White Fillings

Your teeth were filled today to repair the damage from your cavities

WHAT TO EXPECT

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid hot beverages and chewing until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent biting or burning your tongue, cheeks and lips. It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. The injection sites may also be sore. The sensitivity should subside within a few weeks. To relieve this temporary discomfort, 600 mg of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc) can be taken every six hours. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot and cold increases, contact our office.

You may chew with your new fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

If you experience persistent pain, your bite feels uneven, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office so we can make any necessary adjustments to your fillings.

Your bite should feel like it matches well. Some discrepancies don’t show up until the numbness is gone. If you have a high spot or pressure point, you will need to return for a small adjustment to avoid breaking the tooth or injuring the nerve.

Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.

Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns and bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. 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 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 the other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally and floss carefully. Pulling up on the floss may dislodge the temporary, so pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. After the bite is altered or the position of your 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 offices so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restorations. 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. A mild pain medication (Tylenol or Ibuprofen [Motrin] every 3-4 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 the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside 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.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time.

Please contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.