PATIENT INFORMATION

Home Care Instructions

After Cosmetic Reconstruction

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.

It often will take time to adjust to the feel of a new bite. When a bite is altered, it can takes several days for the brain to recognize the new tooth position. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite after treatment, call our office at 703-317-3900 so that 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.

Your speech may be affected for the first few days.  Most patients quickly adapt and begin speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation as you become accustom to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside in about a week.
 
Maintain normal daily brushing and flossing of 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 contact sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night and we have fabricated you a nightguard, remember to wear the night guard to protect your teeth. 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 or provisional 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 provisional crown may come off or fracture. If so, call us at 703-317-3900.  If possible bring whatever remains of the provisional crown with you so we can re-cement or remake it. It is very important for the provisional crown or bridge to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving.  The loss of a provisional may compromise the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your provisional crowns and bridges in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the side of your mouth away from where the work was done. It is important to brush and floss.  When flossing, pull the floss "outward" to the side of your mouth rather than "upwards" towards the center of your mouth.  Pulling "up" on the floss may dislodge the provisional.  Provisional restorations for onlays are held in place by wedging into the space between teeth and should not be flossed.

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few days after the placement of the final restoration.  If pain or discomfort persists for more than three days, if your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 703-317-3900 to schedule a follow-up appointment.  

After Tooth Extraction

Following tooth extraction, Dr. Van Stralen will often place an artificial blood clot or a fibrin clot into the extraction socket.  A blood clot stops the bleeding and begins the healing process. If the bleeding or oozing persists, place a slightly damp gauze pad over the extraction site and bite gently for another 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary until the bleeding or oozing stops.

After the blood clot forms, try 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 may dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours following extraction as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After tooth extraction, it is normal to experience some pain and 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 and keep in mind that it is easier to prevent pain with medication that to eliminate pain once it occurs.  Swelling usually peaks on the second night after tooth extraction.  The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use the pain medication as directed. Call our office at 703-317-3900 immediately if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, if the medication doesn't relieve your pain or if you have any side effects from the medication such as nausea or an allergic reaction (hives). 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 fluids and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You may eat normally as soon as you can do so comfortably.

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.  Most patients resume normal activities after a few days. 

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 703-317-3900.