Cosmetic and prosthetic (replacement) dentistry usually result in changes to your teeth and the way they function. Please be aware that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or teeth are replaced, it takes several days for the brain to get used to changes in the position or contour of your teeth. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office so we can schedule an appointment to make any necessary adjustments.
It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after any alteration and they may be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling and speed healing. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil] every three to four hours) should ease any residual discomfort.
Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to changes in your teeth. This should subside and return to normal in about a week.
Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.
Remember, 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, pencils, and/or sticky hard candies). Smoking will stain your new teeth as will high stain foods like coffee, red wine, tea, and berries. While we don’t want to deprive you of your particular pleasures, you may want to consider minimizing exposure to these foods or consider aggressive rinsing or careful brushing as soon as possible after exposure.
If you engage in sports, let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the nightguard we have provided for you. 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.
Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and impressions of the teeth are taken. Temporary 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, or the roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off.
To keep your temporary in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum, chewy candies), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss. This may dislodge the temporary. Instead, pull the floss out from the side.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (401-944-8100).
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 lips while you are numb.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every three to four 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.
If a composite (tooth colored) filling has been placed you may chew as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off. Composite fillings are fully set when you leave the office.
If an amalgam (silver colored) filling has been placed, the material needs 24 hours to reach maximum hardness. Please avoid chewing in this area for that period of time.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (401-944-8100).