Dental Home Care 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 at Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA phone number 321-254-4613 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 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 (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3 – 4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.
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 increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.
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 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 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 restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips, and the roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally, a temporary crown may come off. Call us at Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA phone number 321-254-4613 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 compromising the fit of your final restoration.
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. 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.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA phone number 321-254-4613.
After Composite Fillings (white fillings)
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.
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 at Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA phone number 321-254-4613.
You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off since they are fully set when you leave the office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA phone number 321-254-4613.
After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 – 45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from 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 the swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA phone number 321-254-4613 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 fluid 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 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 will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2 – 3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA phone number 321-254-4613.
Root Canal Home Care Instructions
Before Endodontic Treatment
This procedure will be performed using local anesthesia. There are usually no restrictions after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. A doctor is available for consultation at all times should a problem arise after your treatment.
Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.
Please eat a full breakfast or lunch as applicable.
If you have been advised by your physician or dentist to use antibiotic pre-medication because of mitral valve prolapse (MVP), heart murmur, hip, knee, cardiac or other prostheses, or if you have rheumatic heart disease, please make sure you are on the appropriate antibiotic on the day of your appointment. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.
If you can take ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), it does help reduce inflammation when taken pre-operatively. We recommend two tablets of either medication 2 – 4 hours before endodontic therapy.
After Endodontic Treatment
Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm. Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately.
The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.
After Completion of Endodontic Treatment
Once the root canal system has been permanently sealed, the outer surface is sealed with a temporary restoration. A follow-up restoration must be placed to protect your tooth against fracture and decay. Please schedule a restorative appointment with our office. Included in your treatment is a follow-up examination to evaluate the progress of healing. This appointment will require only a few minutes and no additional fee will be charged for the first check-up visit. Please call for an appointment during the following month.
Your tooth is more prone to fracture immediately after endodontic treatment. You should chew on the other side until your restorative dentist has placed a core buildup and a protective restoration, usually a crown. If your tooth’s strength is seriously compromised, Dr. Patel may place a post and core buildup inside the tooth, or the appropriate restoration to best protect your tooth.
Extraction Home Care Instructions
Pre-Operative Instructions
The following instructions may be helpful when preparing for your upcoming surgery. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any last minute questions.
Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. You will be prescribed an antibiotic if Dr. Patel determines it to be necessary. You should receive your pre/post-operative prescriptions with an instruction sheet. For your convenience, please have them filled prior to your scheduled surgery unless they have been previously phoned sent into the pharmacy of your choice.
It may be important to stop taking aspirin and non-steroidals, such as Motrin and Advil, 7-10 days prior to your surgery. If you are taking Coumadin or another blood thinner, remember to discontinue them as directed. If you take antibiotic premed, please take it as directed before your surgery. You will feel better if you have eaten prior to surgery. We keep the office cool, so dress warmly.
In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for a post operative check up during the week following surgery.
Post-Operative Instructions
If Laser assisted surgery, please see below.
Post Surgical Laser
Immediate Post-Operative: Brush teeth lightly with a soft brush and use mouth rinse to supplement brushing if discomfort exists. Floss lightly 5 days after procedure. One Week After Laser Treatment: Gently clean between teeth using an interproximal brush dipped in mouthwash. Avoid spicy and acidic foods, as well as extremes in temperatures (hot beverages, ice cream…) Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call the office.
Post-Op Medications
After a tooth extraction you may feel some pain. Take pain medications as directed and 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.
Swelling
You may 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. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Bleeding
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times. Be sure to elevate your head when lying down. You may also enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes. Call the office if the bleeding persists. After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot, as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and disturb the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
Diet
Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where the extraction was completed. A soft diet is recommended. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles and fruits are more easily eaten. Drink lots of fluids and you can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better, as well as for healing.
Brushing
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at lease once a day. This will speed up healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, sever pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days or a reaction to prescribed medications, call our office immediately.
Surgical Implant Home Care Instructions
Pre-Operative Instructions
- Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing.
- If you wear removable dentures, retainers or any other mouth gear, bring your case with you.
- We encourage you to eat prior to surgery.
- Please take the following prescriptions one hour prior to surgery:
- Dexamthasone 4mg, take two tablets (continue taking as directed after surgery, until finished.
- Amoxicilin 500mg OR Clindamycin 150mg, take four tablets (continue taking as directed after surgery, until finished.
- Take Tylenol #3 with Codeine as needed for pain.
- When preparing your after surgery menu, we recommend the following: jello, banana, yogurt, pasta, milk shakes, casseroles, eggs, fish, cottage cheese, Ensure/Slim Fast, soups, pudding, rice, apple sauce, oatmeal, macaroni & cheese or mashed potatoes.
Post-Operative Instructions
- In order to evaluate your progress and healing, we will see you for weekly post-operative checks during the first 1-5 weeks. After surgery, in most cases, we will also look forward to seeing you back for cleaning and examination of tissue about 10-12 weeks following the surgery.
- A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:
- Do not rinse your mouth.
- Elevate your head when lying down.
- Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes, repeat if necessary.
- Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
- Call the office if bleeding persists.
- Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
- Do not rinse for the first 48 hours.
- Do not brush the surgical site. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day.
