ENDODONTIC PROCEDURE

Your endodontic treatment (root canal) is complete. Because of the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues before treatment and the manipulation during treatment the tooth will be tender for a period of time. It may be sensitive to chewing for 12-16 weeks.

Please wait to eat or drink on the affected side until the numbness has gone away.

It is recommended that you take an analgesic before the anesthetic wears off.  Usually 600mg of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin or generic) is very effective. Take this every 6 hours for 2-3 days.  If you cannot take this medication, an acetaminophen product  {Tylenol)  is fine.

It is important to take any prescribed medications (antibiotics, pain medication)  as directed.  These are meant to keep you comfortable and ensure healing of the affected area. In the unlikely event of swelling, fever or severe pain call the office immediately.

Most often the treated tooth is very weak due to previous fillings and decay. ln this case, a crown should be placed   on the tooth  as soon as possible to prevent a fracture and possible loss of the tooth. Proper restoration of the tooth will be discussed as soon as the tooth is comfortable.

EXTRACTIONS

After the extraction, a gauze pressure pack was placed over the socket until a blood clot fanned in the area. This clot is necessary to promote healing. Care should be taken to keep the clot in place:

• Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours.
• You should brush your teeth but be careful not to injure the extraction site.
• Do not smoke, drink through a straw, or do anything that would create pressure inside your mouth.
• Avoid heavy lifting or aerobic activity for the first day.

Eat whatever you feel like eating. Sometimes a soft diet is best. Proper nutrition will promote healing.

It is normal for the treated area to be sore. 600mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours (Advil, Motrin or generic) is best. If you cannot take this medication then an acetaminophen product (Tylenol) is fine. It is best to start pain medication before the anesthetic has worn off and maintain a regular schedule until the area feels better.

Please take any prescribed medications (antibiotic, pain medication) as directed. They were prescribed to keep you comfortable and to promote healing.

If the area should start to bleed, place a gauze pack firmly over the socket and bite down for a steady 10-20 minutes.

Pain in the area starting 3-4 days after extraction is not normal and should be reported immediately.

If something seems unusual or if you have any questions, feel free to call the office.

TEMPORARY CROWN AND BRIDGE

Every effort has been made to create a temporary that is smooth and comfortable . Because it is made of acrylic some precautions are advised to prevent breakage or dislodging the temporary.

Do not eat anything sticky such as gum or tootsie rolls

Avoid crunchy foods such as bagel chips or hard candy

When flossing in the area remember to slide the floss out the side of the tooth.

If the temporary does come off, save it and notify the office. For immediate relief, apply a small amount of Vaseline, toothpaste or denture adhesive (Fixodent) inside the temporary and replace it on the prepared tooth. It is very important that the temporary remain in place while the actual prosthesis is being fabricated.

It is normal for the treated area to be sore for a day or so. We will give you some Peroxyl mouthwash to use. Use this undiluted, rinsing for 30-60 seconds to soothe the gum area.

We recommend ibuprofen for dental discomfort. 600mg every six hours is very effective. If you cannot take this medication, acetaminophen product such as Tylenol is fine.

If you should have any questions or concerns feel free to call the office.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR NEW DENTURES

Take your time to get used to your new dentures. For the first week or so, restrict your diet to soft foods that are easy to manage.

Cut your food into bite sized pieces and place a bit on, each side of your dentures. This will help balance the forces as you chew.

Read out loud to get used to speaking.

If your dentures become uncomfortable because of sore areas, take the dentures out and rinse with  warm salt water (one tablespoon salt per one cup of very warm water.) Be sure to wear your dentures for a few hours before an adjustment appointment so we can see the areas to relieve the pressure. Sore spots are a normal part of getting used to your new dentures.

Your new dentures may feel big in your mouth. This is because the muscles that help to support your denture (including your tongue) must get used to the new shape.  Your mouth may feel tired.  You can rest your mouth by removing your new dentures for an hour or two.

Unless instructed otherwise, please remove your dentures at night. The tissues underneath must have a chance to rest and breathe from the pressures of denture wear.

As always, if something seems unusual or if you have a question, please call the office.

CARING FOR YOUR DENTURES

It is important to clean your dentures and the inside your mouth at least twice a day. This will prevent infection in the folds of the soft tissue and help reduce staining of your denture.

Place a towel in the sink before cleaning your dentures. This will act as a cushion if you should drop them.

Brush your dentures with a soft toothbrush and liquid hand soap (denture. brushes  and paste, as well as regular toothpaste are too abrasive .) You way soak your dentures overnight in a cleaner such as Polident or Efferdent. Never use bleach on your denture!

For tartar build-up soak the dentures in one-half cup of water with one-half cup of white vinegar and then gently brush away the deposits.

For severe stains, try BAN-A-STAIN (available at most drug stores) or call the office for an appointment.

Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste i(you like t gently clean inside your mouth. Be sure to clean your tongue as well.

We recommend yearly dental exams for denture patients. We will check the health of the soft tissue inside your mouth and also the fit of your denture. The tissue and bone level will continue to change over time.