Fillings
After the procedure, the anesthesia will wear off in about 1-3 hours. To prevent biting your lip, tongue, etc. do not chew on the numb side until the anesthesia wears off. A lot of kids chew on their lips, tongue, and cheeks because the anesthesia feels strange. Make sure to watch them until the anesthetic wears off so that they don’t cause serious damage to their mouth.
It is normal for your teeth to be sensitive to cold, hot, or pressure after getting a filling. You will no longer feel these potential symptoms after a few days or a couple of weeks. It is very rare for the sensitivity to last longer than a few weeks. There is no need to worry as long as your teeth and gums are getting better (not remaining the same or getting worse).
Call us as soon as possible it feels like any of the teeth we worked on are hitting first when you bite down. This lopsided bite could create further discomfort and will need to be adjusted.
Crowns and Bridges
It will take about 1-3 hours before the anesthesia done during the procedure will wear off. Do not chew on the numb side of your mouth until the anesthetic does dissipate. This will prevent you from accidentally biting your lip, tongue, etc. Your teeth may experience some sensitivity to pressure, hot, and cold. Don’t worry; this is very normal. Once you get a crown placed on the tooth, the sensitivity symptoms will disappear.
Do not eat sticky or hard foods that may knock loose a temporary crown, such as:
- Hard crunchy foods like popcorn kernels or corn nuts.
- Chewy candy like caramel, gum, or taffy.
- Hard, chewy breads like French bread or bagels.
- Do not bite into food like apples or corn on the cob.
If the temporary crown does come off or become loose, try to put it back on your tooth. Call the office to make an appointment so you can get the crown re-cemented. Using temporary cement is also an option, and can be found at most grocery or drug stores.
Mild to moderate pain or discomfort is common after a dental procedure. It is recommended for patients to use an over the counter anti-inflammatory/pain reliever like Tylenol, Aleve, Advil, etc. If your pain gets worse, please contact the office.
Deep Cleaning
Things to do after the root planing and scaling procedure:
- Do not eat anything on the affected area for two hours or until the anesthetic has worn off. This is because there is a possibility you might bite or burn your tongue, lip, or cheek while numb.
- For the next few days, avoid eating any hard foods like popcorn, seeds, or tortilla chips.
- Rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with warm salt water to help soothe the treated area. Use Peridex/Chlorhexidine as directed if it has been prescribed to you.
- Use your normal brushing and flossing routine, but make sure to be gentle around the area recently worked on.
- Do not smoke for 24-48 hours after the treatment. Tobacco use will make the tissues take longer to heal.
It is vital that you maintain your gum health with regular dental visits and appropriate home care. If recommended, you may use a Waterpik. It is common, after the procedure, for your teeth to become sensitive to sweets and/or hot or cold temperatures. This happens because the gum tissue shrinks as it heals, and it can be resolved in a few weeks with proper care. Using fluoride rinses or brushing 2-3 times a day with sensitivity toothpaste can help ease this issue as well. Do not use toothpaste with baking soda or “whitening.” This will only make the problem worse. If the sensitivity is severe or does not go away, professional application of a desensitizing agent may be needed.
You will start to see less swelling, redness, and bleeding of your gum tissues. Your mouth will feel and taste better, and your teeth may even feel smoother. To keep up periodontal maintenance, we will need to see you regularly, and look forward to doing so!
Extractions
After getting a tooth extraction, bleeding may continue for several hours. Place folded, damp gauze over the extraction site and gently bite down for about 30 minutes to an hour. Lay down to rest with your head elevated. Continue using gauze for 30 more minutes if the bleeding continues. The best way to monitor bleeding is by looking directly at the affected area. It is normal to see blood-tinged or pink saliva for the next 2-3 days.
Most tooth extractions can leave you feeling slight pain or discomfort. Before the anesthetic wears off, take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like Advil or Ibuprofen (if you are not allergic).
When the General Anesthetic wears off, you can start consuming liquids. Do not drink hot liquids or eat hot food. Try pudding, jello, or applesauce. After the numbness wears off, you can move on to solid food, but avoid chewing on the surgical areas. Do not eat foods like popcorn or nuts since these can get stuck in the sockets.
It is important to keep your mouth clean. This is the best way to promote healing and prevent infection. Starting the day after the procedure, thoroughly clean your mouth after each meal with a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste. If there is any bleeding after you brush, use the gauze procedure mentioned earlier.