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After Care Instructions
Click on a topic or scroll down
Oral Health Rinses |
Deep Cleaning |
Post Surgical Instructions |
Root Canal Therapy |
During Crown or Bridge Creation |
Temporary Bonded Restorations |
Desensitizing |
Whitening Instructions |
ORAL HEALTH RINSES
Prescription & Over-the-Counter
Periogard or Periodex:
These products are prescription medications. Please keep safely out of the reach of children!
Swish with 1/2 ounces for 30 seconds and expectorate. Avoid rinsing with water for 15 - 30 minutes thereafter. We recommend morning following breakfast and just before bedtime. If a fluoride rinse is recommended, please use the fluoride at a different time of day, i.e. not in conjunction with PerioGard or Peridex.
Remember:
PerioGard or Peridex can cause some increased staining of teeth.
Thus, adequate brushing and flossing is a must! Also, some
slight alteration in taste may occur.
Listerine (any flavor) - not Listermint
Listerine is
an excellent non-prescription plaque fighting rinse.
Care should be taken with children. Excessive amounts are not
meant for swallowing!
SWISH vigorously with one capful, twice consecutively for thirty (30) seconds. Make sure you swish for the full thirty seconds for each cycle. Try timing yourself by the clock. Swishing for thirty seconds takes some getting used to. A simple rinse will not achieve the same effectiveness as the recommended 'swishing' procedure. We recommend you rinse in this fashion at least twice per day.
Listerine is strong. It contains some alcohol. Thus, some burning may occur. After consistent use for a few days to weeks, this effect should not be a problem. If used correctly, Listerine will help. It takes time to work .. be patient
Non-Alcohol Mouthrise Alternatives:
Biotene * Breath Rx * ClosysII * Crest Pro Healthrise * Rembrandt
SWISH vigorously with 1/2 -1 capful of your rise of choice for at least 1 minute. Remove excess mouthrinse and do not rinse your mouth or drink for about 30 minutes.
Deep Cleaning
Post-Treatment Suggestions
We have now begun the 'deep cleaning' therapy sequence.
This therapy is designed to 'cleanse' your oral tissues of bacterial toxins and debris. This will start the process toward gum and tissue healing. Our goal? Your gums and supporting structures will be the stable foundation we are seeking; to complete your dental treatment.
What to expect!
Upon dismissal from our office – you may notice slight ‘oozing’ from the gums. This will decrease rapidly.
Some sensitivity to certain foods may be expected following your appointment(s).
…including …
- extreme hot and cold
- spicy foods
- acidic foods (citrus; as an example)
Over the next few days and weeks, as your teeth and gums become healthier, the gum tissue will actually 'shrink.' More tooth may be exposed. Increased sensitivity can occur with these teeth - which is transient in nature. The best way to decrease this sensitivity is to keep the area as clean as possible [brushing, flossing and rinsing; as directed].
How do I take care during therapy?
Every person is different. Thus, all post operative instructions are 'customized' for you by our dental hygiene staff. However, basic rules do apply.
- Salt/Water rinses [1 tsp. salt w/8 oz. warm water]; 3 times per day - for 30 to 60 seconds
- Peroxide/Water rinses to assist with impacted debris
- Listerine, Alcohol Free or Prescription rinses to begin 24 - 48 hours after therapy; per your hygiene staff recommendation.
Are any medications necessary?
Perhaps; however, not normally. In a vast majority of cases; should medications for sensitivity be necessary - over the counter anti-inflammatory formulations work very well. These include:
- Advil (Ibuprophen) [600mg {3 tablets} - 3x/day]
- Aleve (Naprosyn Sodium) [220mg {1-2 tablets} 3x/day]
An excellent method to reduce sensitivity post operatively is to take one of these medications one hour PRIOR to your nextappointment.
Please remember, the success of your deep cleaning therapy is a TEAM effort. YOUR commitment to proper care is essential for success!
POST SURGICAL INSTRUCTIONS
- Swelling Control:
Place an ice bag on the outside of the face that corresponds to the operative site. Alternate 15 minutes on and 10 minutes off for at least twelve (12) hours. - Bleeding Control:
A) Keep firm pressure with gauze over the surgical site - changing the gauze frequently, as it becomes soiled. Continue until bleeding has mostly ceased.
