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After Cosmetic Restoration of Your Front Teeth

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After your First Visit: In most cases, temporaries will be placed. Initially, your teeth will feel slightly rough. We recommend curtailment of any major social functions or important business engagements between the preparation visit and the seating visit. Also, try to restrict brittle foods from your diet and maintain regular oral hygiene therapy. It's normal to experience some post operative hot, cold and pressure sensitivity.    Aspirin, Tylenol or Advil are good pain relievers, if needed, provided you can use them. Make sure to follow proper dosing instructions. They only work by swallowing them. Do not place aspirin/Advil/Tylenol on the aching tooth or gum. They will burn the lining of your mouth.

Avoid these foods while wearing temporaries : Hard chewy breads such as bagels or French bread. Chew candies such as taffy, caramels or gum. Hard crunchy foods such as corn nuts or popcorn kernels. Do not bite into foods such as corn on the cob or apples. In general, use a knife and fork to eat ALL foods while wearing temporaries on your front teeth.

Lost Temporary... Occasionally, even with careful wearing, temporaries will become loose.  This is normally not an emergency. The tooth will not become infected or decayed if the temporary is missing for a short period of time. However, the underlying tooth may feel sensitive to food and drink. Call Dr. Neuhaus

After your Second Visit: Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position or size of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the body to recognize and adjust to your new smile. If you continue to detect high spots with your bite, call us so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.   It's normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity.  Your gums may also be sore for several days. This is temporary and will go away. Rinse three times a day with warm salt water (a tsp. of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse-swish-spit) to reduce discomfort. Mild pain medication should ease your discomfort during the adjustment period.   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 salivary flow. Your brain may respond to the new size and shape of your teeth by increasing salivary flow. This should subside to normal within a week or so.

Oral Hygiene and Long-term Care: Daily plaque removal is critical for the long term success of your dental work. Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine. Daily brushing and flossing is a must.    Your teeth should be professionally cleaned and examined a minimum of two times a year. We'll use the appropriate cleaning abrasives and techniques for your specific cosmetic dental work.   It's important to change habits to protect your new teeth. Any food that could chip, crack, or damage your natural teeth can do the same to your new cosmetic restorations. Avoid sticky candies, any unusually hard foods or substances (such as peanut brittle, fingernails, pencils or ice). Avoid or minimize your use of foods that stain, such as tea, coffee, red wine and berries. Smoking will yellow your teeth.   Let us know if you grind your teeth at night or engage in contact sports so we can make you a custom mouthguard.    Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, we always welcome your questions.

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