Post-Op Instructions

instructions

Post Operative 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 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 a portion 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 (I tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.

	Daily brushing and flossing is 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.

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 an increase in salivary flow. Your brain may respond to the new size and shape of your teeth by increasing salivary flow. This should subside to normal within a week or so.

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 your use of 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 mouth guard. 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 restorations are being made. Since the teeth are anesthetized please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages as the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Eat only when the numbness is completely worn off.

	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 preventing a proper fit of your final restoration.

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

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.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (212) 757-7070.

After Composite fillings (white filings)

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.

	If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (212) 757-7070.

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 to 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 cold or hot increases, contact our office.

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