Taking Care of Yourself After Treatment

• Fillings: Amalgam or Composite
• Temporary Crowns, Bridges, Onlays or Inlays
• Cementation of a Crown, Onlay or Inlay
• Cementation of a Bridge
• Night Guard Delivery
• A New Denture
• Removable Partial Denture
   

Amalgam "Silver" fillings: Silver fillings take 24 hours to become completely hard so avoid hard and crunchy foods for the first day. While you are still "numb" avoid eating as you could bite your lip/cheek/tongue and not feel it until later. If your bite feels high once the anesthetic has worn off contact our office. If you had a long appointment and your jaw or facial muscles are sore: avoid challenging yourself with foods that are chewy, try foods that are softer and easier to chew such as pasta, mashed potatoes, soft fish or beans. If you are sore at the injection site or develop an ulcer in that area rinse with warm salt water rinses for the next few days (about 1/4 tsp. salt in 8 oz. of water) and avoid foods high in salt or acid. Call our office if you have concerns or if the symptoms do not improve. It is normal to have some sensitivity after a filling is placed, however, if you have concerns or symptoms that do not resolve please contact our office.
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Composite "Bonded" Fillings: While you are still "numb" avoid eating as you could bite your lip/cheek/tongue and not feel it until later. Composite fillings are fully cured before you leave our office, so you can resume normal eating as soon as the anesthetic wears off. If your bite does not feel right once the anesthetic wears off. please contact our office for an adjustment. If you had a long appointment and your jaw or facial muscles are sore: avoid challenging yourself with foods that are chewy, try foods that are softer and easier to chew such as pasta, mashed potatoes, soft fish or beans. If you are sore at the injection site or develop an ulcer in that area rinse with warm salt water rinses for the next few days (about 1/4 tsp. salt in 8 oz. of water) and avoid foods high in salt or acid. Call our office if you have concerns or if the symptoms do not improve. It is normal to have some sensitivity after a filling is placed, however, if you have concerns or symptoms that do not resolve please contact our office.
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After a Crown, Onlay/Inlay or Bridge Appointment: Temporary Crown, Bridge, Onlay or Inlay Remember to: Stick to softer foods Avoid hard/crunchy/sticky foods Brush normally Floss the crown - but pull the floss out the side instead of back up through the teeth If your temporary crown becomes dislodged Keep the temporary in a clean plastic bag. Contact our office to replace the crown as soon as possible aas the tooth will most likely be sensitive. If the tooth is sensitive, avoid extreme temperatures until the temporary is replaced. Try to avoid rubbing your tongue on the tooth. Remember, with a temporary bridge, to use your floss threader or superfloss to clean underneath the bridge every evening. If you have a temporary onlay or inlay the dentist may have instructed you not to floss around this area. If you are unsure please contact our office.
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Cementation of a Crown, Onlay or Inlay: If you were anesthetized for the cement, wait until it wears off before eating or drinking (hot) beverages to avoid biting your lip/cheek or tongue. You can floss in the traditional manner now that the permanent restoration has been placed. If you feel that the bite is off when you do start eating, contact our office for an adjustment - the bite will not correct itself. It is normal to have minor sensitivity after cementation, if symptoms persist or get worse please contact our office.
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Cementation of a Bridge: If you were anesthetized for the cement, wait until it wears off before eating or drinking (hot) beverages to avoid biting your lip/cheek or tongue. If you feel that the bite needs further adjustment once you start functioning with it, please contact our office the bite will not correct itself. Remember to clean under the bridge with a floss-threader or superfloss at least once a day, as you were shown during your appointment. It is normal to have minor sensitivity after cementation, if symptoms persist or get worse please contact our office.
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Night Guard Delivery: Remember to brush and floss before placing your appliance. Remember to place your appliance in warm water for 30 seconds - 1 minute before using. Your body may produce extra saliva for awhile until it adjusts. Make sure to wear your appliance every night to protect your teeth, if you don't wear your appliance for a long time it may not fit properly as your teeth can shift. In the morning remove your appliance and clean it over a soft surface with cold water and soap and store it in the carrying case. Remember to clean the case regularly. Remember that pets will eat your appliance, so keep it away from them. Bring your appliance in when you come to our office for your exam and cleaning so it can be cleaned and inspected. If your appliance is broken or develops holes after long-term use contact our office to have another nightguard made. If the bite on the appliance feels off, please contact our office.
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Removeable Partial Denture: Brush and floss before wearing your partial. Sore spots may develop, if so please contact our office. Remember to leave your partial out at night to give your tissues a rest. Clean after use with your denture brush, soap and warm water, store in your container. Remember to clean your container regularly. Use PolyDent once a week to remove mineral deposits. Keep way from pets - they will eat them. Bring your partial in during your cleaning appointments. If your partial breaks or stops fitting well, please contact our office.
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