Tips for a Comfortable Recovery

To keep your mouth comfortable after having a filling, follow the tips below:

• If an anaesthetic has been used, there might be numbness in your lips, teeth and tongue for several hours after the appointment. Until the numbness has completely worn off, it’s best to avoid chewing anything.
• It's normal to experience some sensitivity to hot and cold food, especially while chewing, for a few days after your appointment.
• Your gums may be sore for several days. You can reduce pain and swelling by rinsing your mouth three times a day with warm saltwater (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water).
• You may chew right away on white fillings because they set completely during the the appointment.
• If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain or sensitivity, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office.

The initial healing period after an extraction usually takes one to two weeks. You will likely experience some swelling for the first 48 hours. To keep your mouth comfortable after having an extraction, follow the tips below:

• The anesthetic given for your comfort leaves your lips, teeth and tongue feeling numb after the appointment. Avoid chewing for 4-8 hours following surgery or until the numbness has completely worn off.
• Some discomfort after the extraction is normal. An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, is usually sufficient.
• Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach to avoid feeling nauseous.
• Apply an ice pack (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to decrease pain and swelling for the first six hours following the extraction.
• The blood clot that forms on the extraction site is crucial for the healing process. In order to keep the clot intact, refrain from touching the extraction site with your tongue or fingers. Do not drink liquids through a straw and do not spit vigorously.
• Do not rinse your mouth the day of the surgery.
• Avoid smoking and allowing food particles to pack into the tooth's socket as both actions will significantly affect the process of healing.
• Twenty-four hours following the procedure, rinse your mouth carefully with a warm saltwater solution (dissolve one teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water). Gently swish the solution around the affected area, and spit carefully. Do this two or three times a day for the week following the extraction.
• Continue taking the antibiotics prescribed to you for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.
• Relax yourself and avoid any strenuous activities for the first 24 hours following surgery.
• Nourishment is important to the healing process. Eat soft foods like yogurt, soft soups, ice cream or soft-cooked eggs once the numbness has worn off on the day of surgery.
• Drink at least eight large glasses of water or diluted fruit juice each day.
• If bleeding persists, you can also bite gently but firmly on a moist tea bag for 20 minutes. Be sure to call our office if bleeding continues or increases.
• Ensure that you brush and floss the other areas of your mouth as you would normally.
• The space left by the tooth will feel a bit strange to you at first. Eventually, new bone and gum tissue will grow into the gap left by the extraction.

While your new smile is beautiful, it will take some time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. Here are some steps you can take to make that adjustment comfortable for you:

• If your bite has been altered or the position of your teeth has been changed, it takes several days for your brain to recognize and adjust to the new conditions in your mouth. If you detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call us to schedule an adjustment.
• The sensitivity your teeth experience to heat, cold and pressure is normal and will subside after several days.
• Rinse your mouth with saltwater three times a day to relieve pain, soreness and swelling in the gums. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water, gently swish and then spit carefully.
• You can take a mild, over-the-counter pain medication to ease your discomfort during the adjustment period.
• It’s normal for your speech to be affected slightly for the first few days. It is not a cause for concern. You will adapt quickly to the new feel in your mouth and be speaking normally.
• Your brain might respond to the new size and shape of your teeth by increasing salivary flow. This should subside to your normal flow within a week.
• If you participate in sports, ask us about creating a custom mouthguard to protect your smile.
• Avoid sticky candies and hard substances such as popcorn hulls, peanut brittle, fingernails, pencils or ice as they can crack, chip or in any way damage your new restorations.
• Tobacco products, whether smoked or chewed, as well as red wine, cola, berries, coffee and tea can stain your teeth and new restorations. So brush or rinse after consuming such items.
• For the long-term success of your new restorations, daily removal of plaque is essential. You should brush twice a day, floss daily and see us on a regular basis for professional cleanings. We'll use the appropriate cleaning abrasives and techniques for your specific aesthetic work.

• Brush and floss your teeth.
• Take one syringe out of your kit. Remove the cap and insert an application tip by twisting it securely onto the syringe.
• Place a small drop of gel into every compartment of the tray for the teeth. If you are sensitive to peroxide, before inserting your custom tray, apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to your gum tissue.
• Replace the white cap on the syringe when you are finished to prevent leakage. Do not throw out the tips.
• Dry your teeth before inserting the tray into your mouth.
• Make sure the tray is seated in your mouth securely.
• Wipe away any excess gel in the mouth with your finger, Q-tips® or a dry, soft toothbrush.
• After each treatment, remove the tray. Rinse the tray and your teeth with lukewarm water to avoid sensitivity. Place the trays in the container provided; do not put them back on the models.
• Brush your teeth to remove any remaining gel.
• The recommended whitening procedure is 1-2 treatments per day for 30-minute durations.