Home Care Instructions
Post-Treatment Care Instructions from Simone Dental
At Simone Dental, we understand that adjusting to dental procedures can take time and that following proper post-treatment care is essential for a smooth recovery. Below, we provide specific instructions for various procedures. Our trusted general dentist in Metairie, LA is here to guide you through every step of your dental care journey.
After Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction
Cosmetic dental reconstruction can significantly enhance your smile, but it’s important to allow time for your mouth to adjust to the changes. When your bite is altered or your teeth are repositioned, it can take several days for your brain to recognize the new arrangement as normal.
It’s also normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity following your procedure. This is a natural response as your teeth heal from the removal of tooth structure. In the meantime, your gums may feel sore. We recommend warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day to reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, can help ease any discomfort.
Your speech might be slightly affected during the first few days as your mouth adjusts to the new shape and size of your teeth. Increased salivation is also common, but this should subside within a week. To ensure the longevity of your new smile, daily brushing and flossing are essential. Regular cleanings at our office are also crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of your new teeth.
Our general dentist in Metairie, LA advises avoiding foods that could potentially damage your new dental work. Hard foods like nuts, sticky candies, and habits like chewing on ice or fingernails can harm both natural and reconstructed teeth. Additionally, smoking and consuming staining foods such as coffee, tea, and red wine can discolor your new smile.
After Crown and Bridge Appointments
Dental crowns and dental bridges treatments typically require two or three visits to complete. During your first appointment, we will prepare your teeth and take molds of your mouth. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect your teeth while your custom restoration is being created. It’s important to avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness from the anesthetic wears off completely.
If your temporary crown comes off, contact Dr. Simone immediately so we can re-cement it. Keeping the temporary in place is crucial to prevent other teeth from shifting, which could affect the fit of your final restoration. To help your temporary crown stay secure, avoid sticky or hard foods, and try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Some temperature and pressure sensitivity is normal after each appointment. This sensitivity should decrease within a few weeks after your final restoration is placed.
After Tooth Extraction
Following a tooth extraction, it’s vital to form a blood clot to stop bleeding and begin the healing process. We ask that you bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the procedure. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze and continue to apply pressure for another 30 minutes. Be sure to avoid activities that could dislodge the clot, such as vigorous rinsing, using straws, or smoking.
Pain and swelling are normal after an extraction. Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help minimize swelling, and pain medications should be taken as prescribed. If you have any concerns about your pain management or experience unusual symptoms, contact our office.
Our general dentist in Metairie, LA, emphasizes the importance of resuming your normal dental routine 24 hours after the extraction. This includes brushing and flossing to keep the area clean and promote healing.
After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)
Composite fillings set fully by the time you leave our office, so you can chew with them once the anesthetic wears off. However, it’s common to experience some sensitivity to hot, cold, and pressure after the procedure. This sensitivity should diminish over time, but if it persists or worsens, our team is here to help.
For more information about post-treatment care or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Simone, please call our office at 504-456-0964. We are here to ensure your dental health and comfort every step of the way.