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 503-774-4663 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 503-774-4663.
After Cosmetic 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 office at
503-774-4663 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.
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 503-774-4663 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 503-774-4663.
After Composite Fillings (white 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 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 503-774-4663.
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 office at 503-774-4663.
home | patient information | treatments | cosmetic treatments | dental health | meet us | contact us | sitemap | disclaimer
Serving The Following Cities:
Clackamas OR • Milwaukie OR • Gladstone OR • Oregon City OR • West Linn OR • Happy Valley OR
Address: 4922 SE Woodstock Blvd • Portland, OR 97206 • Phone: 503.774.4663
Dental Website Designby PBHS 2010©