- Cleaning – You may have some sensitivity for a couple of days after the cleaning. In addition to cleaning off plaque and calculus, the cleaning procedure can take off natural barriers that help desensitize a tooth. The sensitivity should diminish after a couple of days. In the mean time, you can try using Sensodyne toothpaste to expediate the process. Please feel free to contact Dr. Sherer if the sensitivity persists.
- Filling – Because Dr. Sherer removes part of the tooth during a filling procedure, the tooth can be sensitive for a couple of days in response to the trauma. The likelihood of this sensitivity occurring depends on the depth of the filling. Dr. Sherer will let you know if the filling is deeper so that you can be prepared for some sensitivity. If you have cold/hot sensitivity that lasts more than 5 seconds or cannot chew on the tooth, please let Dr. Sherer know immediately. Also, if the tooth is sensitive to temperatures for more than a week, please let Dr. Sherer know.
Anesthetic usually lasts 3-4 hours. For a composite filling, be careful not to chew with that tooth while you still feel the effects of the anesthetic. The silver fillings take 24 hours to become full strength, so stay away from chewing with the tooth for a day.
- Crowns – The tooth can be sensitive for a couple days after preparing it for a crown because of the trauma caused by the dental handpiece. Also, the gums may be sensitive after packing cord around the tooth to get a good impression. The tooth may also be sensitive after the delivery of the crown. Occasionally, this sensitivity can last months. Please let Dr. Sherer know if you have any hot/cold sensitivity that lasts more than 5 seconds or cannot chew on that tooth.
If the temporary crown comes off or is distorted in any way, please let Dr. Sherer know immediately. The adjacent teeth may shift and this could cause a poor fitting crown.
- Dentures/Partials – Expect some sore spots after the delivery of a denture/partial. Please let Dr. Sherer know so that he can make adjustments to the prosthesis.
Do not wear your denture/partial at night unless otherwise told to by Dr. Sherer. During the night, keep your prosthesis in a small amount of water to keep the acrylic hydrated. Keep your prosthesis clean by brushing it with a toothbrush. You can occasionally use products such as Efferdent to clean the denture/partial.
- Root Canal - A small amount of tenderness if typical after a root canal is completed. This pain typically diminishes after a couple of days. If the pain persists, please contact Dr. Sherer for further instructions. A permanent restoration is typically required on the tooth within 30 days of the root canal being completed.
- Extraction – Five common problems occur following surgery in the mouth:
- Bleeding – Some bleeding following mouth surgery is to be expected, but if the bleeding is excessive the apply a moistened gauze pad over the bleeding area and hold with continuous pressure for 15 to 30 minutes. Absolutely avoid spitting. Repeat the above procedure if necessary. If a moistened tea bag is available, it can be placed over the area instead of gauze to control the bleeding. If this does not help, please contact Dr. Sherer.
- Swelling – Some swelling may be noticed and this is a normal reaction of tissue after surgery so do not be alarmed. To control swelling, apply an ice bag or towel wrapped around cracked ice over the affected are on the outside of the face on and off alternately every 20 minutes for 1-2 hours. Do not apply heat. If you have any questions about the swelling please contact Dr. Sherer.
- Pain – Two aspirin or Tylenol tablets (400 mg) every four (4) hours are usually adequate. If stronger medicine is anticipated, Dr. Sherer will prescribe it; however DO NOT take pain pills unless they are needed and then only by following the directions supplied with the medication. Taking pain pills 20 minutes before bedtime may allow you to get to sleep better. As with any medication, if you begin to run a fever, or develop a rash or strange swelling anywhere, take no more medication and contact our office.
- Oral Hygiene – The healing will be faster an better if your mouth is kept clean; however, DO NOT RINSE at all for at least 12 hours after surgery and then only gently with a mouthwash of your choice or mild salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt per 8 ounce drinking glass of water). Rinsing can be done every 3 hours to cleanse the affected area. Brushing and flossing of those teeth not affected by the surgery can begin the day after surgery.
- Eating – Do not eat until the numbness is gone. Soft food is desirable for the period immediately following your visit. Chew food on the opposite side from the surgery for at least 24 hours if possible. Depending on the extent of the surgery you may even be able to eat a diet of normal consistency , but if your mouth is too sore here are some suggestions:
- Soup and Broth
- Milk shakes or ice cream
- Cereals softened in milk
- Dietary supplement foods
- Scrambled or soft boiled eggs
- Baby foods or canned meats
- Jello and puddings
- Carnation instant breakfast
- Stewed tomatoes
- Many ground foods
- Other suggestions:
- If antibiotics are prescribed, take these as recommended and until all the medication is gone; otherwise, antibiotics may be more harm than good.
- Avoid vigorous work or exercise for at least 2 days after surgery
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- Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgery area. Do not lift or retract the lip to examine stitches as this may cause them to tear and retard healing.
- Smoking is NOT advised for at least 48 hours after surgery.
- Consuming alcoholic beverages is NOT advised while taking medications.
