Patient Instruction

Instructions following fillings /crowns /bridges

Do not eat or chew until any numbness from anesthesia has worn off.
Sensitivity and tenderness on the tooth and surrounding gums is common and expected for 3-7 days and should gradually subside.
Avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods for 24 hours (if temporary crown/bridge is present, avoid until permanent restoration is placed).
Please call our office if you experience pain or discomfort for more than a few days.
If your temporary crown/bridge comes off, please call our office.

Dentures will often need several adjustments in order to fit comfortably.
Dentures should be removed overnight to give your mouth and gums time to rest.
Never wear your dentures at night. You should remove your dentures and clean them before going to bed. They should be stored in a clean container filled with denture cleaning solution.
Food particles can become trapped under dentures, causing inflammation or sore spots. Lightly brush the roof of your mouth and rinse after removing your dentures.
Call our office if any sore spots need to be adjusted or if dentures need to be tightened or loosened.

For the first 24 hours, you may experience some cold and heat sensitivity.
Some bleeding following a deep cleaning is normal, but if you experience excessive bleeding, please call our office.
A warm salt water rinse, approximately one teaspoon in an eight-ounce glass of water, three times a day can be helpful.
Brush and floss gently following a deep cleaning, resuming normal brushing and flossing when the soreness is gone.
Do not eat or chew until any numbness from anesthesia has worn off.
Please take all medications as instructed.

Do not eat or chew until any numbness from anesthesia has worn off.
If the temporary filling falls out, please contact our office as soon as possible. If your temporary filling falls out after office hours, you may purchase temporary filling material from a pharmacy and follow the included instructions to cover the area until you can be seen in our office.
Please take all medications as instructed.
Discomfort and tenderness are normal for 4-7 days following root canal therapy. In some cases, the tooth and surrounding tissue may be sore for a few weeks following treatment.

The best way to stop bleeding is to place a piece of folded, damp gauze over the extraction site and gently bite for 30-60 minutes.
Please take all medications as instructed.
Swelling may not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its peak for 3-4 days. After this time, the swelling should decrease but may persist for 7-10 days.
You may apply the cold compress for up to 20 minutes on and at least 20 minutes off as needed immediately after the procedure.
Restrict your activities on the day of your surgery. Avoid excessive work or play, and resume normal activity the following day as tolerated.
Sutures may have been placed. Most sutures placed by our office will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days.
To help prevent a dry socket, avoid vigorous rinsing, sucking on the wound, spitting, using a straw, smoking, and exercising for 2-3 days after the procedure. If you have severe pain 3-5 days after the procedure, please call the office to schedule a follow-up.
Please call our office if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding or swelling, or if you have any questions or concerns.