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Reviewed by Dr. Kenneth B. Prince, DDS

Dental Patient Instructions for Home Care

After Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our Reno office at (775) 310-8812 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 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 notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. 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, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard 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.

Happy girl in dental chair after treatment when pain stopped in clinic

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Dental crowns and dental bridges at White Pine Family Dental are most often completed in a single appointment. We use same-day crown technology that allows us to prepare, design, and deliver your final restoration in one visit — no waiting, no return trip for a crown seat.

Since the teeth will be anesthetized during your appointment, the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth may be numb afterward. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off.

Once your final crown is delivered, avoid eating sticky foods such as gum or chewy candies, as these can dislodge the restoration. It is also normal for your bite to feel slightly different after placement. Minor bite adjustments are common — if your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable after a day or two, call our office at (775) 825-6655 and we’ll get you in to make a quick adjustment.

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. This should subside within a few weeks. Mild pain medications may be used as directed if needed.

In some cases — such as when a restoration needs to be sent to a lab or when additional healing time is required — we may place a temporary crown to protect the tooth between visits. If you do have a temporary: avoid sticky and hard foods, chew on the opposite side of your mouth when possible, and floss carefully by pulling the floss out from the side rather than lifting up, to avoid dislodging it. If a temporary comes off, call us at (775) 825-6655 and bring it with you so we can re-cement it promptly.

If you have persistent pain, sensitivity that isn’t improving, or any other concerns, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (775) 825-6655.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s 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 still 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 healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow 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.

Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at (775) 310-8812 if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. 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 fluid 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. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at (775) 310-8812.

close-up of forceps for extraction of teeth and a tooth in them. The concept of going to the dentist. copy space.

After White (Composite) Fillings

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. 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.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your dental filling appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at (775) 310-8812.

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.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our Reno Dental office at (775) 310-8812.

Man, teeth and flossing with morning routine in home for grooming, oral care and hygiene for wellness. Male person, reflection and mouth for dental health, fresh breath and bathroom with confidence.

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Office hours

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Contact

Phone: (775) 825-6655
Fax: (775) 825-8691