Post-Op Instructions

Making sure you are comfortable and cared for following dental treatment is very important to us. We want you to have a smooth and relaxing experience. Doctor Pogue and the Garden Home team are always happy to answer any questions you after you leave the office.

Anesthetic

The length of time your mouth may be numb varies by individual but the average time is about three to five hours after your appointment. It is important to remember to avoid eating while you are numb to prevent biting your cheek, lip, or tongue.

If you are sore at the injection site or develop an ulcer from accidentally biting your lip or tongue, rinse with warm salt water to aid in healing (about ¼ tsp. salt in 8 oz of water).

Dentures and Partials

Dentures, especially new ones, can develop sore spots which need to be adjusted. If you notice any areas causing pain that don’t resolve in a few days be sure to call to have us adjust them. This generally takes only a few minutes.

It is recommended to leave your dentures out at night to give your tissues a rest.

Home care will continue to be an important part of your daily routine. Be sure to clean not only your dentures and the case with a denture brush daily but be sure to brush your gums and tongue with a standard toothbrush daily as well. This will remove plaque which still forms everyday in the mouth.

If you notice you denture is not fitting well, please call us to have it evaluated. We can determine if relines or adjustments to the bite are necessary.

Fillings

It is normal to have some sensitivity after a new filling is placed. The level of sensitivity depends on the size and depth of the cavity being filled. Minimizing very hot and cold foods can help with the sensitivity in the first several days.

The composite fillings we place are fully hardened or cured before you leave the office so you can chew normally on these restorations as soon as the anesthetic has worn off.

Please remember to call our office if you have any concerns at all. We are always here to answer your questions.

Nightguards

Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly before wearing you nightguard. In the morning, be sure to brush your nightguard with toothpaste to remove any plaque before storing it in its case.

Depending on the level of grinding, a nightguard typically lasts 3-5 years. If you notice holes developing in the biting surfaces, be sure to have us check it at your next appointment to see if it needs to be replaced.

Pets consider mouth guards a great chew toy! Be sure to store it in its case in a safe place and not on a counter or bedside table where they can find them.

Teeth Whitening

It is common for your teeth to feel sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks after whitening. For this reason, we recommend avoiding these things for a few days if you notice sensitivity.

Avoid wearing your trays overnight as this can increase the sensitivity and we recommend using Sensodyne or a high fluoride tooth paste to minimize the symptoms. However, any sensitivity should subside in a day or two.

After removing your whitening trays, try to avoid staining foods like coffee, tea, and wine for at least 30 minutes.

Temporary Crowns

If your temporary crown should come off before you scheduled apt, it is ok to wait until the next business day to call to have it re-cemented.

Vasoline can be placed inside the temporary crown and it can be placed back on the tooth to keep it covered up until you have it recemented. It is important to keep the temporary crown on the tooth if possible to prevent the tooth from shifting and to minimize sensitivity.

Avoiding hard and sticky foods can help prevent the crown from coming loose and remember to pull the dental floss out through the side instead of popping it back up while the temporary crown is in place.

Our easy online forms provide you with the opportunity to secure your dental visit at a time that is most convenient for you.

Providing exceptional dentistry in the heart of the Garden Home community.

Garden Home Dental has a long established history in the Garden Home community. Providing exceptional dental care from the moment you walk through the door to the time you leave. Our friendly and welcoming staff look forward to taking care of you.

Post-Op Instructions