B) No spitting or rinsing for at least 24 hours.
C) Do not drink from a straw for 24 hours.
D) Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours - and longer, if possible. If you must smoke, please 'puff' using light pressure, at the opposite side of the mouth from the surgical site.
E) If bleeding still persists, place a moist tea bag over the surgical site, and apply firm biting pressure. - Comfort Control:
A) Take pain medication as prescribed.
B) Relax! Physical activity will increase healing time -- We guarantee it !! - Recommended Diet for at least the first 24 hours:
- Food and Drink to Avoid:
- Hard and Crunchy items
- Extremes in Temperatures and Spices
- Citrus, Carbonated or Alcoholic Beverages
- Items containing rice granules or similar size piece
- Indulge In:
- Cold Treats (yogurt, popsicles, milkshakes (w/a spoon)
- Soft Main Dishes (Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, etc. )
- Food and Drink to Avoid:
-
Hygiene control:
A) Starting 24 hours after the surgery, begin salt & water
or peroxide and water rinses four times per day for one to two weeks.
B) Light brushing around the surgical site should be started at this time, as well. Brush more vigorously each day as comfort allows.
We ask that you follow the above instructions carefully. They will greatly assist you in having a smooth recovery from your surgical care.
Please do not hesitate to call us should there be any questions or excessive discomfort.
Root Canal Therapy
Post Operative Instructions
Your Root Canal treatment may take one or more visits to complete. During treatment, we will remove the diseased pulp (nerve), then clean, shape and fill the space where the pulp was (the nerve canal of the tooth; which is in the root). The filling material is specially designed for this purpose, to help prevent recontamination of the nerve chamber.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Because cleaning the root canals may cause inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tooth, you may experience some discomfort for a day or so.
- Some initial minor swelling may also occur. It is advisable to place an ice bag on the outside of the face that corresponds to the site of the tooth. Alternate 15 minutes on and 10 minutes off for at least two to three hours. If the swelling should linger more than a few days, or increases, call us!
- Over-the-counter pain relievers usually assist with the discomfort. We will advise you as to which medicine to take. At times, a prescription pain medication will be suggested. If the discomfort continues for more than a few days, or if severe pain occurs, call us!
- Sometimes antibiotics will be prescribed to help control infection. It is very important that you take the medication as directed!
How To Take care of your mouth
- Between appointments, a temporary filling will be placed over the entry to the nerve space. Because temporary restorations may loosen, call us if there is significant loss of this filling.
- Avoid chewing or biting with excessive force directly on the treated tooth, until we complete the root canal.
- Do not ignore brushing and flossing this tooth; as comfort allows.
Please Note:
Retreatment may occasionally be necessary. Even though the pulp of the tooth was removed, the tooth is still nourished from surrounding tissues. As with any living tissue, treatment is occasionally unsuccessful and retreatment or even tooth removal may be indicated.
During Crown or Bridge Creation
Important Instructions to Note
Here are a few suggestions to promote healing and make yourself more comfortable; as your final restoration is being custom fabricated for you by our laboratory.
DISCOMFORT:
After the tooth/teeth have been reshaped, you may experience some minor sensitivity, along with slight gum irritation.
- We highly recommend rinsing with warm salt water or a half/half mix of hydrogen peroxide and water; three times per day.
- Gentle message of the gums while rising works very well.
- Sore jaw joints any be soothed with an application of war compresses. We recommend a moist heating pad to be applied 15 minutes on/15 minutes off. While applying, open and close your jaws very slightly.
MEDICATION:
- Aspirin or Ibuprofen usually works very well.
- If we prescribe a particular pain medication, please use only as directed.
Do NOT increase the prescribed dosage or mix with other medications. - Call us if the medication does not seem to work well for you.
CLEANING:
Proper care of your temporary restoration is a must!
Brush with a gentle motion on the sides of the tooth - flexing the soft bristles at the gum line of the interim restoration.
Place the floss gently between the teeth, clean the gum areas as usual, then release your inside finger and pull the floss through space, toward the cheek.
