Home Care Instructions
- You will be numb for 2-3 hours
- Be careful not to bite your lip cheek and tongue, if you do it may swell and hurt a lot
- When the anaesthesia wears off, you may have a little tooth discomfort because we have been drilling on it
- It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth may need time to heal.
- Your gums may be sore for a few days and be sure to rinse with warm salt water at least 3 times a day for the next 24 hours
- You can take some pain medication like Tylenol or Advil
- If there’s throbbing pain or pain that keeps you up at night, give our office a call because you may need more dental work
AFTER FILLINGS APPOITNMENT
If you detect high spots on your teeth or problems with your bite, call our office at 925.682.4912 so we can schedule an an adjustment appointment.
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.
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. 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. Call us at Nicole Hoang, DMD Phone Number (925)682-4912 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so 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.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (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 but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
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.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Nicole Hoang, DMD Phone Number (925)682-4912.
AFTER DEEP CLEANING APPOINTMENT
- It’s normal for you gum to bleed
- Rinse with warm salt water for the next 24 hours
- It’s normal to have some discomfort
- Take some pain medication as needed
- Brush for at least 2 minutes 2 times a day
- Floss daily
- Come back every 3 months for your routine periodontal maintenance
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 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.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at Nicole Hoang, DMD Phone Number (925)682-4912 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 Nicole Hoang, DMD Phone Number (925)682-4912.
After implant surgery appointment
- Don’t rinse or brush surgical site for 36 hours
- Don’t rinse with anything that has alcohol base
- Use an ice packs over the surgical site alternating every 15 minutes on and off for the first 2-3 hours
- Take pain medicine as neede
- Take antibiotics until gone
- After 36 hours, you can lightly brush the surgical site and rinse with warm salt water 6-8 times a day for 1 week
- Don’t use an electric toothbrush, only use a manual toothbrush
- Don’t touch stitches with your fingers, tongue or any other objects
- Don’t chew or place any food in the surgery site
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol beverage for the next 36 hours
- Return in 14 days to remove stiches