Information following:            Oral Surgery (Extractions)

1. DO NOT SMOKE! ...The hole in your jaw where the tooth was is very sensitive. A clot is now forming which protects the bone. You do not want to disturb the clot by smoking, drinking through a straw, spitting, or rinsing. A "dry socket" might result which is very uncomfortable.

2. BITE ON GUAZE...The pressure will stop the bleeding after a few hours. If the socket continues to ooze, you can place a moistened tea bag (not herbal) over the area.

3. ADVIL OR TYLENOL...Take as directed before the local anesthetic wears off. If necessary, take the prescription given to you as directed.

4. APPLY ICE...This will keep the area from swelling. It also works well with medication to control discomfort. 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off for the first 24 hours.

5. EAT AND DRINK...Warm and cool foods and drinks are best.  Make sure to drink water to prevent dehydration. Avoid alcohol!

6. PROTECT YOUR BEDDING...You may drool while sleeping and it may have small amounts of blood. Using an old pillow case or towel will avoid a possible stain on your bedding.

7. ANTIBIOTICS...Not all situations require an antibiotic.  If one has been prescribed, take as directed and until all pills have been taken.

8. ALLERGIC REACTION...Itching,rash, difficulty breathing...call Dr. Friedman IMMEDIATELY!

9. SUTURES...If they were used, follow directions given. Be sure to return for their removal if so instructed.

AFTER 24 HOURS...You can rinse with warm water with a pinch of salt; resume smoking (quit if you can!); brush the extraction area very gently. A clean mouth heals faster.

Information following:
Crown or bridge treatment
1. Following the first appointment for a crown or bridge procedure, a temporary is usually placed on the tooth or teeth involved. This will protect them while the custom restoration is being made.
2. Temporary crowns are of a universal size and shade that also serve a cosmetic function for front teeth. Your final restoration will be shaped and shaded better than the temporary to match your other teeth in both color and function.
3. Do not eat anything sticky or floss the temporary.
4. The use of temporary cement is for easy removal on your next appointment. If your temporary comes off between appointments, slip it back on and call us for an appointment.
5. Many crowns fit below the gumline. Therefore, you may experience some discomfort for a few days due to the irritation of that area during the procedures. Sensitivity to cold or pressure is also possible. Tylenol or Advil may be taken. Warm salt-water rinses will soothe the irritated area.
6. After the final cementation of your fixed restoration, it may take a few days to get used to the new crown or bridge. If you feel the bite is not correctly balanced, be sure and call for an appointment for a simple adjustment.
7. Proper brushing and flossing is recommended to help you retain your final restoration. The only area that a crowned tooth can decay is at the edge of the crown at the gumline.

Information concerning:
Immediate denture
1. Biting pressure on the denture will promote clotting and will decrease the initial flow of blood. Slight bleeding can last up to 2-3 days.
2. Use an ice compress on affected side for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 36 hours.
3. Limit your diet to soft nurturing foods and plenty of fluids for the first week.
4. Don’t take the denture out today, rinse your mouth with warm salt water before going to bed. (1 tsp. Salt in 1 cup warm water.)
5. Starting tomorrow, carefully remove the denture twice a day and clean with a toothbrush and a low abrasive toothpaste or denture cleanser. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Put denture back in right after cleaning.
6. Sleep with the denture in your mouth for one week unless otherwise instructed. Then you should take it out when sleeping in order to relax the gum tissues. The gums can be cleaned with a clean, warm, washcloth.
7. Due to the gum shrinkage that occurs within the first 6 months, you may go through periods of a loose fitting denture. A temporary liner will be inserted as needed. Denture adhesives can be used during this period also.
8. Following the gum shrinkage period (approximately 6 months) a more permanent reline will be placed.
9. You may experience sore spots, caused by the denture being too long or from uneven pressure being applied to the healing gum tissues. We will adjust the denture as these problems occur.

Information following:
Endodontic (root canal) treatment
1. Endodontic treatment can take 1 or 2 appointments depending on each case. It is possible to experience any of the following symptoms after any one of these appointments; sensitivity to hot and or cold; sensitivity to pressure; possible swelling.
2. It is difficult to predict which symptoms, if any; you may experience and to what extent. In complicated cases, pain medication may be necessary.
3. If you experience swelling, call our office; it may be necessary to prescribe an antibiotic for you.
4. A temporary filling will be used to seal the tooth after visits.
5. Be gentle on the tooth while eating until the final restoration is placed.
6. During endodontic treatment the nerve, blood and nutrient supply to the tooth is removed. This will cause the tooth to become brittle and prone to fracturing which can result in the need to extract the tooth.
7. In most cases a full coverage crown restoration (cap) or onlay will be recommended to prevent this from happening. A post will be placed in the canals to reinforce the tooth and a core will replace lost tooth structure.