After cosmetic dental treatment, remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal.
If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our Poway office at 858-485-6600 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment. It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and may be sensitive in the interim.
Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. If needed, a pain medication like ibuprofen is effective to help for the couple of days that the teeth may be sensitive.
Dental crowns and dental bridges usually take one or two visits to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and scans of the teeth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges may be placed while a custom restoration is being fabricated. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb.
Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off. Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at 858-485-6600 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. If there is sensitivity, it should subside after a few days. 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 858-485-6600.
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. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes.
You may have to do this several times. After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and delay the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 48 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
