Home Instructions

Care & Comfort | Tarpon River Dental

Home Instructions

Maintaining optimal oral health goes beyond your visit to our office. The success of many treatments and procedures is directly influenced by how well you care for your teeth at home. To ensure your dental health remains in excellent condition, we provide you with the knowledge and guidance needed to maintain your smile for years to come.

Below, you’ll find essential home care instructions for some of the most common dental treatments. After each procedure, we will provide personalized aftercare recommendations to help you heal properly and achieve the best results. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.

After Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction

Adjusting to your new bite after a cosmetic dental procedure takes time. As your teeth settle into their new position, it may take a few days for your brain to recognize the changes as normal. If you continue to feel any unevenness or discomfort, contact us for an adjustment.

Mild sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, as well as gum tenderness, is normal during the healing process. To reduce discomfort, rinse your mouth with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol can also help alleviate any soreness.

Your speech may feel slightly different at first, and you may notice increased saliva production. This is a temporary adjustment period and should normalize within a few days.

Home Care Tips:

Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing daily.
Avoid chewing on hard foods such as ice, nuts, or sticky candies that could damage your new dental work.
Minimize exposure to staining agents like coffee, red wine, and tobacco to maintain the brightness of your smile.
If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, consider using a custom mouthguard for protection.

Your smile will continue to adapt over time. If you experience any discomfort or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Restoring your smile with crowns or bridges typically requires multiple visits. During your first appointment, we prepare your teeth and take impressions. A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect your tooth while your final restoration is being crafted.

While wearing a temporary crown, you may experience slight numbness in your lips, tongue, or cheeks due to anesthesia. Refrain from eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness subsides.

If your temporary crown comes loose or falls off, contact our office immediately so we can reattach it. It is important that it remains in place to prevent your teeth from shifting.

Care Instructions for Temporary Crowns & Bridges:

Avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the temporary restoration.
Chew on the opposite side of your mouth whenever possible.
Brush normally, but floss carefully—pull the floss out from the side instead of pulling up to avoid loosening the temporary.

Mild sensitivity to temperature and pressure is normal and should subside within a few weeks. If you experience persistent discomfort or an uneven bite, please contact our office for an evaluation.

After Tooth Extraction

Following a tooth extraction, a blood clot must form to aid the healing process. To promote clot formation and minimize bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after your appointment. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and apply firm pressure for another 30 minutes.

Once a clot forms, take care not to disturb it. For the first 72 hours:

Avoid vigorous rinsing, smoking, drinking alcohol, or using straws, as these can dislodge the clot.
Do not brush directly over the extraction site.
Avoid strenuous physical activity for the next 24 hours.

Swelling and discomfort are common and can be managed with ice packs and prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers. Swelling typically peaks within 48 hours and gradually subsides.

Maintain good hydration and eat soft, nutritious foods during recovery. Resume normal oral hygiene after 24 hours, but be gentle around the extraction site. If excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection occur, contact our office immediately.

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

If you received a local anesthetic, expect some numbness in your lips, tongue, or cheeks for a few hours after your procedure. To prevent accidental injury, avoid chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.

Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common for a few days following your appointment. If needed, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin can help ease discomfort. If sensitivity persists beyond a few days, reach out to our office for further evaluation.

You may resume eating normally as soon as the anesthetic wears off. If you experience persistent pain or feel that your bite is uneven, please call our office for an adjustment.

📞 If you have any questions or need assistance with your aftercare, call us at (954) 787-6469 or schedule an appointment online.

Home Instructions