Post-Op
Instructions

Tooth Extraction

Temporary Crowns or Bridges

Tooth Extractions

If you've just had a tooth extracted or your dentist has recommended that a tooth be extracted, the following information will help you get through the first few days after your extraction.

Should anything occur that seems out of the normal, please do not hesitate to call us asap!

• Place cold towels or an ice bag to your face for the first 4 hours. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then off for 15 minutes.

• Do not rinse your mouth until the following day.

• On the morning following surgery, rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water). Repeat several times daily. Apply heat to the outside of the face.

• Keep fingers and tongue away from the socket.

• Take prescriptions as advised. If no special drug is prescribed, take Ibuprofen or aspirin. Nausea is a common side affect of strong pain medications. The sooner these medications can be discontinued-the sooner this problem will be resolved.

• Bleeding - it is normal for the saliva to be slightly streaked with blood for about one day. If abnormal bleeding occurs, place a teabag or gauze over the extraction and bite down for 1 hour.

• Swelling - is normal after teeth have been extracted and should not cause alarm. The maximum swelling is during the first 48 hours.

• Drink at least 2 quarts of liquids per day. Juice, soup, milkshakes, etc. are fine.

• When resting do not get up quickly or you may pass out.

• All tobacco products should be stopped for 5 days following extractions to prevent healing problems.

• Do not use a straw when drinking liquids.

• If you have any problems or questions after you are at home, consult your physician immediately.
  

REPORT ANY UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES IMMEDIATELY !

TEMPORARY CROWNS OR BRIDGES

(FIXED PROTHESES)

You have just received a plastic restoration that will serve you for a short period of time. A few comments about this temporary restoration will be helpful to you.

CHEWING

A. The temporary cement requires about one-half hour to set. Please do not chew during that period of time.

B. Temporary restorations are not strong. They may break or come off occasionally. If so, call us and we will replace them. If you are not where you can contact us, go to a pharmacy and get some FIXODENT. Replace the temporary on your tooth with some FIXODENT to hold it in place. This denture adhesive will retain the temporary restoration, until you can see us.

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE TEMPORARY RESTORATION OUT OF YOUR MOUTH, BECAUSE THE TEETH WILL MOVE AND THE FINAL RESTORATION WILL NOT FIT.

C. Certain foods will stick to the temporary restoration. This will not happen when the porcelain or gold permanent restoration is placed.

COLOR

The color of the plastic temporary does not resemble the final restoration in any way.

SHAPE AND SIZE

The shape and size of the temporary will closely approximate your natural tooth. Posterior temporaries may feel larger to the tongue and tend to collect food due to the nature of the plastic material.

TOOTH SENSITIVITY

Temporary restorations may leak saliva or food into the tooth. Sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet is not uncommon. This will not be the case with your permanent restoration.

Please call us, if you have questions or problems.