Extractions
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. You may have to do this several times. If bleeding persists, biting on a moist tea bag wrapped in gauze may help control the oozing from the surgical site. Tea has an ingredient that promotes blood clotting.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Does not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 48 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
Failure to comply with the above instructions will result in loss of the clot and severe throbbing pain at the extraction site since the bone is now exposed to the oral environment. 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. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office 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 on the day of the extraction. You can normally eat as soon as you are comfortable.
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. 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.
Teeth Whitening
Pain and sensitivity following teeth whitening are common. You may be sensitive to cold air & fluids; however, the pain will fade away within 24-36 hours.
It is important not to consume any colorants in the first 24- hours following the procedure. Anything that colors such as red wine, dark colas, coffee, tea, red sauces, soya sauces and smoking must be avoided.
Following the whitening procedure, an instant lightening is usually seen in most cases. However, rebound is not uncommon. On an average, during the first month, there may be the loss of one shade unit, another shade unit during the next 6 months and another shade unit during the subsequent six months. Everyone responds differently, so your rebound effect may be less or greater than the averages stated above. Rebound means that after about two years your teeth may have returned to the color before bleaching.
Rebound MUST be managed; this is achieved through any combination of:
Careful diet control avoiding high colorants,
Meticulous oral hygiene,
Using a whitening toothpaste
Using home bleaching trays,
Annual repeat of the in-house teeth whitening.
Bone Grafting
In addition to the above instructions, it is important to remember a few additional points if you have received a graft within the socket site after we removed your tooth.
The bone graft is made up of many fine particles. You may find some small granules in your mouth for the first several days. Do not be alarmed by the presence of these small granules. It is completely normal for some granules to become dislodged from the graft site, but there are some things you can do to minimize the amount of granules which become dislodged:
Do not rinse vigorously or spit for the first 3 to 5 days
Do not apply pressure with your tongue or fingers to the grafted area. The material is movable during the initial phases of healing, and it is best to leave the area undisturbed as much as possible.
Do not lift or pull your lip back to look at the sutures. This pulling or stretching can damage the wound, tear sutures and decrease the success of the graft. These sutures may or may not be resorbable. If you have been told that you have received external silk sutures they have to be removed by us. Sometimes your dentist may even place a barrier for the graft which may or may not be resorbable and may have to be removed.
On the first day, it is best to let the area settled and allows the blood clot to stabilize the graft material. Therefore, do not even rinse your mouth the first day. After the first day you may begin gentle rinsing with warm salt water, but avoid rinsing vigorously and avoid forced spitting.
Composite Fillings & Dental Crowns
Did you recently receive a “white” composite tooth filling or porcelain crown? Here are some things to consider…
Sensitivity - You may notice a slight ache or sensitivity to biting/cold for the first few days after your filling. Inflammation in the injection site and dental pulp may cause a slight discomfort that dissipates with time. Peak inflammation (your body’s natural healing process and response to trauma) usually occurs at 36-48hrs. The discomfort to biting and cold should gradually improve over time. If your discomfort is not improving after 2 weeks, please call us to discuss. Tylenol and/or ibuprofen are usually our recommended pain control post treatment.
Gum Soreness - After your filling you may notice that the gums in the area of the filling are sore and painful to flossing immediately post filling. Do not worry - the oral mucosa and gingiva (gums) are one of the fastest healing sites of the body. The soreness will improve daily and after 2-3 days you should be able to resume normal brushing and flossing in the area.
Eating - Avoid chewing immediately after your dental appointment if your numb. Avoid biting your cheek, lip, or tongue. White fillings set immediately after they are placed, and crowns are usually fully set after an hour. After your numbness wears off you are free to chew as you normally would.