Fillings: Be careful not to bite lip, tongue or cheek while still numb. Numbness may last up to 3 hours. Expect some cold or biting sensitivity for up to two weeks (in some cases it will last longer). Brush and floss as usual.
Extractions: Premedicate with an over the counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin) or aspirin an hour before your appointment. We will show you how to change your dressing (a gauze pressure pack) every 15 to 20 minutes, over the socket. Keep pressure on this for an hour. If bleeding has not subsided by then, keep pressure on a wet tea bag, over the socket, for 15 to 20 minutes. Call the office if bleeding continues. Brush gently, avoiding the socket. Sutures will come out on their own in 5 to 7 days.
Crowns/Bridges: Avoid eating or biting on your temporary if possible. Brush and floss gently, pulling the floss through to avoid loosening it. Call the office if it does loosen or come off. Expect some sensitivity for a few days, over the counter pain medications will help.
Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment): Take over the counter medications as suggested on our handout the first 24 hours, and as needed the next day or two. After three days most patients can bite with little to no discomfort. Five percent of patients will experience more than mild discomfort and/or swelling in the first three days. For these patients, prescription pain medicine and an antibiotic may be needed. Report either of these. Once all signs or symptoms are gone, your temporary filling will be replaced with a final filling or crown.
Whitening: Begin using whitening trays for one hour per day. If you have no sensitivity, extend the time up to two hours. After two hours, the active ingredient loses potency. If you do experience discomfort, it will subside within 24 hours or so and over the counter medications will help