POST OPERATIVE PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
ACTIVITY: After leaving our office today, we suggest you consider relaxing or at least limiting your activity for an hour or two. Avoid strenuous activity today and aerobic exercise such as running, tennis, weight lifting etc.
DISCOMFORT: It is normal to experience some discomfort for a few days after treatment, including sensitivity to cold or touch. To reduce soft tissue soreness, you may rinse your mouth 2-3 times per day with warm salt water (1/4 tsp. of salt in a cup of warm water). Generally, 400 to 800mg Ibuprofen (i.e. two to four over-the-counter tablets of Advil, Motrin, or generic ibuprofen) every six hours, is all that is needed for post-operative soreness. If you have an allergy or sensitivity to Ibuprofen, or have been advised not to use it, you may take up to 1000mg of Acetaminophen (i.e. three regular Tylenol tablets or two extra-strength Tylenol tablets) every six hours. You can also alternate both medications every three hours according to dosage listed on the package.
ORAL HYGIENE: It is important to continue to brush and floss normally to keep all areas of your mouth clean. Also, rinse as described above as needed.
EATING AND DRINKING: After each appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
COMPOSITE FILLINGS: You may chew right away on white fillings since they set completely on the day of your appointment. If your bite feels uneven, you have persistent pain or pressure, or you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office.
CROWNS AND BRIDGES: To help keep your temporary in place, avoid eating sticky and hard foods, and if possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth. If your bite does not feel balanced and even, please call our office.
TEMPORARY CROWN: Temporary crowns are in place for about 3 weeks while the permanent crown is being made. The temporary protects the tooth and holds the position until the permanent crown can be cemented. Occasionally, temporary crowns come off. Please call us if this happens and keep the temporary so we can re-cement it. A tooth with an intact nerve (no root canal) may be a little sensitive after a crown preparation has been completed. This is normal and is to be expected. If your temporary falls off and you are unable to come in to the office you can use any of the following to keep it in place until you can: denture adhesive, Vaseline, or toothpaste.
PERMANENT CROWN: Your permanent crown is checked for fit and then cemented. We ask that you do not eat or floss your permanent crown for the first 36 hours, as the cement is not fully set until that time. It is not uncommon for the permanent crown to be a little cold sensitive for a few weeks afterwards. A balanced bite is important so please be sure to inform us if you feel you have a "high" bite. It is also important to have your new crown checked regularly and cleaned at your hygiene appointments.
Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns please call us anytime, we are always happy to help!