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After-Care Information
Post-Treatment
Instructions
YOU HAVE JUST HAD BONDED COSMETIC RESTORATION
- Firstly
- SMILE!
You now have a bonded restoration that looks great. It also provides
the ultimate in function; as well as strengthening the supporting
tooth.
- The cement
is already set - and your bonded restoration is ready for immediate
use.
- If any minor
discomfort occurs, it should diminish over a few days.
- If anesthetic
was used, please be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue.
Also, do not eat or drink anything extremely hot or cold until
all has worn off.
- The bite
should feel normal. If sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure
is present; it should not linger! Call us so we can check things
out, even before any scheduled follow-up polishing visit.
- Chewing
extremely hard or crunchy foods may affect your new bonded restoration.
In particular, please refrain from chewing ice, tearing open packages
with your teeth, and biting anything that may cause damage (such
as fingernails, paper clips, etc.).
- Proper care
of your new bonded restoration is a must! Brushing and flossing
can be accomplished nicely, as normal. There are no special precautions
needed. Correct care also includes rinsing. Use Listerine or Oxyfresh,
as directed - a minimum of twice per day. This care will not only
prolong the life of the restoration, but will also help to prevent
problems elsewhere in the mouth.
- We recommend
professional 'recare' evaluations at least twice per year. We
then can evaluate the wear of your new bonded restoration; touch-up
and polish where needed.
Congratulations!
You have just received the most advanced, state-of-the-art cosmetic
and structurally sound restorative dentistry available today. We
are excited with what Cosmetic Dentistry can do for you and your
teeth, and are pleased that you are as committed to high quality
dentistry, as we are. It's our privilege to provide you this service.
We care about you and want you to be as comfortable as possible.
WAITING
FOR YOUR LABORATORY CRAFTED INLAY / ONLAY
Here are a few simple rules to follow as your final restoration
is being custom fabricated for you by our laboratory.
DISCOMFORT:
After the tooth/teeth have had the decay removed and structure stabilized,
you may experience some minor sensitivity. You can help reduce this
by taking aspirin or ibuprofen every four hours. Please remember,
if you have been given anesthetic, it should wear off in a couple
of hours. Please be careful not to chew on the tooth (teeth) until
this occurs.
TEMPORARY
CARE:
A temporary tooth-colored restoration may be placed to protect the
tooth (teeth) while your new restoration is being made. Avoid heavy
chewing and sticky foods. If this temporary does dislodge before
your next visit, please call!
CLEANING:
Proper care of the interim restoration - if placed - is a must!
Brushing can be accomplished with a gentle motion on the sides of
the tooth - flexing the soft bristles at the gum line. We may instruct
you not to use dental floss, depending on the procedure. When flossing
is recommended, place it gently between the teeth, clean the gum
areas as usual, then release your inside finger and pull the floss
through the space, toward the cheek. Do not draw the floss back
between the two teeth.
Correct care
also includes rinsing - a must, should flossing not be accomplished!
Use Listerine or Oxyfresh, as directed - a minimum of twice per
day. This care will not only prolong the life of the restoration,
but will also help to prevent problems elsewhere in the mouth.
You are on your
way to receiving the most advanced, state-of-the-art cosmetic and
structurally sound restorative dentistry available today. We are
excited with what Cosmetic Dentistry can do for you and your teeth,
and are pleased that you are as committed to high quality dentistry,
as we are. It's our privilege to provide you this service. Please
call if you have any questions.
WAITING
FOR YOUR LABORATORY CRAFTED CROWN OR BRIDGE
Here are a few simple rules to promote healing and make yourself
more comfortable; as your final restoration is being custom fabricated
for you by our laboratory.
DISCOMFORT:
After the tooth/teeth have been reshaped, you may experience some
minor sensitivity. Aspirin or Ibuprofen usually works very well.
Your gums may be irritated! We highly recommend rinsing with warm
salt water or a half/half mix of hydrogen peroxide and water; three
times per day. This is an excellent method for soothing sore gums.
We may recommend gentle finger massage, as well!
The jaw joints
may be sensitive, as well. This can easily be soothed with the application
of warm compresses on the jaw joint. We suggest a heating pad that
is designed to be moistened. Place the moist heat on the jaw joint
areas - open and close the mouth slightly during this application.
The heat should be applied at 10 - 15 minute intervals with 15 minutes
of rest between placement.
