Post Dental Care

You should avoid any hard foods for the first 24 hours. Anytime after a new filling or a crown preparation, the teeth are going to be a bit sensitive, especially to cold. This is normal and will gradually subside in a few days. However, if the bite feels off or it hurts every time you bite down, there is probably a high spot to be adjusted. Give our office a call right away so that we can get you in and alleviate the problem.

After root canal treatment, the tooth will probably be sore for the first day or two. Some ibuprofen or Advil will help. Avoid chewing any hard foods until a crown is placed. Almost all back teeth need a crown after a root canal since a great amount of tooth structure is lost from the decay, and without the nerve and blood vessels it will dry up and become very brittle, which makes the teeth more susceptible to fracture. A crown serves to hold the tooth together and reduce the likelihood of the tooth fracturing in the future.

You may develop some sore spots after the first day or two. These are called denture sores or pressure spots that require adjustments. Remember these sore spots do not go away on their own, and they may get worse if not adjusted. Call our office right away to correct that. Sometimes it may take two or three adjustments to get the pressure just right so no sores will return. Eat softer foods at first and practice speaking out loud to help you get used to the new dentures.

At night you should take out your dentures so the gum and tissue can have a rest and breathe. Soak them in a glass of water (with denture cleaner if preferred), and then brush them and put them back in the next morning.

Your teeth will become sensitive for a few days after whitening, but the annoyance will subside. Brushing with the sensitive toothpaste will help alleviate the discomfort. For maximum whitening results, use the take home bleach for the following two to three days. Avoid staining foods like coffee, tea, and red wine to prolong the whitening effect. When you feel the colour has regressed (usually after 9-12 months), you can pick up more bleaching gel from us and do some touch-up home bleaching to bring back the whiteness.