Home Care Instructions
After Cosmetic Restorations (Veneers, Crowns, Bonding or Implants)
Remember that it may take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. If you 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 sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after a procedure and may be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be tender for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce tenderness and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.
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.
Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your newly restored teeth. Avoid hard foods, sticky candies and other hard substances such as ice, fingernails or pencils. You should also avoid things that can stain your new teeth such as smoking, coffee, red wine and tea.
If you engage in sports, let us know so we can make a custom athletic mouthguard. If you clench or grind your teeth at night, we will fabricate a different type of custom mouthgard to protect your new smile. 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
Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and impressions 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 has 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 recement it. It is very important for the temporary to remain in place to help prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum) and hard foods. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, however, you must floss carefully. To avoid dislodging the temporary, pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown instead of pulling up on the floss.
If your bite feels uneven or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 512-795-2800.
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After Composite Fillings (Tooth Colored Fillings)
When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold and 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 immediately.
You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off since they are fully hardened when you leave the office.
If your bite feels uneven or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 512-795-2800.
Learn More About Tooth Colored Fillings
After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction , a gauze pad will be placed on the extraction site to limit bleeding and confine blood while clotting takes place. This gauze pad should be left in place for 30-45 minutes. If bleeding persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
It is important not to disturb the blood clot since it is necessary for proper healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and impede the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may irritate the extraction site.
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. 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 fluids and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing twice daily and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should be able to resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 512-795-2800.