After Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction

It is normal for your bite to feel different following cosmetic dental reconstruction. When the position or thickness of your teeth changes, it may take several days for your brain to adjust. If you continue to notice high spots or discomfort, please contact our office at 705-743-6140 to schedule an adjustment.

Some sensitivity to hot and cold is expected. Your teeth and gums may take time to heal after treatment, and mild soreness may occur. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times daily can help reduce discomfort and swelling. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also help as directed.

You may notice minor changes in speech or increased salivation for a few days. This is temporary and should return to normal as you adjust.

Maintaining daily brushing and flossing is essential for the longevity of your dental work. Avoid hard foods (such as ice or nuts), sticky candies, and habits like chewing on pens or fingernails, as these can damage your restorations. Limiting staining foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, will help maintain appearance.

If you participate in sports, ask us about a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, continue wearing your night guard. If you have any concerns, please contact our office.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Crowns and bridges typically require two to three appointments. During the first visit, your teeth are prepared, and impressions are taken. Temporary restorations are placed to protect your teeth while the final restoration is being made.

Because a local anesthetic is used, your lips, tongue, and surrounding areas may remain numb for a few hours. Avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until sensation has returned.

If a temporary crown becomes dislodged, contact our office and bring it with you so it can be re-cemented. Keeping the temporary in place is important to prevent the shifting of surrounding teeth.

To protect your temporary restoration, avoid sticky and hard foods and chew on the opposite side when possible. Continue brushing as normal, but floss carefully by sliding the floss out rather than lifting it.

Some sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal and should subside after the final restoration is placed. If your bite feels uneven or discomfort persists, please contact our office.

After Tooth Extraction

Following a tooth extraction, a blood clot must form to support healing. Bite gently on gauze for 30–45 minutes after your appointment. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and apply pressure for another 30 minutes.

Avoid disturbing the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, use straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush near the extraction site for 72 hours. Limit physical activity for 24 hours to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Some swelling and discomfort are expected. Applying an ice pack intermittently can help reduce swelling. Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed.

Continue taking any prescribed antibiotics for the full duration. Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, nutritious foods. Resume normal brushing and flossing after 24 hours, avoiding the extraction area initially.

If you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, prolonged swelling, or a reaction to medication, contact our office immediately.

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

If an anesthetic was used, your lips and tongue may remain numb for several hours. Avoid chewing or consuming hot beverages until the numbness has fully worn off.

It is common to experience mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure following a filling. Injection sites may also be sore. Over-the-counter pain relief may be used as needed. If sensitivity persists or worsens, please contact our office.

You may resume normal chewing once the anesthetic has worn off, as composite fillings are fully set before you leave the office.

If your bite feels uneven or you experience ongoing discomfort, please contact our office for further evaluation.