Home Instructions - Kirkland Dental Smile

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 or thickness of your teeth as normal. If you continue to notice any high spots or problems with your bite, please call our office at 425-821-8411 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

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

Do not be concerned if your speech feels slightly affected during the first few days. You will quickly adapt and return to normal speech. You may also notice increased salivation as your brain adjusts to the new size and shape of your teeth. This typically resolves within about a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are essential for protecting your new dental work. Consistent plaque removal and regular professional cleanings are critical for the long-term success of your new teeth.

Foods that can crack, chip, or damage natural teeth can do the same to your restorations. Avoid hard foods and objects such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils, as well as sticky candies. Smoking may stain your new teeth. Try to minimize or avoid staining foods and beverages such as coffee, red wine, tea, and berries.

If you participate in sports, let us know so we can create a custom mouthguard for you. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard provided. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile takes time. If you experience any concerns, please contact us—we are always happy to help.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Crown and bridge treatments typically require two or three visits. During the first appointment, the teeth are prepared and impressions are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect your teeth while the final restorations are being made. Because anesthesia is used, your tongue, lips, and the roof of your mouth may feel numb. Avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off.

Occasionally, a temporary crown may come off. If this happens, please call our office at 425-821-8411 and bring the temporary crown with you so it can be re-cemented. It is important that the temporary remains in place to prevent nearby teeth from shifting and affecting the fit of your final restoration.

To help keep your temporary crown secure, avoid sticky foods such as gum and hard foods. When possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Brush normally, but floss carefully—do not pull upward on the floss near the temporary. Instead, slide the floss out from the side.

It is normal to experience some temperature or pressure sensitivity after each appointment. This sensitivity should gradually decrease a few weeks after the final restoration is placed. Mild pain medication may be used as directed by our office.

If your bite feels uneven, you experience persistent pain, or you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at 425-821-8411.

After Tooth Extraction

Following a tooth extraction, a blood clot must form to stop bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite firmly on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after your appointment. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. This may need to be repeated several times.

Once the blood clot has formed, it is important not to disturb it. Avoid vigorous rinsing, using straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing teeth near the extraction site for 72 hours. These actions can dislodge the clot and delay healing. Limit strenuous exercise for 24 hours, as increased blood pressure may cause additional bleeding.

Some pain and swelling are normal after extraction. Applying an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas or corn to the area can help reduce swelling. Take pain medications as prescribed. Swelling typically subsides within 48 hours.

Use pain medication as directed and call our office at 425-821-8411 if it does not provide relief. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue taking them for the full course, even if symptoms improve. Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, nutritious foods on the day of the extraction. You may resume a normal diet as comfort allows.

After 24 hours, return to your regular oral hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing at least once daily. This will help speed healing and keep your mouth clean.

Most patients feel better within a few days and can resume normal activities. If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, swelling lasting more than 2–3 days, or a reaction to medication, contact our office immediately at 425-821-8411.

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

If anesthesia was used, your lips and tongue may remain numb for several hours after your appointment. Avoid chewing and drinking hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent accidental injury.

It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure after your filling. Injection sites may also feel sore. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol, or aspirin—one tablet every 3–4 hours as needed—can help relieve discomfort. If sensitivity increases or persists beyond a few days, contact our office at 425-821-8411.

You may chew normally as soon as the anesthesia has worn off, as composite fillings are fully set before you leave the office.

If your bite feels uneven, pain persists, or you have any other concerns, please call our office at 425-821-8411.