After Care

Email or call our office if you have a question.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are permanent dentures placed immediately after the extractions are done. This is sometimes done by your dentist or an oral surgeon. The dentures act as a bandage to help speed healing. We will want to see you the next day for a quick check.

The denture will not fit very well for at least 3-5 days. We will do our best, but since we cannot try it in before we remove the teeth we cannot make it fit as snugly as we want. We also need to leave room in the denture for your gums to swell after the extractions.

The denture will feel bulky for several weeks–this is also due to the need to leave space for the gums to swell. After they have stopped swelling, etc., we can decrease the bulkiness.

We will need to reline your teeth several times in order to keep refitting them to your jaw as the swelling goes down. This is usually once per week for 3-4 weeks or so.

A Few Hints for Women Taking Antibiotics

Antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives. It is advisable to use an alternative form of contraception in addition. Ask your pharmacist for further information of the interactions.

Antibiotics can also increase the chances of a secondary yeast infection (itching, redness and soreness of the genital region). Wearing 100% cotton underwear reduces the chance. One of the following may also help:

Eat one cup of ACTIVE culture yogurt per day while on antibiotics Drink acidophylus milk Take 6-8 acidophylus tablets per day while on antibiotics (available at pharmacy)

Proper Care Following Tooth Removal

Post-operative care is most important to hasten healing and recovery. Please expect some swelling, stiffness, and discomfort, but if the problems become excessive, call our office.

Today

For minor bleeding bite on a gauze pack for 30 minutes using constant pressure. Expect some oozing and discoloration of saliva. A damp tea bag can help with minor bleeding. If bleeding becomes excessive, please contact us.

For swelling and pain place an ice pack (ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel works well) over the area–15 minutes on, 15 minutes off–for three hours.

For pain use medication as prescribed. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery. If medication was not prescribed, take over the counter pain medication as directed on the label.

ONLY drink liquids until the anesthetic wears off. The first day, stick to a soft diet and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids for 24 hours. Do not drink alcohol or carbonated beverages. If you do smoke, refrain from this for 24 hours.

Avoid vigorous rinsing and sucking in the area of the wound. A clot is forming which will turn into fibrous tissue, then into bone. This clot must not be disturbed. Use a spoon instead of a straw.

From the Second Day until Healing is Complete

Return to a normal diet as you feel better

Resume normal oral hygiene procedures. Rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in a glass of water) 4 times daily to promote healing and to keep the area clean. Do not brush the area until the suture has been removed.

Temporary Crowns

A temporary crown is placed on the tooth following the crown preparation appointment in order to protect the tooth, avoid sensitivity, and hold the position of the tooth until the permanent crown is seated.

During the time that the temporary crown is on the tooth, it is important to avoid sticky or hard foods such as gum, taffy, bread, popcorn, etc. When flossing, pull floss out toward the cheek, rather than pulling back out between the teeth.

Please contact our office for replacement or adjustment if the temporary crown should become loose or if your bite feels “off.” If the temporary should come off, please bring it with you to your appointment for recementing.

Some of the discomfort may be experienced a couple of days following the crown prep appointment. Please call the office if there is any continuing or increasing sensitivity.