Post Op Instructions

Your New Denture or Partial

• Keep the denture/partial IN during the day and OUT at night, and OUT when you brush your remaining teeth or gums.  Serious gum problems and decay can occur by leaving the denture/partial in all the time.
• Start with soft foods and gradually move to more difficult foods.
• If sore spots become unbearable, remove the denture/partial and put back in about one (1) hour before you come into the office, so we can see the sore spots.
• Remember that dentures/partials will NOT function like natural teeth.
• Dentures/Partials are a custom fit and since all patients differ in the amount of bone, amount and consistency of saliva, and the mental ability to function with a prosthetic appliance. NOT all patients to be able to function with a denture/partial.  There are no guarantees on any of my dentures or partials.
• ASK QUESTIONS - I can help only if you tell me the problem.

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Crown and Bridge Temporary

Now that we have placed your temporary crown or bridge, it is important to follow these recommendations to ensure a good fitting final restoration.

Numbness:  Be careful chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.

Brushing and Flossing

Brush and Floss normal, but be gentle in the area around the temporary.  Do not brush across your gums only up and down. When flossing do not lift the floss from around the temporary, but instead pull the floss through the area to avoid having the temporary dislodge.

Chewing and Eating

You may eat anything you like with the temporary crown or bridge.  However, try to avoid chewing sticky and/or hard candy and foods directly on the temporary.

Pain and Discomfort

It is normal for the area to be slightly painful for a few days and mildly discomfort for a couple of weeks.  Over the counter pain medications are usually sufficient for the pain.  If you notice any swelling or sever pain please call our office at (614) 491-5511.

Loose or Lost Temporary

If your temporary comes loose please attempt to replace and call us immediately.  Going with out a temporary can cause the remaining tooth to move and the permanent crown may not fit.

When to Call the Office

Call our office if your bite feels uneven, you have persistent sensitivity or discomfort and/or your temporary comes loose or breaks.  Call our office at (614) 491-5511 if you have any questions or if you have any concerns.

Your Permanent Crown or Bridge
Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new restorations.  We recommend brushing and flossing on a daily basis and seeing us on a regular basis for professional cleanings. 

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Restoration (Fillings)

If we used anesthetic, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment.  Be careful chewing anything until the numbness has completely worn off.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold sensitivity for a few days after your appointment.  If it persists or increases or if you notice any swelling, please call (614) 491-5511.

You may chew right away on fillings.

If your bite feels uneven, have any pain or sensitivity; please call our office at (614) 491-5511.

Remember, any food or substance that can crack, chip or in any way damage your natural teeth can do the same to your new restoration.  Avoid sticky candies and hard substances such as popcorn hulls, peanut brittle, fingernails, pencils, and ice.

Tobacco products, whether smoked or chewed, will quickly stain your teeth an unattractive yellowish brown color.  Think about quitting permanently.

Red wine, cola, berries, coffee and tea can stain your teeth as well as your new restorations, so brush or rinse after consuming them. 

Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new restorations.  We recommend brushing and flossing on a daily basis and seeing us on a regular basis for professional cleanings.  

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Root Planing

1. Following root planing therapy, warm salt water rinses and a mild pain reliever is recommended to expedite the healing process and to alleviate any discomfort that you may have.
2. Mix one teaspoon full of salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm water.  Rinse 2-3 times daily for 2-3 days.  Take 400mg of Ibuprofen or 1000mg  of Acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. 
3. You may experience increased sensitivity to cold for a few days or weeks, but this is usually temporary and can be helped with fluoride rinses and toothpastes.
4. If you experience any continuing discomfort, sensitivity or swelling after 3 days, please call the office and let us know.
5. Remember to begin your home care routine immediately.  Brush at least 3 times/day for 2 minutes, floss 3 times/day, rinse with Listerine (or Peridex if we have prescribed) 2 times/day, keep your 3 month cleanings and use any other oral hygiene aids, which we recommend.
6. There is no current cure for gum disease, but it can be kept in remission by good brushing and flossing by you and regular cleanings by us.
7. If adequate healing does not occur then we will refer you to a Periodontist (Gum Specialist) for an evaluation and possibly additional treatment.

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Extraction

Following this procedure, the healing process usually takes one (1) or two (2) weeks. 

It is typical and normal to have some discomfort following this procedure.  An over-the counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, typically that is all that is required.  Dr. Kelly will advise if there is to be a stronger prescription required. 

If bleeding continues you can also bite on a moist tea bag for 20 minutes. A tea bag contains tannic acid which helps control bleeding.

During the healing process, a blood clot will form on the extraction site. This is normal and vital to the healing process.  To keep the blood clot intact, avoid touching or disturbing the extraction site.  Additionally, do not drink liquids through a straw and No Smoking, this can cause undue suction which can disturb the clot.  Do not spit or rinse vigorously.

Do not rinse your mouth the day of the surgery.

Do not allow food particles to become lodged into the tooth’s socket.  This will delay healing and may cause a return visit for an evaluation and post-operative treatment. 

People who smoke should avoid doing so as it could delay the healing process. We encourage you to take this time to permanently stop smoking since smoking is the leading cause of many cancers and oral health diseases such as periodontal disease.

The day after the procedure, gently rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution (1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 Cup of warm water) or mouthwash. Be very careful when spitting out the salt water solution or mouthwash. Repeat this 2-3 times a day for one week following the surgery.

If Dr. Kelly has prescribed any antibiotics, continue to take them for the prescribed interval.  If you have any questions please call our office at (614) 491-5511.

Avoid all strenuous activities and relax as much as possible for the first twenty-four (24) hours following the procedure/surgery. 

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Root Canal

Numbness

Be careful chewing until numbness has completely worn off.  I recommend taking two over the counter Advil/Motrin or Acetaminophen, before numbness is gone.

Temporary Fillings and Crowns

The treated tooth is fragile, so try to avoid chewing on tooth until permanent restoration is completed.

Medication and Discomfort

It is normal for patients to experience some discomfort for several days following a root canal procedure. You can take recommended pain medications to help alleviate any discomfort. In addition, continue taking any prescribed antibiotics for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms disappear.

Swelling

If you notice swelling a day or two after your treatment please call our office.  Occasionally an antibiotic is required to remove remaining infection.

Crown/Post Required

A tooth which has had a root canal is no longer as strong as it once was, and is likely to fracture.  A crown and usually a post are required to increase the strength of the treated tooth.  Call and schedule for a crown if you have not done so yet.   

When to Call Us

If you notice swelling, temporary comes out, if your bite feels uneven, or persistent discomfort, please call us at (614) 491-5511.

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