Home Care Instructions

Patient Information

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.

After your appointment, you are expected to experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol, or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at (772) 287-4530.

You may chew with your composite fillings when the anesthetic completely wears off since they are fully set when 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 (772) 287-4530.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, a blood clot must form to stop the bleeding and begin healing. 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 another 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 it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush your 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 may feel pain and experience swelling. Applying an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn to the area will 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 (772) 287-4530 if the medication doesn’t work. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious soft food on the extraction day. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

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

After a few days, you will feel fine and 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 (772) 287-4530.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared, and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. 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 off.

Occasionally, a temporary crown may come off. If this happens, call us at (772) 287-4530 and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. The temporary needs to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky (gum) or hard foods and, if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully, and don’t pull up on the floss when sliding it out. Pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.

After Cosmetic 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 usual. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at (772) 287-4530 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is expected to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times daily 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 your teeth’ new size and shape. This should subside to normal in about a week.

Daily brushing

is a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal, as well as regular cleaning appointments, is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth.

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

Why Our Patients Choose Dr. Tallbacka

"The Best Dentist!"

“I have been a patient of Dr. Tallbacka’s for 3 years. He is perhaps the best dentist I have experienced. He took the time to get to know me and understand my treatment needs, and has been absolutely successful. His dental staff are all terrific. The administrative staff are friendly and responsive.”

Ken Pomerantz, Patient

Patient Information