Post-Op Care

In an effort to further help you care for your oral health, we have created specific post-op instructions for our services requiring them. Please do not hesitate to call our office with any questions at 239-592-5112.

Anesthetics

Depending on the type and location of the anesthetic used, the length of time you experience numbness may vary greatly. A local anesthetic was used to thoroughly numb the area treated. This numbness normally affects the lips, teeth and tongue and may last for several hours after the procedure is completed. To avoid damage to your tongue and lips it is best to avoid any chewing until the numbness has worn off. Call our office if you have any questions or concerns.

Whitening

Zoom 2 is our preferred In Office Treatment procedure.

For your at home bleaching kits, remember that:

• Teeth are naturally darker along the gumline. These areas may require more time to lighten than the rest of the tooth.
• A small percentage of patients experience sensitivity with bleaching. Should this occur, it may be recommended that you bleach every other night. You can also use the Whitening during the day for 1-3 hours at a time.
• Foods and juices high in citric acid can cause sensitivity to the teeth.
• Some patients have noticed temporary discomfort of the gums, lips, throat, or tongue. Should any of these symptoms persist more than two days or progressively worsen, call our office. These side effects will usually subside within 1-3 days after treatment is discontinued.
• Coffee, tobacco, and other products can re-stain your teeth over time. Should this occur, the teeth can be re-whitened within a few nights.
• Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important before and after whitening to maintain a healthy smile.
• Some old amalgam or "silver" fillings may leave a dark purple color in your whitening tray.
• Some patients have also noticed some "blotching" of the teeth after removing the whitening gel, this is normal and will go away within 30 minutes to 1 hour. Do not be alarmed.

Crowns & Bridges

Your tooth or teeth have been prepared for permanent restoration as a crown or a bridge.  While we are waiting for the final restoration to arrive from the laboratory, a temporary restoration has been placed to help cover your tooth and protect it from sensitivity and to keep it from drifting in its position in your mouth. Your tooth may feel sensitive to cold, sweet, and biting.  Don’t worry, this is normal and should subside in a few days.  If this sensitivity is severe and does not dissipate, please call the office immediately for an evaluation. Do not eat anything sticky, hard or chewy as this may pull the temporary off or break it.   Be careful brushing and avoid flossing adjacent to the temporary as this may cause it to be dislodged. Please do not leave the temporary out of your mouth if it does become dislodged because the teeth will move and the final restoration will not fit.  Call our office and we’ll re-cement it or make a new one.

Extractions

Maintain gentle pressure by biting on the gauze sponge that has been placed over the surgical area for at least one hour.

• Do Not Rinse: Also don't use mouthwash for at least 24 hours, but after 24 hours you can rinse with warm salt-water (1/2 teaspoon in 8 oz. of warm water) every 1 to 2 hours. Commercial mouthwashes are not to be used during the healing period.
• Avoid: All excessive activity, don't pick at the surgical area, don't drink liquids through a straw, avoid alcoholic beverages and refrain from smoking until healing is well established. We need the blood clot to form and begin healing and the above activities tend to not let the blood clot settle and begin healing.
• Discomfort: Following dental surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort. If medication has been given or prescribed, take as directed.
• Toothbrush: Carefully use your toothbrush in the area of the mouth not involved by the surgical procedures. A clean mouth heals faster! 
• Control of Swelling: Gently apply ice packs to the area for periods of 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off. This should continue for the first 24 hours ONLY.
• DO NOT SMOKE… smoking can cause very painful dry sockets that will require more medical attention. If you think that you have a dry socket please contact the office immediately.

Fillings Composite fillings set up hard right away. There is no waiting time to eat. Sensitivity to hot and cold is common for a few weeks following a dental restoration. Usually, the deeper the cavity, the more sensitive the tooth will be. If you feel the bite is not correctly balanced, please call our office as soon as possible for a simple adjustment.

Periodontal

Following scaling and root planning, your mouth will taste better and feel better.  With proper homecare and regular professional care we can help you maintain healthy gum tissue.

• Discomfort or pain should not be severe and should subside in a few hours, definitely within a few days.  Discomfort immediately after treatment is usually associated with slight throbbing or aching and occasionally may be uncomfortable.  This discomfort usually lasts for only a few hours.

• Teeth may be sensitive to temperature changes and /or sweets.  The sensitivity to temperature may be noticeable during the first several days and usually diminishes quickly.  Application of a desensitizing fluoride may be recommended.
• Some slight bleeding may occur during the next several brushings but the bleeding should steadily decrease.
• As the gums heal they may change their shape around the teeth.  This is normal as they tighten with decreased inflammation. 

Root Canal

Endodontic treatment (root canals) can take 1, 2, or 3 appointments depending on the case. It is possible to experience any of the following symptoms after any of these appointments: sensitivity to hot and/or cold; sensitivity to pressure; possible swelling. If you experience swelling, please call our office immediately as additional medication may be required.

• One common occurrence after a root canal is for the tooth to feel high when you bite your teeth together. Please call us if your bite feels “high” as this problem is easily rectified with a simple bite adjustment.
• A temporary filling may be used to temporarily seal the tooth between visits.
• Be gentle on the tooth while eating until the final restoration is placed.
• The gum tissue could have been irritated during the procedure and may be sore for a few days together with the anesthetic injection site.
• During endodontic treatment, the nerve, blood and nutrient supply to the tooth is removed. This will cause the tooth to become brittle. After a root canal your tooth is prone to fracturing which could result in the need to extract the tooth. To protect the tooth a full coverage crown is recommended.