After Treatment for:
    • Tooth Extraction
    • Root Canal
    • Restorations
       • Silver
       • White or
       • Fillings
    • Crown or Bridge

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Follow these simple care guidelines after your dental treatment:

Tooth Extraction

Bleeding

• A gauze pad has been placed on the extraction site to control bleeding. Pressure should be applied for one hour. The gauze should be replaced, if bleeding continues. If you experience excessive bleeding, call our office. Do not drink carbonated beverages suck through a straw, smoke, spit, lie down flat, or physically exert yourself. These activities will prolong bleeding.

Swelling

• You may notice some swelling following an extraction. This is to be expected. Apply an ice bag to the side of the face where the extraction was performed. Leave the ice bag on 30 minutes, then off 20 minutes. Keep repeating this cycle until the swelling subsides. Ice packs should be used the first 24 hours. Warm moist compresses should be used thereafter to relieve discomfort.

Rinsing

• Do not rinse your mouth the first day. The next day, rinse with a warm salt-water solution. You may do this every few hours and after each meal.

Food

• During the first two days, a diet of soft foods and liquids is recommended (example: soups, cereals, and milk shakes). Chew food on the side opposite the extraction site.

Medications

• Over-the-counter medication should relieve your discomfort. However, if you experience more intense pain, a stronger medication may be prescribed.

Dry Socket

• Though the cause is unknown, 2%-3% of dental extractions are folloed by a clinical condition known as "dry socket." Symptoms, which begin two to three days following extraction, include loss of the blood clot from the socket and moderate to severe pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, call our office for an appointment (372-3200).For Availability Click

Oral Hygiene

• There is no need to break your regular routine of brushing and flossing. However, since the extraction site may be very tender, be gentle in that area.

Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal)

You May Experience ...

• Sensitivity to pressure, sensitivity to hot/cold, or swelling. If you experience swelling, call our office (372-3200). For Availability Click Dr. Wolfenden may need to see you.

Temporary Fillings

• Dr. Wolfenden may have used a temporary filling to seal the tooth. Until the final restoration is placed, be gentle with the tooth.

Pain Medication

• In some cases, pain medication may be necessary. If over-the-counter pain reliever fails to relieve your discomfort, call our office.

Chewing

• Chewing should be done on the side of the mouth opposite the treatment site.

Brushing and Flossing

• Continue your normal routine of brushing and flossing.

Root Canal

• The treatment you have received has removed blood vessels from your tooth. The blood vessels were a source of moisture. Without moisture, your tooth becomes brittle and may fracture. A crown may be necessary to prevent future loss due to possible fracture of the tooth.

Amalgam (Silver), Composite (White), or Restorations (Fillings)

Biting and Chewing

• Do not bit hard or chew on new amalgam fillings the same day they are placed. Composite fillings are already set, and chewing is permissible.

Soreness

• The gum tissue, along with the site of the injection, may be sore for several days. A warm, salt-water rinse will relieve discomfort. Tylenol or Motrin may be used the first day to relieve minor discomfort.

Children

• Observe children until their anesthetic wears off. There is a concern that a child may chew on his or her tongue or the inside of their cheeks or lips, due to the numbness in the mouth area.

Sensitivity to Cold

• Up to 72 hours following a restoration, you may experience sensitivity to cold. This is normal and should subside within two to three days. If sensitivity persists, please contact our office.

Crown or Bridge Treatment

Temporary Form

• During your first visit for crown or bridge treatment, a temporary form is placed on your tooth for protection. The final restoration will be shaped to match and complement your other teeth. In rare instances, the temporary form may come off. If it does, apply petroleum jelly or tooth paste to the inside of the temporary and place it back on the tooth. Call our office for an appointment. (372-3200).For Availability Click

Soreness and Sensitivity

• You may experience soreness around the gum line which can be relieved with a warm salt-water rinse. You may also experience sensitivity to cold and/or pressure. This is normal.

Permanent Restoration

• Once the permanent restoration has been placed, your bite may feel slightly different. This is normal. However, if your bite feels uneven, call our office for an appointment. (372-3200).
  For Availability Click

Chewing

• Chewing should be done on the side of the mouth opposite the restoration until the following day. Avoid eating sticky foods, chewing gum or ice.

Brushing and Flossing

• Continue your normal routine of brushing and flossing.

 1821 Wellness Lane • Trinity, FL 34655 • (727) 372-3200