DISLODGMENT OF THE INTERIM CROWN or BRIDGE:
If loosens does occur, do not be alarmed. Call our office and we will arrange a time so things may be placed in their proper positions. Even if there is no discomfort involved, it is very important that we re-cement this restoration; so that the teeth don't drift - making placement of your final restoration very difficult. Please do not attempt to place restoration back into place with anything other than vaseline. Superglue, for example, is not healthy in the oral environment.
Congratulations!
You are on your way to receiving the most advanced, state-of-the-art restorative dentistry available today. It is our privilege to provide this service for you.
Please call 631-2111 if you have any questions.
We do care and want you to be as comfortable as possible.
Temporary Bonded Restorations
Care Instructions
Immediate Care While You Wait For Your Final Bonded Restoration!
Here are a few simple rules to follow as your final restoration is being custom fabricated for you by our laboratory.
DISCOMFORT:
After the tooth/teeth have had the decay removed and structure
stabilized, you may experience some minor sensitivity. You
can help reduce this by taking aspirin or ibuprofen every four
hours.
Please remember, if you have been given anesthetic, it should wear off in a couple of hours. Be careful not to chew on the tooth (teeth) until this occurs.
TEMPORARY CARE:
A temporary tooth-colored restoration may be placed to protect
the tooth (teeth) while your new restoration is being made.
Avoid heavy chewing and sticky foods. If this temporary does
dislodge before your next visit, call us! Please do not attempt
to place restoration back into place with anything other than
Vaseline. Superglue, for example, is not healthy in the oral
environment. It also will greatly disturb the bonding process
of your final cosmetic restoration!
CLEANING:
Proper care of the interim restoration - if placed - is a must!
Brushing can be accomplished with a gentle motion on the sides
of the tooth - flexing the soft bristles at the gum line. We
may instruct you not to use dental floss, depending on the
procedure. When flossing is recommended, place it gently between
the teeth, clean the gum areas as usual, then release your
inside finger and pull the floss through the space, toward
the cheek. Do not draw the floss back between the two teeth.
Correct care also includes rinsing - a must, should flossing not be accomplished! Use Listerine or the recommended non-alcohol rinse, as directed - a minimum of twice per day. This care will not only prolong the life of the restoration, but will also help to prevent problems elsewhere in the mouth.
Congratulations!
You are on your way to receiving the most advanced, state-of-the-art
cosmetic and structurally sound restorative dentistry available
today. We are excited with what Cosmetic Dentistry can do for
you and your teeth, and are pleased that you are as committed
to high quality dentistry, as we are. It's our privilege to
provide this service for you.
Please call 631-2111 if you have any questions.
We do care and want you to be as comfortable as possible.
Desensitizing With
RECOMMENDED PASTE & GEL PRODUCTS
SMASH, MASSAGE & BRUSH
Many of these products do clean teeth well. However, as a desensitizing tool, we recommend you increase the effectiveness of the desensitizing chemicals incorporated within them -- that is;
Smash, Massage and Brush
Step 1: Put a 'dab' of the paste/gel on the end of a cotton swab, or fingertip, and "smash" on the tooth at the gum line where the sensitivity is occurring.
Step 2: "Massage" this paste onto the tooth surface. Keep the product on the same surface for at least 5 - 10 seconds.
Step 3: Put another dab of the paste on your regular toothbrush and gently "brush" all your teeth.
An additional benefit can be obtained, just before bed, by placing another dab of paste on your teeth in the sensitive areas, "massaging" it in, and leaving it there, as you sleep!
Whitening Instructions
Instructions for At-Home Use
Lustradent |
NiteWhite |
Opalescence |
Colgate Platinum |
Lustradent Smile Whitening
Important Instructions for At-Home Use
Congratulations - you are beginning the treatment process that will most definitely improve your appearance. The amount of whitening you obtain during the tooth whitening process is dependent on three factors:
- the length of time the appliance is worn
- the number of times the appliance is worn
- the susceptibility of your teeth and its internal contaminants to the whitening agent.
Procedure
- Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth prior to applying the whitening gel.
