Dr. James Thurber DDS FAQ
Have a dentistry-related question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!
After Crown and Bridge Appointments
Crowns and bridges typically take two to three appointments to complete. At your first visit, the teeth are prepared and impressions of your mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect your teeth while the permanent restoration is being constructed. Your tongue, lips, and the roof of your mouth may be numb due to anesthesia, so please do not eat or drink hot beverages until it has completely worn off.
It is possible for a temporary crown to come off. If this happens, contact us immediately and bring the temporary crown to your appointment so we can re-cement it. It is important to keep the temporary crown in place to prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of the final restoration.
Avoid sticky foods, gum, hard foods, and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Brush normally and floss carefully so as not to dislodge the temporary crown.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after your crown and bridge appointments. This sensitivity will go away in a few weeks after the placement of your final restoration. Use mild pain medications to manage pain as directed by our office.
If you feel like you have an uneven bite, have consistent pain, or have any other issues or concerns, contact us right away.
After Tooth Extraction
Following tooth extraction, it's important for a blood clot to form in order for the bleeding to stop and the healing process to start. That's why you have to bite down on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after your appointment. If the bleeding or oozing continues, insert another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to repeat this process a number of times.
After a blood clot forms, do not disturb or dislodge the clot as it will aid in healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck with a straw, smoke, or drink alcohol for 72 hours. These activities can dislodge or dissolve the clot and restart the healing process. Avoid vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and can cause more bleeding.
After the tooth has been extracted, you may feel soreness and experience swelling. Use an ice pack or a bag of frozen corn or peas against the area to keep swelling at a minimum. The swelling will subside in about 48 hours.
Take pain medications as prescribed by our office. If the medication doesn't seem to be working, call us. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the entire length of time, even if symptoms have subsided. Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious, soft foods following your extraction. You can return to eating normally as soon as you're comfortable.
Resume your normal dental routine 24 hours after the extraction, including brushing and flossing at least once a day. This will speed up the healing process and keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days, you will feel back to normal and can return to normal activities. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or swelling for more than 2 to 3 days, or if you have a reaction to the medication, please contact our office immediately.
After Composite (White) Fillings
Your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after an anesthetic is used at your appointment. Avoid eating and drinking hot food and drinks until the numbness has completely subsided so that you do not bite or burn your tongue or lips.
You will experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. The injection site may also be sore. We recommend taking ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin (one tablet every three to four hours as needed) to reduce tenderness. If pressure sensitivity continues for more than a few days, contact us.
As soon as the anesthetic has worn off, you may chew with your composite filling since they are fully set at your appointment. If your bite feels uneven, you have persistent pain, or you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us.