Kindly follow these instructions to ensure a smooth healing process and prevent any unnecessary discomfort or inconvenience:
- Please wait until the anesthetic has worn off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
- Avoid eating sticky, chewy, or hard foods, as they can dislodge or damage your temporary restoration. These restorations are not just cosmetic—they protect your tooth, support gum tissue healing, and prevent shifting of your tooth or surrounding teeth while you wait for your permanent restoration.
If your temporary restoration breaks or comes off before your next appointment, please contact our office for you to come in.
If you have temporary restorations on your front teeth, avoid biting directly into food. Instead, cut your food into smaller pieces and use your back teeth to chew.
- Be Careful When Brushing and Flossing Around Temporaries:
Gently brush the temporary restoration manually. If using an electric toothbrush, turn it off and manually brush the area. Avoid flossing up and down around the temporary, as this can dislodge it. Instead, pull the floss through carefully. If possible, avoid flossing altogether near the temporary restoration. Do not use a Waterpik or similar water flossing device around the temporary. - Tooth Sensitivity is Normal:
It is common for your tooth/teeth to feel sensitive after the procedure, and this should improve over the next few days. If the pain becomes severe or you cannot bite on the tooth after 3-4 days, please contact our office for further evaluation. - Rinse with Warm Salt Water for Gum Soreness:
Slight swelling or soreness of the gum tissue around the restoration is normal. To reduce discomfort, mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water and gently rinse 3-4 times a day for the first 1-3 days as needed. If prescribed a medicated rinse, use it as directed. - Take Medication as Prescribed:
To alleviate pain or soreness, you may take up to 800mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) every 6 hours unless otherwise advised by your doctor or if you have allergies to the medication.
Please call our office if:
· If your temporary restoration breaks or comes off prior to your next appointment.
· If you experience severe pain or swelling that does not dissipate around the restoration site.
· If after the first 2 days, you are unable to bite down on the tooth without experiencing sharp pain.
· If you have an allergic reaction to any medication you have taken.