So you are done at the dentist, but not quite sure what happens now? Bright Side Dental, a Michigan family dentist, offers the most commonly needed tips for after-care.
When you have had a tooth filled, it’s important to eat a diet with soft foods for the remainder of the day. You should try to avoid directly chewing on your new dental restoration. You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold for up to two weeks. If it lasts longer, be sure to phone your dentist.
Following a root canal treatment, you may expect moderate discomfort for a few days, especially when chewing. Should you experience significant swelling, or are not able to chew on the tooth after a few days, it’s advised that you call the office right away. If you have been given a prescription for antibiotics or analgesics, take care to adhere to the directions as given by the doctor. Remember, that in the case of antibiotics, it is imperative to complete the entire prescription in order to avoid infection.
In the case of a temporary crown, you may experience some tenderness in the gums for a few days. Sensitivity to hot and cold can also be a problem typical with a temporary crown. It is important to avoid eating foods that are hard or sticky, as this may cause the crown to loosen. Of course, you must continue to floss, but without pulling up next to the temporary, instead you should pull the floss out along the side of the teeth. Call your dentist right away if the temporary crown loosens or comes out.
After your permanent crown is situated, you may experience tenderness of the gums for a couple of days. You should resume daily flossing immediately. If you do feel sensitive to hot and cold that is normal, but it should decrease steadily over the coming 7-10 days. You can resume normal use of the mouth within a few hours of the placement of your crown. You will be able to brush, floss and eat normally from that point on.
If your treatment included Novocain, it is important not to eat until the numbness is gone. There is always a possibility that you might accidentally bite your tongue or lips. Make sure not to drink any hot liquids, as you may burn your mouth. The numbness should dissipate in no longer than four to five hours.
Should you experience any pain or soreness due to your treatment, and your dentist did not prescribe anything for pain relief, you may find that using over-the-counter analgesics will help. You can try such things as Tylenol (acetaminophen) 1000mg every 4 hours, Aleve (naproxen sodium) 220mg every 8-12 hours or Motrin IB/Advil (ibuprofen) 400mg every 4 hours.
If you have had sealants put on your teeth, this procedure will generally need no special care or cause any trouble. You may drink and eat and drink right after your dental appointment. It may seem that your bite is different at first. You should wait for about 2 to 3 days and then contact your dentist if your bite still does not seem normal.
In the case of a pulp cap – either direct or indirect – there should be no difficulty with pain or eating. Caps are chosen by the dentist in situations where new tooth decay or a previous filling is close to the nerve. A pulp cap can allow the tooth to heal itself, and avoid the need for a root canal. Let your dentist know if you feel pain or cannot chew on the affected tooth.
Bright Side Dental a full-service Michigan family dentist providing just about every dental procedure your family needs in Livonia, Canton and Sterling Heights.
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