Post Treatment Instructions

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Crowns and bridges usually take two appointments to complete. During the first appointment, the teeth are prepared and a scan/ impression is taken to create a custom crown. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth in the meantime. The temporary helps keep your teeth in position and ensures proper fit for the final crown or bridge. 

Because your mouth will be numb after the procedure, it is important to avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness fully wears off. 

Caring for Your Temporary Crown or Bridge

It is essential that your temporary crown or bridge stays in place until your permanent one is ready. If it becomes loose or falls off, please call our office at 262-691-1670 and bring the temporary with you so we can re-cement it. 

To Protect Your Temporary

  • Avoid sticky foods like gum or caramel.
  • Avoid hard foods that may dislodge or damage the temporary.
  • Chew on opposite side of your mouth if possible. 

Continue to brush normally, but floss the area with care. When flossing around the temporary, slide the flosso ut gently rather than pulling up, which could loosen it. 

It is normal to experience some sensitivity to temperature and pressure after each visit. This should gradually improve within a few weeks after your permanent crown or bridge is placed. If needed, you can use over the counter pain relief as recommended by our office. 

If your bite feels uneven, you experience ongoing discomfort, or have any concerns, pleaes contact us at 262-691-1670. We are here to help ensure your recovery is smooth and comfortable. 

After Tooth Extraction

Proper care following a tooth extraction is essential for healing and preventing complications. Please follow the instructions below to support a smooth recovery. 

Controlling Bleeding

After your extraction, a blood clot needs to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. To help this happen:

  • Bite down firmly on the guaze pad placed by your dentist for 30-45 minutes.
  • If bleeding or oozing continues, replace the gauze with a new piece and bite down for another 30 minutes. 
  • You may need to repeat this process several times. 

Protecting the Blood Clot

Once a bloodclot forms, it is important to avoid dislodging it as it plays a crucial role in healing. For the first 72 hours, do not:

  • Rinse your mouth vigorously
  • Use straws
  • Smoke or use tobacco products
  • Drink alcohol

Additionally, avoid vigorous physical activity for 24 hours, as this may increase bleeding. 

Managing Pain and Swelling

Some discomfort and swelling are normal after an extraction:

  • Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face near the extraction site to reduce swelling. Use in 15 minuted intervals during the first 24-48 hours. 
  • Alternate with tylenol or ibuprofen or take prescribed medication. It if isn’t managing your pain effectivly, call us at 262-691-1670. 
  • Swelling should begin to improve after 48 hours. 
  • If antibiotics are prescribed, finish the full course even if you feel better

Diet

  • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids
  • Stick to soft, nutritious foods the day of your extraction. You can return to your normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable

Oral Hygiene

You can your normal dental routine after 24 hours. Keeping your mouth clean supports healing and prevents infections. 

When to Call Us

Call our office at 262-691-1670 if you experience:

  • Heavy or prolonged bleeding
  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Swelling that continues beyond 2-3 days
  • Any reaction to medication

After a few days, you should feel much better and be able to return to your normal activities. 

After Composite Fillings (white fillings)

After receiving a filling it is important to follow a few simple care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and lasting results. 

Numbness and Anesthetic

If you received local anesthetic, your lips, tongue, and cheeks may remain numb for several hours after your appointment. To avoid accidentally biting or burning yourself do not chew or drink hot beverages until the numbness has worn off. 

Sensitivity and Discomfort

It is normal to experience temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure following a filling. The injection site may also feel tender for a day or two. 

To relieve any discomfort, you can take an over the counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or tylenol. 

When to Contact Us

If you notice any of the following, please contact our office:

  • Your bite feels uneven or off
  • You experience ongoing or worsening pain
  • You have any questions or concerns about your filling