Post Procedure Q&A
What can I expect with new filings,
veneers, and crowns:
It is normal to have some sensitivity after having fillings, crown,
or veneer work done. Teeth are living tissue, and this tissue
has been traumatized, just like a cut or minor surgery elsewhere
in your body. This may take weeks or even months to fully recover.
As a general rule: if the tooth is getting better over time, then
no need to worry. At any time if the way you bite down does not
feel right, please return to the office so that we may correct
your bite for you. A "heavy" or "high" bite
is usually the cause of continued sensitivity, that does not improve.
What should I expect with temporary
crowns, veneers, and onlays?
As you wait for the lab to create your new crown, veneer, or onlay,
it is important to protect the tooth with a temporary. This temporary
is meant to be removed and may occasionally fall off during normal
function. Try to avoid heavy chewing and hard or sticky foods
with the temporary. If it does fall off, it needs to be re-cemented
on the tooth. We have given you temporary cement in the event
that this does occur.
First clean the old cement from the internal surface of the temporary
and your tooth. Then, cut the top off the cement packet, and express
the two bubbles, in small, equal amounts on to a disposable mixing
surface (paper plate will work). Mix these parts thoroughly to
a consistent mixture, and apply liberally to the internal surface
of the temporary. Place immediately on tooth and press firmly.
Make sure you can bite completely down, then quickly brush the
excess material away with your tooth brush, and floss the cement
from between your teeth. Floss like regular, except pull the floss
out from the side to avoid pulling the temporary off.
Important note: all of this needs to occur within one minute
after mixing the cement. If you are unable to cement the temporary,
please call us so that we may place it for you. If the office
is closed, a small amount of denture adhesive from the grocery
store is a good short term fix until we can get you into the office.
Do I have any restrictions to eating
and drinking after my new fillings and permanent crowns and veneers?
The only restriction would be if you leave the office while your
mouth is still numb, as you may bite your cheek or tongue.
What were the instructions for the
medications you prescribed:
Generally, I give 2 types of medications...antibiotics (Amoxicillin,
Clindamycin) to control infections, and pain medication (Vicodin,
Tylenol 3, Darvocet). Antibiotics should be started immediately
and always completely finish the entire bottle. The first day
of antibiotics take all the pills for that day right away. Generally,
taking these with food will alleviate upset stomachs.
When taking pain medication I recommend starting before the
numbness wears off. So, typically ASAP after the procedure, whatever
it may be. Take them continuously as directed for the first few
days (don't wait for the pain to return, just take the pain medication
according to the hourly schedule as prescribed). This will make
things much more comfortable for you. After a few days of taking
the pain medication continuously take them as needed.
I just had a root canal procedure (endodontics),
now what?
The root canal is only the beginning. It is extremely important
that the tooth be properly restored to full function. You will
leave the office with a temporary filling. This filling is not
meant to last longer than a month. If the tooth is not fitted
with a permanent crown the tooth will become reinfected, become
painful again, and the time and money spent will be wasted. Immediately
after the root canal procedure it is normal to have some sensitivity.
The nerves inside your tooth have been removed, and some residual
discomfort is normal until your body heals this area. As a general
rule the tooth should get better over time. If the tooth does
not improve, or you have any swelling, please call the office.
What were the instructions after having
a tooth extracted?
Some bleeding and oozing of the wound, swelling, and pain is normal.
Copious amounts of bright red blood or large swelling is reason
for concern. Call the office immediately. Typically start taking
your medications immediately, and always finish the entire prescription
of antibiotics. Pain medication should be taken continuously according
to the prescribed hourly schedule for a few days. Do not wait
for it to hurt before taking the medication. Eat a soft diet.
Keep the area as clean as this will aid healing. Avoid smoking
and alcohol as this will hinder healing.
