Treatment
Information Following Crown or Bridge Treatment
We always try to prepare patients before beginning any treatment by providing them with information on what to expect and how to care for their mouth and overall health after a procedure. If the information below doesn’t answer your questions, please give our office staff a call. We’ll be glad to help in any way we can.
- Following the first appointment for a crown or bridge procedure, a temporary is usually placed on the tooth or teeth involved. This will protect them while the custom restoration is being made.
- Temporary crowns are of a universal size and shade that also serve a cosmetic function for front teeth. Your final restoration will be shaped and shaded better than the temporary to match your other teeth in both color and function.
- The use of a temporary cement is for easy removal on your next appointment. If your temporary comes off between appointments, slip it back on and call us for an appointment.
- Many crowns fit below the gum line. Therefore, you may experience some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of that area during the procedures. Sensitivity to cold or pressure is also possible.
- After the final cementation of your fixed restoration, it may take a few days to get used to the new crown or bridge. If you feel the bite is not correctly balanced, be sure and call for an appointment for a simple adjustment.
- Proper brushing and flossing is recommended to help you retain your final restoration. The only area that a crowned tooth can decay is at the edge of the crown at the gum line.
Information Following a Tooth Extraction
- Bleeding – After an extraction, a wet gauze pack is placed over the extraction site to prevent excessive bleeding and to promote the healing blood clot. Keep pressure on it for 30 – 45 minutes and replace if bleeding continues. Slight bleeding may occur up to 2 days. Avoid activities that could apply a suction action to the blood clot, such as smoking or sucking through a straw.
- Rinsing – Do not rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow you can rinse your mouth gently with a glass of warm water mixed with a ½ teaspoon of salt. You can do this every 3-4 hours a day, especially after meals.
- Swelling – Following an extraction, some swelling and skin bruising may occur. A cold moist cloth or an ice bag applied to the cheek with keep it to a minimum. Place on affected area for about 15-20 minutes of every hour for the next 6 hours.
- Medications - If non-aspirin pain medication doesn’t relieve the discomfort you may experience, a stronger medication can be prescribed. Be sure to use all medications as directed.
- Food – A light diet with plenty of fluids is recommended the first day. Avoid carbonated or hot beverages. Chewing should be done away from the extraction site.
- Oral Hygiene – Continue brushing and flossing, being extra gentle near the extraction site.
- Chips – During healing you may notice small bony fragments working their way through the gums. We can easily remove them if they are too annoying.
- Call our office if any unusual symptoms occur.
We are always gentle.
Lawrence J. Larsen D.D.S.
7210 Greenhaven Drive, Suite B
Sacramento, California 95831
916-395-0901
916-395-8708 - Fax
