Post Operative Instructions | Fountain Valley CA | Eugene J.Schmidt, DDS, MAGD, FACD

Following Crown/Bridge

Following the first appointment for a crown or bridge procedure, a provisional temporary is usually placed on the tooth or teeth involved. This will protect them while the custom restoration is being made.
Provisional temporary crowns are of a universal shade that also serves as a cosmetic function for front teeth. Your final restoration will be shaped and shaded better than the temporary to match your other teeth in both color and function.
The use of temporary cement is for easy removal on your next appointment. If your temporary comes off between appointments, slip it back on and call us for an appointment.
Many crowns fit below the gum line. Therefore, you may experience some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of that area during the procedure. Sensitivity to cold or pressure is also possible.
After the anesthetic wears off, it may take a few days to get used to the provisional temporary crown or bridge. If you feel the bite is not correctly balanced, be sure to call our office immediately for a simple adjustment.
We recommend professional maintenance and evaluation at least two times a year. If you have had a periodontal (gum disease) problem in the past we recommend three to four times a year.
Proper care includes brushing, flossing and rinsing with Oxyfresh a minimum of twice daily. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of the restoration, but will also help the prevent problems elsewhere in your mouth.

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Following Veneer

If you have been given an anesthetic in order to prepare the tooth (teeth), it should wear off in a couple of hours. Please be careful not to chew on the tooth (teeth) until it wears off. Also, do not eat or drink anything extremely hot or cold until you have complete sensation once again.
The gum tissue may be slightly irritated around the treatment site(s). This sensitivity will diminish over the next couple of days with proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing.
A temporary tooth-colored restoration has been placed to protect the tooth (teeth) while your new restoration is being made. Avoid heavy chewing and sticky foods while wearing your temporary. If it does come off before your next appointment, simply pop it back in and call our office immediately.
Your tooth (teeth) may be slightly sensitive to hot or cold until the final restoration is delivered. Please be careful.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary or have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call us. We care about you and want you to be as comfortable as possible during your treatment.
Proper care includes brushing and flossing a minimum of twice daily. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of the restoration, but will also help to prevent problems elsewhere in your mouth.

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Following Restorative Treatment

This material is already hardened with the use of high intensity light. You may begin to use it right away.
You may experience some minor discomfort the first few days following your treatment. This should diminish gradually over time.
If you have been given an anesthetic, this should wear off in a few hours. Please be careful not to bit your cheek or tongue. Also, do not eat or drink anything extremely hot or cold until the anesthetic has completely worn off.
The bite should feel normal when the anesthetic wears off. If sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure persists longer than one week, please call our office for a follow-up evaluation and/or simple adjustment.
The tooth will look natural in color, so you may not be able to notice the restoration.
The surface texture and consistency may feel a little different at first, but will smoothen with use.
Do not bite anything with your teeth that can damage them (such as finger nails, thread, fishing line, paper clips, pens, etc.).
We recommend professional maintenance and evaluation at least twice a year. If you have had a periodontal (gum disease) problem in the past, you should see us a minimum of four times a year.
Proper care includes brushing, flossing and rinsing with Oxyfresh at minimum of twice daily. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of the restoration, but will also help to prevent problems elsewhere in your mouth.

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Following Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy can take one to three appointments, depending on each case. It is possible to experience any of the following symptoms after any one of these appointments: sensitivity to hot and/or cold, sensitivity to pressure and possible swelling.
It is difficult to predict which symptoms, if any, you may experience and to what extent. In complicated cases, pain medication may be necessary.
If you experience any swelling, call our office; it may be necessary to prescribe an antibiotic for you.
A temporary filling may be used to seal the tooth between visits. This material may chip away before you return. If this is uncomfortable for you, call our office and we will replace it.
Be gentle on the tooth while eating until the final restoration is placed.
During root canal therapy, the nerve, blood and nutrient supply to the tooth and some hard tooth is removed. This causes the tooth to become brittle and prone to fracture. In most cases, a crown is needed to prevent this from happening.

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Following Cementation

The cement is already set and the crown, veneer, inlay/onlay or bridge is ready for immediate use.
You may experience some minor discomfort for the first few days following your treatment. This should diminish gradually over time.
If you have been given an anesthetic, this should wear off in a few hours. Please be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue. Also, do not eat or drink anything extremely hot or cold until the anesthetic has completely worn off.
The bite should feel normal when the anesthetic wears off. If sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure persists longer than one week, please call our office for a follow-up evaluation and/or simple adjustment.
The tooth will look natural in color, so you may not be able to notice the restoration.
Do not bite anything with your teeth that can damage them (such as finger nails, thread, fishing line, paper clips, pens, etc.).
Proper care includes brushing, flossing and rinsing with Oxyfresh at minimum of twice daily. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of the restoration, but will also help to prevent problems elsewhere in your mouth.

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Tooth Extractions

BLEEDING: Following tooth removal some bleeding is to be expected. If you are biting on gauze, continue biting for 30 minutes following removal. If bleeding persists, place fresh gauze pads over the area and bite down firmly for another 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
SMOKING: Do not smoke for a minimum of 12 hours following removal. Tobacco contains bacteria that can infect the healing site.
DO NOT RINSE MOUTH TODAY: You may drink liquids as usual, but do not rinse and spit as this may dislodge the blood clot in the healing site. Tomorrow, rinse mouth gently every three to four hours (especially after meals) using ¼ teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Continue rinsing for several days.
SWELLING: An ice bag of chopped ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to the operated area – 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off – for four to five hours.
PAIN: For mild to average pain, use a non-aspirin type of medication you like. If your surgery was extensive, a prescribed pain medication should be taken as instructed.
FOOD: A soft, light diet is recommended during the first 24 hours.
BONY EDGES: Sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots; if they are annoying please return to the office for their simple removal.
SUTURES: If sutures have been placed an appointment will be made for removal.
MEDICATION: If a prescription has been given, please take the proper doses of medication as instructed.
HYGIENE: Proper oral hygiene will speed the healing process and diminish sensitivity. For the first few days following surgery, be careful not to dislodge any sutures by using light pressure when brushing and flossing. Usually two to four days following treatment you should be able to resume your normal routine.
Remember your body is in a healing phase and will need time to return to normal. If any unusual symptoms occur, please notify us at once.

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Following Bleaching Tray Use

Mild thermal sensitivity (sensitivity to cold) is a common side effect associated with most in-office and dentist-prescribed home bleaching methods. However, no long-term irreversible tissue effects have been demonstrated in relevant clinical studies.

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After the Use of Whitening Trays

It is common for teeth to be sensitive for a few days following office bleaching. Patients may describe this sensitivity as a momentary tingling or stinging sensation. This is a common post-operative symptom that usually resolves within a few days.
Use a fluoride mouthwash like Act or Fluorigard and Sensodyne toothpaste, several times a day for the week following the bleaching. Avoid tobacco, coffee, tea and dark colored sodas and staining types of foods. If you must indulge, drink a glass of water immediately afterwards to minimize the staining effects.

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After ZOOM! Whitening

Some people who undergo in-office whitening may experience some sensitivity in their teeth. This sensitivity should be gone within one to two days. Sensitivity from at-home whitening will dissipate after one to two days' rest between whitening applications.

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After Gum Treatment

After your active treatment, you must see your dentist for ongoing maintenance. During these visits, your dentist will examine your gums, check your bite and remove new plaque and tartar. How often you have to visit the dentist depends on how well controlled your gum disease is. A big part of this ongoing maintenance program is practicing good daily dental care at home. Essentially it’s back to the basics: brush, floss and rinse to maintain that healthy smile.

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