CARING FOR YOUR SMILE

When it comes to dental treatment, your questions about your post-treatment health and wellbeing may be more important to you than your questions about the procedure itself. You want to know how you'll feel, when you can eat or drink as usual, and whether or not you'll have to change your usual routine for long.

Your team at Omni Dental makes your comfort our number one focus - and that includes answering all your questions about your treatment and your aftercare.

Choose a topic to the left.

Post-Op Instructions: Extractions

Ensure a more comfortable experience, and get back to your usual life faster by noting these instructions.
Please avoid rinsing on the day of your treatment. On the day after your surgery, rinse with warm salt water (one-half teaspoon salt to one cup water) every two-to-three hours for several days, then after meals and at bedtime for the next two weeks. You may also begin brushing your teeth the day after your surgery.

Please note that a gradual increase in pain from days three to five is not uncommon.

Keep your head elevated at all times for the first five-to-seven days following surgery. This will help decrease swelling and discomfort.

You will typically receive stitches that are designed to dissolve and fall out on their own. Depending on the type, this may occur within the first week or within two-to-three weeks.

DO NOT SMOKE. Smoking in any amount in the first few weeks can cause a dry socket and will dramatically delay wound healing.

You may eat or drink once the local anesthetic has worn off, but avoid very hot foods or liquids for 24 hours. Soft foods like eggs, pastas, warm soups, and yogurt are recommended. Drink plenty of fluids, but do not drink through a straw or create a sucking action in your mouth.

The surgical site may continue to bleed slightly for a day or two. This is no cause for alarm. If heavy bleeding occurs, fold a piece of gauze (or use a wet or dry tea bag), and place it over the bleeding area. Maintain firm pressure for 30 minutes. Avoid frequent pack changes, rinsing, and spitting or physical exertion until the bleeding has ceased.

DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages or drive or operate machinery for 12 hours following general anesthesia. DO NOT combine pain medication with alcohol.

Some discomfort is to be expected, and you may be rather uncomfortable for the first few hours or days. Please:

Take the prescribed medication with food, as directed.
Allow 45 minutes for the medication to work. Therefore, take the medication before the pain becomes too severe.
Take 800mg of Ibuprofen (Advil) every six hours for minor discomfort, or in between doses of pain medication, to increase effectiveness.

Swelling is to be expected and usually reaches its maximum during the first three days. Apply ice to the side of the face 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as often as possible for the first 48 hours. Frozen vegetable bags wrapped in dishtowels work nicely as they contour to the jaw. Change to heat (a heating pad or hot water bottle) 48 hours after surgery. Continue to use heat until the swelling has receded.

Bruising may occur, especially along the jaw line. This is not unexpected and should disappear soon.

Keep lips moist with ChapStick or Vaseline to prevent chapping.

Tightness of the jaw muscles may make it difficult for you to open your mouth for up to two weeks.

If you have been prescribed an antibiotic and are currently taking oral contraceptives, you should use an alternate method of birth control for the remainder of this cycle.

If any unusual symptoms occur, or if you have any questions concerning your progress, we may be reached 24 hours a day by calling (888) 860-4886.

Provisional Crowns and Bridges: Post-Treatment Instructions

After your first crown or bridge appointment, refrain from eating for at least one hour until the anesthesia has worn off. This will allow your temporary crown/bridge to set-up properly and will keep you from accidentally biting your lip or cheek.

Provisional: A provisional crown or bridge will be placed on the prepared tooth while the new restoration is being made. The provisional crown or bridge serves a very important purpose - it protects the exposed dentin so it is not sensitive, prevents food and bacteria from collecting on the tooth preparation, and prevents the tooth from shifting or moving, which can make seating of the new restoration more difficult or even impossible. The provisional crown or bridge is placed with a cement that is designed to come off easily, so avoid chewing sticky foods such as gum or taffy or anything very crunchy. Use your toothbrush to clean the provisional as you normally do your other teeth. However, when flossing, it is best to slide the floss out below the contact rather than popping up through the contact between the provisional and the tooth next to it.

If your provisional crown/bridge comes off between appointments, even if there is no discomfort, slip it back on and call our office in order to have us re-cement it for you. This is VERY important!

A little denture adhesive or even toothpaste placed inside the crown can help hold it in place in the interim.

Sensitivity: Sensitivity, especially to cold, is common while you are wearing the provisional crown/bridge. If you experience this, avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages. It is normal to have discomfort in the gums around the tooth after the anesthesia wears off. If your gums are tender, rinse with warm salt water by dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of salt in an eight oz. glass of warm water. An analgesic (i.e., whatever you would take for a headache), will help to increase your comfort.

New Crown or Bridge: Typically, we will have your new crown or bridge around two weeks after the appointment when the tooth or teeth were prepared. It may take a few days to get used to the new crown or bridge after your new restoration is finally cemented. If your bite feels high or unbalanced, please be sure to call our office for an appointment for a simple adjustment.

Home Care after seating your New Crown or Bridge: Although crowns and bridges are often the most durable of all restorations, the underlying tooth is still vulnerable to decay - especially at the interface between the tooth and crown. It is important to resume regular brushing and flossing immediately. Daily home care and regulating your intake of sugar-containing foods will increase the longevity of your new restorations.

If you have any problems or unanswered questions, please feel free to call our office at (888) 450-4172 any time so that we may assist you.

