After cosmetic reconstruction, it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. It takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or adjust to the thickness of your teeth when the bite is altered or the position of the teeth has changed. Please call us, however, if you detect any high spots or problems with your bite. To schedule an adjustment appointment call our office at (262) 419-3566.

It is also normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold. The teeth do require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive during this time. At the same time, your gums may be sore for a few days, as well. If this occurs, use warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day to reduce pain and swelling. For residual discomfort, a mild pain medication, such as one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours, can be taken.

There is no need to be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days after the procedure. You’ll quickly adapt and your speech will return to normal. You may notice increased salivation as a result of your brain responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This too should subside in about a week.

Don’t forget that daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Not only is daily plaque removal critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, so are regular cleaning appointments with your dentist.

Avoid any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth-the same can happen to your new teeth. Avoid the following hard foods and substances: beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, pencils, and sticky candies. Note that smoking will stain your new teeth and minimize or avoid foods that also stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

Please let us know if you engage in sports so that we can make a custom mouthguard. Especially if you grind your teeth at night, please wear the night guard we have provided for you. It is normal to take time to adjust to the look and feel of your new smile, however, if you have any problems or concerns, please let us know.

Crowns and bridges are usually completed within two or three appointments. During the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Also, temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. The teeth will be anesthetized, and the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. It’s important to please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.

Call us at (262) 419-3566 if the temporary crown comes off. If this happens, bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it in place. Don’t wait because it is very important for the temporary crown to stay in place. It will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporary crowns in place, please avoid eating sticky foods, gum, and hard foods. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth, as well. Please continue to brush normally.  During this time, it is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity, however, should decrease a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. You can also use mild pain medications as directed by our office.

Please call us if your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns. Our office number is (262) 419-3566.

It’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process after a tooth extraction. You will be asked to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment to facilitate this process. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, however, place another gauze pad and bite down firmly on it for another 30 minutes. This may have to happen several times before the bleeding subsides.

Once the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot. To avoid this from happening do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for at least 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Vigorous exercise should also be limited for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

You may feel some pain and experience some swelling after the tooth is extracted. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn can be applied to the area to reduce swelling.Take pain medications as prescribed and the swelling should subside after 48 hours.

Use the pain medication as directed, however, call the office at (262) 419-3566 if the medication does not seem to be working. No matter what, use antibiotics as prescribed. Continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if you notice the signs and symptoms of infection are gone. We recommend you drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. As soon as you are comfortable you can eat normally.

Please resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. It’s important to brush and floss your teeth at least once a day because it will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you can resume your normal activities. If you notice the following: heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, please call our office immediately at (262) 419-3566.

When an anesthetic has been used during your treatment, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours following your appointment. You should not chew or have hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. While you are numb it is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip.

After your appointment, it is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity. injection sites are sore, take Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) in order to alleviate the tenderness. If you notice pressure sensitivity beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold gets worse, please contact our office at (262) 419-3566.

Once the anesthetic completely wears off, you may chew with your composite fillings. Of course, if your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office at (262) 419-3566.