MEDICATION:
We may prescribe medication to control discomfort. Please use only
as directed. If this medication does not seem to work for you, do
not increase the dosage; or mix with other pain medications. Call
us! Medications work differently on each individual. It is common
to change medications; and a new formulation may work very well.
If the discomfort is prolonged; there is swelling, excessive bleeding
or fever - again call us.
CLEANING:
Proper care of your temporary restoration is a must! Brush with
a gentle motion on the sides of the tooth - flexing the soft bristles
at the gum line of the interim restoration. We would like you to
use dental floss. However, place the floss gently between the teeth,
clean the gum areas as usual, then release your inside finger and
pull the floss through space, toward the cheek.
DISLODGMENT
OF THE INTERIM CROWN or BRIDGE:
If the restoration seems to loosen, do not be alarmed. Call our
office and we will arrange a time so things may be placed in their
proper positions. Even if there is no discomfort involved, it is
very important that we re-cement this restoration; so that the teeth
don't drift - making placement of your final restoration very difficult.
You are on your
way to receiving the most advanced, state-of-the-art cosmetic and
structurally sound restorative dentistry available today. We are
excited with what Cosmetic Dentistry can do for you and your teeth,
and are pleased that you are as committed to high quality dentistry,
as we are. It's our privilege to provide you this service. Please
call if you have any questions.
AFTER
DEEP CLEANING
We have now begun the 'deep cleaning' therapy sequence. The goal
of this therapy is to 'cleanse' your oral tissues of bacterial toxins
and debris and start the process toward gum and tissue healing.
Thus, your gum and supporting structures can be the stable foundation
we are seeking; to complete your dental treatment.
What to expect!
Immediately upon dismissal from our office - you may notice slight
'oozing' from the gums. This will decrease rapidly.
Some sensitivity is expected following your 'deep cleaning' appointments.
This may include:
extreme hot and cold
spicy foods
acidic foods (citrus; as an example)
Over the next few days and weeks, as your teeth and gums become
healthier, the gum tissue will actually 'shrink.' More tooth may
be exposed. Increased sensitivity can occur with these teeth - which
is transient in nature. The best way to decrease this sensitivity
is to keep the area as clean as possible [brushing, flossing and
rinsing; as directed].
How do I take care during therapy?
Every person is different; thus, all post operative instructions
are 'customized' for you by our dental hygiene staff. However, basic
rules do apply:
Salt/Water rinses [1 tsp. to 1 tsp. salt w/8 oz. warm water]; 3
times per day - for 30 to 60 seconds
Peroxide/Water rinses to assist with impacted debris
Listerine or Prescription rinses to begin 24 - 48 hours after therapy;
per your hygiene staff recommendation.
Are any medications necessary?
Perhaps. Not normally, however. In a vast majority of cases, should
medications for sensitivity be necessary, over the counter anti-inflammatory
formulations work very well. These include:
Ibuprophen [600mg {3 tablets} - 3x/day]
Aleve - Two Caplets follow by one caplet every 12 hours
An excellent method to reduce sensitivity post operatively is to
take one of these medications one hour PRIOR to your appointment.
The success of your deep cleaning therapy is a team effort. Your
commitment to proper care is essential for success!
ORAL HEALTH
RINSES
Prescribed &
Over-the-Counter
Periogard or
Periodex:
These are prescription medications. Please keep safely out of the
reach of children! Swish with 0.5 (1/2) ounces for thirty (30) seconds
and avoid rinsing with water for 15 - 30 minutes thereafter! This
should be done in the morning following breakfast and just before
bedtime. If a Fluoride rinse is recommended, please use the Fluoride
at a different time of day, i.e. not in conjunction with PerioGard
or Peridex.
Remember:
PerioGard or Peridex can cause some increased staining of teeth.
Thus, adequate brushing and flossing is a must! Also, some slight
alteration in taste may occur.
Closys
(An excellent non-alcohol-containing mouthrinse)
SWISH vigorously with 1/2 - 1 capful of BreathRx Mouthrinse for
at least 1 minute. Remove excess mouthrinse and do not rinse your
mouth or drink for about 30 minutes.
This mouthrinse
works very well in combination with BreathRx tongue gel and toothpaste.
The secret is the Zytex anti-bacterial ingredient in all of these
products.
Listerine
(Original, Cool Mint, or Fresh Burst): Listerine is an excellent
nonprescription plaque fighting rinse. Care should be taken with
children. Excessive amounts are not meant for swallowing.
