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After Cosmetic Reconstruction
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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
so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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After Crown and Bridge Appointments
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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.
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Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us 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.
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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.
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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.
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If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other
questions or concerns, please call our office at 022-23636655/23643344 .
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After Tooth Extraction
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After tooth extraction, it’s 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 the bleeding or oozing still persists, place
another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this
several times.
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After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot
as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol
or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge
or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for
the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding
from the extraction site.
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After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling.
An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep
swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually
subsides after 48 hours.
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Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem
to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated
length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of
fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally
as soon as you are comfortable.
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It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should
include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing
and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
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After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you
have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction
to the medication, call our office immediately at 022-23636655/23643344.
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After Composite Fillings
(white fillings)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other
questions or concerns, please call our office at 022-23636655/23643344.
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