Patient Resources

It is common for a new filling to be sensitive to cold/hot temperatures and even when biting down. In most cases, this lasts only a week; however in some cases, it may last longer. Your bite will feel different following a filling; however, if you have to push to get your other teeth together, we need to adjust the filling. If your sensitivity persists please call! We may need to:

• Adjust the filling to perfectly match your bite
• Prescribe you a desensitizing solution
• Perform another procedure to alleviate the symptoms (possibly a root canal or a crown)

Tooth-colored fillings in the front are composed of material that can absorb stains from tea, red wine, coffee or other substances. Usually this can be cleaned off, but sometimes the actual filling has stained internally and therefore it would need to be replaced. We recommend minimizing such substances.

Since your tooth is being restored with a new outside, slight soreness is expected for the first couple of days. Some sensitivity to biting down and cold temperatures is normal. If this sensitivity continues for more than 2 or 3 days, please call our office so we can evaluate the tooth’s health. Sometimes the effects of treatment on an individual’s teeth is unpredictable. Subsequently, more dental work may be necessary (the most common being a root canal). Postponement by the patient will not resolve the condition and only delays the essential treatment.

Temporary Crowns are securely attached to your tooth; however, it is designed for removal when your permanent one is ready. In rare cases, the crown dislodges. If this occurs, it needs to be re-cemented. Simply place it back on and verify the placement by slowly biting down. If you cannot bite down, it may be incorrectly placed, so please try again. Vaseline is the safest temporary cement. Do not use superglue!

Scaling and Root Planing, also known as a dental deep cleaning, is very different from a regular cleaning. A regular cleaning focuses on the surfaces of the teeth and between teeth above the gum line. Scaling and root planing is needed in order to remove bacteria, calculus (tartar), and debris that has collected under the gum line.

Your gums may be sore and tender to brushing. Over-the-counter pain medication such as Advil, Ibuprofen or Motrin may alleviate this discomfort. Rinse with warm salt-water as much as possible (1/2 teaspoon per 1 cup of very warm, not scalding, water). Avoid using Listerine or Scope mouthwash as these contain high concentrations of alcohol and will prolong the healing process.

Your teeth were extensively cleaned, removing unwanted and detrimental materials along the root surface. Subsequently, areas previously “insulated” will now be exposed. This is a side effect with limited duration. We recommend using Sensodyne or Crest Sensitive Protection toothpaste to help alleviate sensitivity.

In cases of severe inflammation, the gums will “shrink” or appear to get smaller exposing more tooth and/or root. This is a good sign and indicates healing.

Homecare Instructions

• 1-2 hours after treatment: Avoid severely hot and cold liquids
• Night of treatment: Take 2 tablets (400mg) Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and rinse with warm salt water
• Following-Day treatment: Continue to rinse with warm salt water in the morning and at bedtime
• Please do not hesitate to call our office with any questions or concerns.

Minor discomfort after root canal treatment is to be expected. Over-the-counter pain medicine such as Advil, (Iboprofen) can help. Typically, we recommend taking four 200mg tablets (for a total of 800mg) twice a day for 2 days following the procedure. If antibiotics were prescribed, please take accordingly.

If sensitivity occurs when you “grit” your teeth together, please give our office a call. We may have to adjust the height of your tooth. If the tooth is too tall, the nerves surrounding the tooth can be traumatized.

Following the root canal treatment back-chewing teeth and many front teeth with large fillings must be supported with a full coverage restoration, typically a crown. Usually a two-week period between procedures is best.

Gauze
Replace gauze every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours and remember to apply firm pressure to create hemostasis (blood clotting)

Things not to do for 24 hours

• No Smoking
• No Alcohol
• No Carbontated Beverages
• No Spitting
• No Drinking with a Straw
• Take it easy for the next 12 hours. Be good to yourself.

Swelling
When swelling occurs, use ice packs: 20 minutes on/10 minutes off. Place on the areas of the face corresponding to the surgical site(s) which will help control the swelling. DO THIS FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS.

Bleeding
Bleeding or oozing from the surgical site is normal for the next 12-18 hours. Do not be alarmed if you see some blood on your pillow the next morning. This is normal.

Medications
Over-the-counter Ibuprofen or Advil are great pain relievers, and you may take 3 tablets every 6 hours as needed for pain (unless you are ALLERGIC to them). If the doctor prescribes you medication, please take as written and in a timely manner to help diminish any symptoms.

Oral Hygiene
In the surgical area, brush the chewing surface of your teeth gently. Rinse your mouth with water after every meal in the part of your mouth where NO surgery was done. After the first 24 hours, it is good to rinse the surgical site twice a day for 2 or 3 days with warm salt water to help with the healing process. Remember, wounds heal better when they are kept as clean as possible.

Dry Socket
Dry Socket is a clinical syndrome caused by the destruction of the initial clot. This prevents appropriate healing and causes significant pain 3 to 4 days after the extraction. It must be treated in the office with irrigation and placement of ointment into the socket. This is most common in patients who smoke, who use oral contraceptives or have previously experienced dry socket.

Diet
Start out with liquid or soft food for the first day or two. Soft foods include ice cream, pudding, jello, yogurt, soup (lukewarm), pancakes, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta, Carnation Instant Breakfast, etc…Gradually progress to other foods, but please avoid hard, crunchy foods such as chips and nuts that may disturb the extraction site for at least one week. Remember not to eat HOT foods or drink HOT liquids as this promotes more bleeding.