SWISH vigorously
with one capful, twice consecutively for thirty (30) seconds. Make
sure you swish for the full thirty seconds for each cycle. Try timing
yourself by the clock. Swishing for thirty seconds takes some getting
used to. A simple rinse will not achieve the same effectiveness
as the recommended 'swishing' procedure. We recommend you rinse
in this fashion at least twice per day.
Listerine is
strong. It contains some alcohol. Thus, some burning may occur.
After consistent use for a few days to weeks, this effect should
not be a problem. If used correctly, Listerine will help. It takes
time to work .. be patient.
Remember:
We
recommend Listerine (Original, Cool Mint, or Fresh Burst). Not -
Listermint. Original Listerine is golden in color, Cool Mint is
blue, and Fresh Burst is green.
AFTER
FINAL LABORATORY CRAFTED RESTORATIONS ARE BONDED IN
Care Instructions
Veneers,
Bonding, Nonmetallic Fillings
You've received
a beautiful - cosmetic - restoration. What Now??
- Firstly
- SMILE!
You now have a bonded restoration that looks great. It also provides
the ultimate in function; as well as strengthening the supporting
tooth.
- The cement
is already set - and your bonded restoration is ready for immediate
use.
- If any minor
discomfort occurs, it should diminish over a few days.
- If anesthetic
was used, please be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue.
Also, do not eat or drink anything extremely hot or cold until
all has worn off.
- The bite
should feel normal. If sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure
is present; it should not linger! Call us so we can check things
out, even before any scheduled follow-up polishing visit.
- Chewing
extremely hard or crunchy foods may affect your new bonded restoration.
In particular, please refrain from chewing ice, tearing open packages
with your teeth, and biting anything that may cause damage (such
as fingernails, paper clips, etc.).
- Proper care
of your new bonded restoration is a must! Brushing and flossing
can be accomplished nicely, as normal. There are no special precautions
needed. Correct care also includes rinsing. Use Listerine or Breath
Rx rinses as directed - a minimum of twice per day. This care
will not only prolong the life of the restoration, but will also
help to prevent problems elsewhere in the mouth.
- We recommend
professional 'recare' evaluations at least twice per year. We
then can evaluate the wear of your new bonded restoration; touch-up
and polish where needed.
You have just
received the most advanced, state-of-the-art cosmetic and structurally
sound restorative dentistry available today. We are excited with
what Cosmetic Dentistry can do for you and your teeth, and are pleased
that you are as committed to high quality dentistry, as we are.
It's our privilege to provide you this service. We care about you
and want you to be as comfortable as possible.
AFTER-SURGERY
INSTRUCTIONS
- Swelling
Control: Place an ice bag on the outside of the face that corresponds
to the operative site. Alternate 15 minutes on and 10 minutes
off for at least two to three hours.
- Bleeding
Control: A) Keep firm pressure with gauze over the surgical site
for at least two hours - changing the gauze frequently, as it
becomes soiled.
B) Do not rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours.
C) Do not drink from a straw for 24 hours.
D) Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours - and longer, if possible.
E) If bleeding still persists, place a moist tea bag over the
surgical site, and apply firm biting pressure.
- Comfort Control:
A) Take pain medication as prescribed.
B) Stay away from extremes in temperature and spices.
C) Keep to a softer diet for at least 24 hours.
- Hygiene
control: A) Starting 24 hours after the surgery, begin salt &
water or peroxide and water rinses four times per day for one
to two weeks.
B) Light brushing around the surgical site should be started at
this time, as well. Brush more vigorously each day as comfort
allows.
We ask that
you follow the above instructions carefully. They will greatly assist
you in having a smooth recovery from your surgical dental care.
Please do not hesitate to call us should there be any questions
or excessive discomfort.
AFTER
ROOT CANAL THERAPY
After Therapy Instructions:
Your Root Canal
treatment may take one or more visits to complete. During treatment,
we will remove the diseased pulp (nerve), then clean, shape and
fill the space where the pulp was (the nerve canal of the tooth;
which is in the root). The filling material is specially designed
for this purpose, to help prevent recontamination of the nerve chamber.
What to Expect
During Treatment
Because cleaning the root canals may cause inflammation of the tissue
surrounding the tooth, you may experience some discomfort for a
day or so.
