AFTER COSMETIC RECONSTRUCTION
While cosmetic reconstruction is most likely something you’ve been looking forward to for a while, it is important to remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. This is because when the bite is altered, or the position of the teeth is changed, it will take several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or that their thickness is normal.
What you can expect
- It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity as the teeth require some time to heal after the removal of the tooth structure. It will be sensitive in the interim.
- In addition, your gums may be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (made by combining a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) tablet every three to four 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, however, notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should revert to normal in about a week.
What to do at home
- Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. This is because 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, or sticky candies.
- Smoking will stain your new teeth. You should also minimize or avoid foods and beverages that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries.
Please let us know if you plan to engage in any sports so that we can make a custom mouthguard. Also, if you grind your teeth at night, please wear the night guard that 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.
If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at Jennifer Lauvetz-Enmeier, D.D.S. Phone Number405-624-3685 for us to schedule an adjustment appointment.
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.
What you can expect
- 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 is completely worn off.
- Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Please call us if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so that 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.
- 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.
What to do at home
- To keep your temporaries in place, please avoid eating sticky foods like gum, hard foods, and, if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
- It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary. Rather pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Jennifer Lauvetz-Enmeier, D.D.S. Phone Number405-624-3685.
AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION
What you can expect
- After a tooth is extracted, it is 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 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 in the healing process.
What to do at home
- Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours after the removal. 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 swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
- 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 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. However, if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for two to three days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at Jennifer Lauvetz-Enmeier, D.D.S. Phone Number405-624-3685.
AFTER COMPOSITE FILLINGS (WHITE FILLINGS)
What you can expect
- When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment.
- In addition, it is normal to experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity after your treatment. Injection sites may also be sore.
- 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.
What to do at home
- 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.
- Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every three to four hours or as needed) works well to alleviate the tenderness.
If pressure sensitivity persists, if your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Jennifer Lauvetz-Enmeier, D.D.S. Phone Number405-624-3685.
We want your positive patient experience to continue well after your treatment. This is why we encourage you to contact us if you require any additional assistance or information after your procedure.