- See attached detailed diagrammed instruction sheet
- Wear for only 20 - 30 minutes per application when using the 30% Lustradent Whitening material. 2 treatments per day is ideal! All other materials require a minimum of 2-4 hours/day.
- When the appliance is removed, brush teeth and gums thoroughly. The 'tray' should be rinsed thoroughly and placed in the appliance case - ready for the next application.
Possible Side Effects:
Occasionally patients will experience sensitivity to cold with
some minor gum irritation during treatment. This difficulty
normally resolves on its own 1-3 days after interruption or
completion of the whitening treatment. We also have the option
of supplying a fluoride gel that can be placed in the appliance
in place of the whitening agent. Alternating the fluoride therapy
with the whitening therapy is of great assistance, should sensitivity
persist. Simply waiting a day or two after sensitivity occurs
before restarting the whitening process is another method to
alleviate symptoms.
Precautions:
Please keep the whitening carriers away from heat and/or direct
sunlight at all times. The whitening agent will break down
and become ineffective, should this occur. It is best to store
the material in a refrigerator. Please remember, never attempt
to use any household or commercial bleaching agents in your
mouth. Only use the teeth whitening agents we prescribe; those
that have been tested and approved for intraoral use. Over-the-counter
whitening agents normally have a very high acid content - which
can dissolve your teeth, permanently ruining your smile.
Please Note:
Normal tooth whitening starts at the biting edges of the teeth
and works its way up. Normal color of teeth is darker toward
the gum line.
We have never had one patient experience any irreversible effects to the teeth from the whitening process!
Contact our office with any questions or problems.
Store Whitening Gel in the refrigerator to maintain shelf life.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN ---- KEEP OUT OF HEAT & SUNLIGHT
Smile Whitening
NiteWhite - Opalescence - Colgate Platinum
Instructions for At-Home Use
Congratulations - you are beginning the treatment process that will most definitely improve your appearance. The amount of whitening that you obtain during the tooth whitening process is dependent on three factors:
- the length of time the appliance is worn
- the number of times the appliance is worn
- the susceptibility of your teeth and it's internal contaminants to the whitening agent.
Procedure
- Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth prior to applying the whitening gel
- Load the appliance, as demonstrated, by gently depressing the syringe cap - expressing the material only on the front 8-10 teeth - the surfaces that face toward the lip.
- Place the appliance completely and firmly onto the teeth, but gently. Excessive pressure will express too much material out of the appliance.
- Gently wipe off excess gel with a toothbrush or Q-tip.
- Expectorate any excess material.
- Wear for a minimum of 2-4 hours/day. This can be accomplished during 'sleep time' or during waking hours. The thin tray is very comfortable and can be worn easily while accomplishing other tasks.
- When the appliance is removed brush teeth and gums thoroughly. The 'tray' should be rinsed thoroughly and placed in the appliance case - ready for the next application.
Possible Side Effects:
Occasionally patients will experience sensitivity to cold with
some minor gum irritation during treatment. This difficulty
normally resolves on its own in 1-3 days after interruption
or completion of the whitening treatment. We also have the
option of supplying a fluoride gel that can be placed in the
appliance in place of the whitening agent. Alternating the
fluoride therapy with the whitening therapy is of great assistance,
should sensitivity persist. Simply waiting a day or two after
sensitivity occurs before restarting the whitening process
is another method to alleviate symptoms.
Precautions:
Please keep the whitening carriers out of heat and/or direct
sunlight at all times. The whitening agent will break down
and become ineffective, should this occur. It is best to store
the material in a refrigerator. Please remember, never attempt
to use any household or commercial bleaching agents in your
mouth. Only use the teeth whitening agents that we prescribe
for you; those that have been tested and approved for intraoral
use. Over-the-counter whitening agents normally have a very
high acid content - which can dissolve your teeth, permanently
ruining your smile.
Please Note:
Normal tooth whitening starts at the biting edges of the teeth
and works its way up. Normal color of teeth is darker toward
the gum line.
We have never had one patient experience any irreversible effects to the teeth from the whitening process!
Contact our office with any questions or problems.
Store Whitening Gel in the refrigerator to maintain shelf life.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN -- KEEP OUT OF HEAT & SUNLIGHT
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