After-Care Instructions
Extractions
To control bleeding and to promote clotting; keep a folded piece of gauze over the extraction site. Keep pressure on gauze and replace it with a fresh piece when saturated. Bleeding may occur for up to 2 days. Do not do any heaving spitting or sucking through a straw and do not rinse out mouth for about 24 hours after extraction. After 24 hours you may rinse with warm salt water very gently, several times a day, to promote healing. Use a cold compress, such as ice, on affected area for approximately 20 minutes on and off at a time. If severe swelling and/or fever is present, contact our office at (340) 776-4537 or (340) 642-7148. Try to avoid food until after the anesthetic wears off and eat only soft foods for at least 24 hours after the extraction. You can continue brushing and flossing your teeth as normal and be careful near the extraction site while healing is in progress. If you were prescribed antibiotics, take all until finished. Use pain medication as needed. If you have any questions, please call our office.
Root Canal Procedures
Remember it is important to continue your root canal procedures in a timely manner until completion, to avoid decay or an extraction of the tooth. After a root canal treatment you may have no noticeable symptoms. Some of the following symptoms may occur: sensitivity to pressure, sensitivity to hot and/or cold, and possible swelling. Sensitivity may not subside until after the permanent crown(s) are seated. If prescribed, use pain medication as needed. If you experience swelling or severe pain, please contact our office.
Dental Fillings
Do not chew or eat until the anesthetic wears off. You may have sensitivity to cold for a few days, and you may have irritation around the gum tissue. If these symptoms occur, avoid cold and rinse with warm salt water, sensitivity should subside in a few days. Continue to brush and floss your teeth as usual. If you have any problems or questions, please contact our office.
Dental Crowns
Crown prep (first appointment) - after a tooth is prepared for a crown, a temporary crown is placed on the tooth. The temporary crown will protect your tooth, until it is removed by the Dentist to have your permanent crown seated. Do not chew on anything hard or sticky, or use any toothpicks around/or on your temporary crown. Continue to brush your teeth normally including your tooth with the temporary. Soreness around the gum is not uncommon. If gum soreness occurs, warm salt water rinses are recommended. Seating a crown (second appointment) - after a permanent crown is placed, you may have sensitivity to cold. If so avoid cold food and drinks until sensitivity subsides. Sensitivity should subside in a few days to a few weeks. After crown is placed gum irritation may occur, if so warm salt water rinses will help the gum to heal and help relieve discomfort. Continue brushing and flossing as usual, and treat and care for your crown as you would for all of your teeth. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
Full / Partial Immediate Dentures
KEEP DENTURE(S) IN UNTIL THE MORNING AFTER SURGERY. Keeping the denture(s) in will create pressure on tissue and promote clotting. Slight bleeding can occur for up to 3 days. Use an ice compress on affected side(s) for 20 minutes on and off. Eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids for at least the next week. The day after surgery, remove denture(s) and rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day. You need to remove denture(s) carefully twice a day and clean denture(s) with a toothbrush and toothpaste or denture cleanser. You may sleep with denture in for one week. THEN IT IS IMPORTANT TO LEAVE YOUR DENTURE(S) OUT AT NIGHT WHILE SLEEPING. This will promote healthy gums and a healthy mouth. You may experience gum shrinkage over the next several weeks as your gums heal. You may also experience sore spots on your gums, which can be treated and adjustments can be made at your follow-up visits. If you have any questions, please contact our office.