Home Care Instructions

You will be provided specific tailored instructions based upon your treatment. Below are some general follow up instructions. 

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 can take several weeks for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If your awareness to the new dental treatment does not become progressively reduced please call our office at Chatham Office Phone Number 973-635-5522 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity immediately after treatment. The teeth may require some time for the sensitivity to resolve. 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 (1-2 tablets of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort. If you have any questions please call to review the matter with the treating doctor. 

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.

Avoid hard foods and substances.

If you engage in sports or grind your teeth at night, discuss with your doctor the advisability of having a custom mouth guard made.  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.

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. Floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary, instead pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown. It may be safer to avoid or limit flossing around the temporary restoration especially if traveling. 

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity. If a temporary becomes loose it’s important not to leave it loose, or go without it in place for more then a day or two. Without the temporary secured, bacteria can affect the underlying tooth. The unprotected tooth can shift position changing the fit of the new restorations or a loose temporary can be swallowed inadvertently. 

To insure the color and shape of your restoration is exactly the way you want it, as a special service to our patients, custom anterior aesthetics can be performed directly with a highly trained and experienced ceramics technician. We will work very closely with you and our lab technician to match a perfect color and shape.  Your satisfaction is important. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at Chatham Office Phone Number 973-635-5522.

After Composite Fillings (white fillings)

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. It is best to 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 or two tablets 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 Chatham Office Phone Number 973-635-5522.

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 you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know.