Home Care Instructions

After Cosmetic Dental 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 of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at Littlestown Dental Associates Phone Number (717) 359-5723 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

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

Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.

Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is crucial for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.

If you participate in sports, please let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the nightguard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any issues or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.  We use CEREC and complete approximately 95% or more of crown and bridge in one day same appointment.

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Littlestown Dental Associates Phone Number (717) 359-5723.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, a blood clot needs to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for an additional 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it is essential not to disturb or dislodge it, as this can hinder healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted, you experience some pain and swelling. Applying an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn to the area will help keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at Littlestown Dental Associates Phone Number (717) 359-5723 if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue taking them for the indicated length of time, even if the signs and symptoms of infection have resolved. Drink lots of liquids and eat nutritious, soft foods on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will help speed up healing and keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at Littlestown Dental Associates Phone Number (717) 359-5723.

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. 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 sensitivity to hot, cold & pressure after your dental filling appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol, or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain relief) work well to alleviate tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at Littlestown Dental Associates Phone Number (717) 359-5723.

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic has completely worn off, since they are fully set by the time you leave the office.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Littlestown Dental Associates Phone Number (717) 359-5723.

Same-Day CEREC Crowns

At our office, we offer same-day CEREC crowns, allowing many patients to have their crown designed, fabricated, and placed in a single visit.

Using advanced digital imaging and CAD/CAM technology, we create a custom ceramic crown that is precisely fitted to your tooth. This means you can often leave the office with your permanent restoration the same day.

Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns

Single-visit convenience: Many crowns can be completed in one appointment.
Digital precision: Advanced scanning technology helps ensure an accurate fit.
Durable ceramic restoration: Strong, natural-looking materials designed for everyday function.
Reduced disruption: Fewer appointments and less time away from work or family.

Post-op

After Your CEREC Crown

Avoid chewing until numbness wears off: Wait until the anesthetic has worn off to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Expect mild sensitivity: Some temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal and usually improves over several days to a few weeks.
Choose softer foods initially: For the first 24 hours, avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods while you get used to the new crown.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brush and floss normally around the crown. Good home care helps protect both the crown and the surrounding tooth structure.
Monitor your bite: If the crown feels too high, uncomfortable when biting, or if sensitivity worsens instead of improving, contact our office for an adjustment.

Most patients adapt quickly to their new CEREC crown and appreciate the convenience of completing treatment in a single visit.