Crowns and bridges usually take two 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 fabricated. 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 has completely worn off.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at 360-734-9928 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so it can re-cemented. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place in order to prevent surrounding teeth from moving and possibly compromising the fit of the final restoration.
To keep 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 please floss carefully. Avoid pulling up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary. 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.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 360-734-9928.
After tooth extraction, it's important for a clot to form and begin the healing process. Therefore we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If bleeding or oozing persists, place another gauze pad (we will provide you with several before you leave our office) and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. This may need to be done several times.
After the clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot because it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 48 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow the healing process. Vigorous exercise will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site, so should be avoided for 24 hours.
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. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
If pain medication has been prescribed, please use as directed. Call the office at 360-734-9928 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 after 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 at least twice a day and flossing 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 360-734-9928.
When 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.
Composite fillings are fully set when you leave the office, you may chew as soon as you feel comfortable or when the anesthetic wears off. Amalgam fillings take longer to set. Try to eat soft food for 24 hours or chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after a filling. 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, or if your bite feels uneven, or if you have persistent pain, contact our office at 360-734-9928.
It is normal to experience mild tenderness at the injection sites. You may use over the counter pain medication to help alleviate this.
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 to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as the "new" normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at 360-734-9928 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.
It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. Teeth require time to heal after removal of tooth structure and might be sensitive in the interim. Also, your gums may 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 mouth guard. 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.
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Serving The Following Cities:
Bellingham WA • Ferndale WA • Mt. Vernon WA • Lynden WA • Burlington WA • Blaine WA
Vancouver BC
Address: 2814 Flint Street • Bellingham, WA 98226 • Phone: 360-734-9928
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