Canal Therapy usually takes one or two appointments to complete. The diseased nerve tissue has been removed from the tooth and the inside of the tooth was smoothed and cleansed of infection. Finally, we used a sealer to seal the tooth at the root.
When your tooth was infected, some infection was spread out of the root into the bone. Until this infection is healed, you should expect tenderness and discomfort. We have prescribed for you an antibiotic and pain medication for you to help with these symptoms.
During the period of healing it is very important to take care of yourself as you would in treating any other infection in your body. It is important that you eat properly, drink plenty of water and finish all of your medication.
Now that your tooth has had the nerve and nutrient supply removed and is no longer a “live” tooth, it will tend to become brittle. A crown is now necessary to protect the tooth and provide the needed strength for everyday stress.
With proper care and normal healing responses from your body, this tooth can provide good use for a long period of time. If you should have any questions or problems concerning your treatment, please call our office at Day Dental Care Phone Number Day Dental Care Phone Number 817-472-0888.