AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at 702-396-2929 if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 702-396-2929.

AFTER COSMETIC RECONSTRUCTION

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at 702-396-2929 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.

Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouth-guard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.

AFTER CROWN AND BRIDGE APPOINTMENTS

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.

Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at 702-396-2929 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 702-396-2929.

AFTER COMPOSITE FILLINGS (WHITE FILLINGS)

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.

It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at 702-396-2929.

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 702-396-2929.

AFTER TEETH WHITENING (BOOST AND LASER WHITENING)

CONGRATULATIONS! You have just experienced a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. The next 48 hours are important in enhancing and maximizing your whitening results for a long lasting, bright and healthy smile. Everyone's teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle. This layer contains the surface dental stains and is removed during a regular cleaning or whitening process. It takes 12-24 hours for the barrier to fully develop again. To maximize the whitening, we ask for the next 48 hours you DO NOT consume dark or yellow staining substances such as:

AVOID ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS, RED WINE, WHITE WINE, BERRIES, AVOID COLORED LIPSTICKS SOFT DRINKS, POTATO CHIPS, RED SAUCES, AVOID RED MEATS, COFFEE TEA, MUSTARD, KETCHUP AND SOY SAUCE.

Remember that you must not use any colored toothpastes or gels for the first 48 hours. In addition, do not use any colored mouthwash or home fluoride treatments (unless a varnish is provided to you at our office). If your daily homecare involves the use of PerioRx or Chlorhexidine, please wait 48 hours before continuing the usage of this product. Small spots of whitening on the gum or gumline may be present, this is due to the solution being applied on the tooth and as close to the gum as possible for the greatest whitening effect. These spots can be sensitive. They are temporary and will resolve.

Post operative sensitivity may occur. Dr Mismas calls these "zingers". They are mild and sometimes more sensitive if you choose to complete your full session of whitening. If post operative sensitivity occurs take Tylenol or Aleve, or what you would normally use for a headache. Chewing sugarless gum can also alleviate the sensitivity. For maximum desensitizing, brush with Clinpro toothpaste (a prescription can be written for you) or use the take home fluoride varnish provided to you.

Additional ways you can help maintain your sparkling BOOST smile is to avoid staining related habits, use an electric toothbrush, floss and have regular professional cleanings at least twice a year to keep your smile its whitest!

Please call our office if you have any questions at 702-396-2929.

AFTER IMPLANT PLACEMENT

CARING FOR YOURSELF AT HOME

Bleeding - Even with minimal surgical procedures a certain amount of bleeding is to be expected after any surgery of the mouth. Do not suck on the implant site or disturb it with your tongue. Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. In rare instance bleeding is excessive, wipe away any large blood clots, then close down firmly on a clean gauze over the surgical site for 30-45 minutes. Repeat the procedure. If bleeding continues, please call our office at 702-396-2929 for further instructions.

Swelling - Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 24 hours. If swelling does occur, it may peak on the third day after surgery. Some discoloration of the skin or bruising could also be expected following surgery.

Diet - Drink plenty of fluids and keep yourself well hydrated. While your mouth is numb, take particular care to avoid biting on your cheek, lip or tongue. Refrain from chewing or drinking hot liquids until the numbness has subsided. The feeling and sensation should return within a few hours. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Gradually advance to a normal diet as tolerated unless otherwise directed.

Pain- You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. The duration of anesthesia a patient will experience numbness varies on the type and amount needed for the dental procedure. For mild to moderate pain, consider using over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). For severe pain the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.

Antibiotics - Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed and complete the entire regimen to help prevent infection. If you become nauseated or develop a rash or itching, please discontinue your medication and call our office immediately. Our emergency number is listed on the post-op instructions given to you in your take home baggie.

Oral Hygiene - Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed Peridex Oral Rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas. Lips-- keep your lips lubricated for the first few days after surgery. Your lips may be sore, particularly in the corners, and this will prevent them from drying out.

Activity - Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. A semi-reclining position and rest for several hours following surgery are recommended. Avoid strenuous activity the first day or two following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising for 2 weeks after the implant was placed. Any surgery and/or pain medication can cause weakness. Also keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment or liquids. This may also weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis - Partial dentures, flippers or full dentures should be used as directed by your surgeon in your post-surgery instructions. Your prosthesis may need adjustments and if you feel your prosthesis rubbing on your gums please give us a call so we can adjust it.

Note: NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED FOR 3 DAYS AFTER SURGERY.