Home Care Instructions

After Fillings, Crown and Bridge Appointments

Bite

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 after the first week, please call our office at The Dental Docs Phone Number 619-297-2949, so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

Sensitivity

It is normal to experience some mild-moderate hot and cold sensitivity after big dental procedures. Your teeth and gums will require some healing time and may be sensitive in the meantime.

To ease some discomfort, we recommend:
Warm salt water rinses
Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gargle three times a day to reduce pain and swelling.

If your discomfort persists, please call Drs. Luczynski or Bender at The Dental Docs Phone Number 619-297-2949 for other remedies and instructions.

Hygiene

Daily brushing and flossing and regular cleaning appointments are absolutely critical to the success of your new dental work. Take care of your new dental investment!

Food + Drink

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new fillings or crowned teeth. Avoid extra hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails). Certain food and drinks that stain (like coffee, red wine, tea, and berries), as well as activities like smoking, can stain your new teeth. Thankfully we can always whiten them for you!

Protection

Whether you are an ageing weekend warrior like our dentists 🙂 or involved in school organized sports, let us know. We can create a custom-fit mouthguard to protect your new teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, consistently wearing the night guard that we have provided for you will keep your new dental work protected. Sports mouthguards are especially recommended with Mountain Biking, Jiu-Jitsu and other Contact Sports.

Numbness

Once you have your temporary crown or bridge in place, please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness of the local anesthesia has completely worn off.

Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile can take time. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at The Dental Docs Phone Number 619-297-2949.

‘Temps’ After Crown & Bridge Appointments

Temporaries

If your temporary crown falls off, please call us at The Dental Docs Phone Number 619-297-2949. We will have you bring it in and have it reset in place. It is important that the temporary remain in place while the permanent tooth is created so that your teeth do not move and compromise the fit of the new crown.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum) and hard foods. 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 could dislodge the temporary. When flossing, pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.