Some initial minor swelling may also occur. It is advisable to place
an ice bag on the outside of the face that corresponds to the site
of the tooth. Alternate 15 minutes on and 10 minutes off for at
least two to three hours. If the swelling should linger more than
a few days, or increases, call us!
Over-the-counter pain relievers usually assist with the discomfort.
We will advise you as to which medicine to take. At times, a prescription
pain medication will be suggested. If the discomfort continues for
more than a few days, or if severe pain occurs, call us!
Sometimes antibiotics will be prescribed to help control infection.
It is very important that you take the medication as directed! How
To Take care of your mouth
Between appointments, a temporary filling will be placed over the
entry to the nerve space. Because temporary restorations may loosen,
call us if there is significant loss of this filling.
Avoid chewing or biting with excessive force directly on the treated
tooth until the root canal is completed.
Do not ignore brushing and flossing this tooth; as comfort allows.
Please Note:
Retreatment may occasionally be necessary. Even though the pulp
of the tooth was removed, the tooth is still nourished from surrounding
tissues. As with any living tissue, treatment is occasionally unsuccessful
and retreatment or even tooth removal may be indicated.
DESENSITIZING
with Recommended Paste & Gel Products
Many of these products do clean teeth well. However, as a desensitizing
tool, we recommend you increase the effectiveness of the desensitizing
chemicals incorporated within them -- that is by the process of:
Smash, Massage
and Brush.
Step 1:
Put a 'dab' of the paste/gel on the end of a cotton swab, or fingertip,
and "smash" on the tooth at the gum line where the sensitivity
is occurring.
Step 2: "Massage"
this paste onto the tooth surface. Keep the product on the same
surface for at least 5 - 10 seconds.
Step 3:
Put another dab of the paste on your regular toothbrush and gently
"brush" all your teeth.
An additional
benefit can be obtained, just before bed, by placing another dab
of paste on your teeth in the sensitive areas, "massaging"
it in, and leaving it there, as you sleep!
NITEWHITE
SMILE WHITENING
At-Home Use Instructions
Congratulations
- you are beginning the treatment process that will most definitely
improve your appearance. The amount of whitening that you obtain
during the tooth whitening process is dependent on three factors:
a) The length
of time the appliance is worn
b) The number of times the appliance is worn
c) The susceptibility of your teeth and it's internal contaminants
to the whitening agent.
Procedure
- Thoroughly
brush and floss your teeth prior to applying the whitening gel
- Load the
appliance, as demonstrated, by gently depressing the syringe cap
- expressing the material only on the front 8-10 teeth - the surfaces
that face toward the lip.
- Place the
appliance completely and firmly onto the teeth, but gently. Excessive
pressure will express too much material out of the appliance.
- Gently wipe
off excess gel with a toothbrush or Q-tip.
- Expectorate
any excess material.
- Wear for
a minimum of 2-4 hours/day. This can be accomplished during 'sleep
time' or during waking hours. The thin tray is very comfortable
and can be worn easily while accomplishing other tasks.
- When the
appliance is removed brush teeth and gums thoroughly. The 'tray'
should be rinsed thoroughly and placed in the appliance case -
ready for the next application.
Possible
Side Effects
Occasionally
patients will experience sensitivity to cold with some minor gum
irritation during treatment. This difficulty normally resolves on
its own in 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the whitening
treatment. We also have the option of supplying a fluoride gel that
can be placed in the appliance in place of the whitening agent.
Alternating the fluoride therapy with the whitening therapy is of
great assistance, should sensitivity persist. Simply waiting a day
or two after sensitivity occurs before restarting the whitening
process is another method to alleviate symptoms.
Precautions:Please
keep the whitening carriers out of heat and/or direct sunlight at
all times. The whitening agent will break down and become ineffective,
should this occur. It is best to store the material in a refrigerator.
Never attempt to use any household or commercial bleaching agents
in your mouth. Only use the teeth whitening agents that we prescribe
for you - those that have been tested and approved for intraoral
use. Over-the-counter whitening agents normally have a very high
acid content - which can dissolve your teeth, permanently ruining
your smile.
Please Note:Normal
tooth whitening starts at the biting edges of the teeth and works
its way up. Normal color of teeth is darker toward the gum line.
We have never had one patient experience any irreversible effects
to the teeth from the whitening process!
Contact our
office with any questions or problems.
Store Whitening
Gel in the refrigerator to maintain shelf life.
KEEP OUT
OF REACH OF CHILDREN -- KEEP OUT OF HEAT & SUNLIGHT
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