After Care Instructions

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After Cosmetic Procedures

After cosmetic procedures remember, it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When your bite is altered, or the position of your teeth is changed, it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth and/or their changes in thickness as “normal.” However, if you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite after a few days (post-treatment), call our office at Comfort Dental in Myrtle Beach SC Phone Number 843-448-5757 so we can discuss this with you and schedule an adjustment appointment, if necessary.
It’s normal for you to experience some hot and cold sensitivity after treatment. Your teeth will require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim.
Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce your pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort you may be experiencing.
Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally in no time.
You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside and return to normal in about a week.
Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.
Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies.
Smoking will stain your new teeth.
Minimize, or avoid, foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.
If you engage in sports, let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard.
If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you.

Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions and the opportunity to assist you.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. During your first visit, your teeth are prepared and molds of your mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at Comfort Dental in Myrtle Beach SC Phone Number 843-448-5757 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It’s very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum included), hard foods, and, if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It’s important to brush normally, but floss very carefully. Don’t pull up on the floss, which may dislodge the temporary, but rather pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.
It’s normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used, as directed by our office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Comfort Dental in Myrtle Beach SC Phone Number 843-448-5757.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and to begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after your appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists after this, place another gauze pad inside your mouth and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it’s important not to disturb, or dislodge, the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge, or dissolve, the clot and impair the necessary healing process.
Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted, you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours. Use the pain medication as directed. Call Comfort Dental, at Comfort Dental in Myrtle Beach SC Phone Number 843-448-5757, if the medication doesn’t seem to be working.
If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection have subsided.
Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft foods on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It’s important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth stay fresh and clean. After a few days, you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities, as well.

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at Comfort Dental in Myrtle Beach SC Phone Number 843-448-5757.

After Composite Fillings (white fillings)

When an anesthetic has been used during a composite fillings treatment, your lips and tongue may feel numb for several hours after your appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It’s very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.
It’s normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days, or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at Comfort Dental in Myrtle Beach SC Phone Number 843-448-5757.
You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave our office.