Sleep Apnea/Snoring Device Information

When you first place a new sleep apnea/snoring appliance in your mouth, you will most likely find it cumbersome. There will be an increase in salivary flow for the first few weeks of use, but do not worry! This will slowly subside. Some patients experience minor gagging or awkwardness swallowing, but these sensations are not permanent. After wearing the appliance all night, it is common to have some minor tooth or muscle discomfort. Many patients cannot touch their teeth together normally for up to 45 minutes. If this is a problem, lean on your hand for about 15 minutes each morning, as if you were the statue of "The Thinker" by Rodin. Most patients experience little if any discomfort after a few weeks of adapting to their intra-oral sleep apnea device.

Cleaning your intra-oral sleep apnea appliance should be done each morning with a toothbrush and toothpaste - brushing all surfaces, inside and out. Use of an ORAL SAFE appliance cleaner is a very effective product and is available from Great Lakes Laboratories. Soft appliances may be stored dry.

The appliances can cause soft tissue irritation and minor tooth movement (lower anterior crowding). Occasionally, the appliance can dislodge ill-fitting crowns and fillings in the area where the metal clasps hold on to the teeth. If you experience significant joint or muscle pain lasting more than two hours or pain that requires analgesic medication, discontinue use of the appliance, and call our office at (888) 4504172 to make an appointment for reevaluation. Routine appointments for adjustments to the device consist of a series of appointments over three-to-four months.

A small percentage of patients actually increase their number of apneic and hypopneic events when using an oral appliance. If your symptoms seem to increase, contact our office immediately.

Be careful that you do not leave the appliance anywhere that a pet can reach it. Dogs find them to be wonderful chew toys, and replacement of the appliance is not covered by medical insurance. Also, do not leave the appliance in a car on a hot day or in your luggage when flying.

If you have any questions about the use and care of you intra-oral sleep apnea/snoring device, please do not hesitate to bring them to our attention at your next appointment, or call us at (888) 450-4172.

Scaling and Root Planing: Post-procedure Instructions

If therapeutic scaling and root planing has been completed, this means that the gingival (gum) tissue showed signs of infection and inflammation, and you may have had significant calculus (tartar) buildup. You may notice that your teeth feel differently where the calculus was removed. The soft tissues may be sensitive or sore for approximately one day as they begin to heal. You may find that taking an over-the-counter pain reliever (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) will help during this 24-hour period. You may also rinse your mouth every few hours with warm salt water. Also, make sure you brush and floss your teeth during this time period as you have been instructed. Be gentle because the brushed areas may be sore, but be thorough! You do not want to have the periodontal infection begin again.

When you have had a scaling and root planing procedure, or other more involved periodontal procedures, you can expect your gingival (gum) tissues to be quite sore. This is normal when the gum tissues have been infected and inflamed for some time. The more severely they have been affected, the more discomfort you can expect. This soreness should go away very quickly. You may rinse with warm salt water every few hours until the soreness is gone.

You may also notice that the teeth have become sensitive to temperature changes after your scaling and root planing procedure. This sensation frequently occurs when the surfaces of the roots of your teeth have been cleaned. Removal of the debris that is covering the roots and attached to the roots leaves the roots open to temperature stimulus. If the problem persists, please let us know.

When you examine your gums closely in a mirror, you will also observe that the color, texture, and position of your periodontal tissues will undergo a change as the healing takes place. The swollen, reddened gum tissue will shrink, become more firm, and return to a healthy pink color. Watch for these welcome signs of improvement, and be encouraged by the healing process.

Please do not forget to brush and floss, and to use other periodontal cleaning aids as you have been taught. It is important that you begin establishing proper oral self-care habits immediately. If you find that the recently treated areas are sensitive to the brushing and flossing, be gentle, but be thorough! With proper technique, you cannot damage the teeth or gingival tissues.

Brush after every meal with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Rinse with a fluoride- containing mouth rinse once each day.

Use the oral irrigator with the periodontal attachment as instructed.

Use the periodontal cleaning aids as you have been shown.

Please return for your follow-up appointment. During this time, your periodontal tissues will be evaluated for the expected improvement and effectiveness of your oral self-care and to determine the possible necessity of further periodontal treatment. This appointment will include re-probing the periodontal tissues.

If you have any questions about these instructions, please feel free to ask us.

Dental Implant Surgery: Post-Operative Instructions

The post-operative instructions listed below should be followed accurately in order to speed your recovery.
Please avoid rinsing today. Beginning the day after your surgery, rinse with warm salt water (one-half teaspoon salt to one cup water) every two-to-three hours for several days, then after meals and at bedtime for the next two weeks. If you have been prescribed Peridex rinse, use as directed on the bottle. You may begin brushing your teeth the day following your surgery, staying away from the surgical site for the first few days.

IF A TEMPORARY TOOTH WAS PLACED ON YOUR IMPLANT TODAY, IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU DO NOT BITE ON THIS TOOTH UNTIL YOUR DOCTOR ALLOWS! FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY CAUSE FAILURE OF YOUR IMPLANT.

Please do not wear your dentures or partial until your doctor gives you permission to do so.

You may resume a regular diet as soon as you feel comfortable.

In some cases, swelling may occur and usually reaches its peak in two to three days. Apply ice to the side of the face 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off as often as possible for the first 48 hours. Frozen vegetable bags wrapped in dishtowels work nicely as they contour to the jaw. Change to heat (a heating pad or hot water bottle) 48 hours after surgery. Continue to use heat until the swelling has receded.

You may have mild discomfort following surgery. In this case, please:

Take the prescribed medication with food as directed.
Allow 45 minutes for the medication to work. Therefore, take the medication before the pain becomes too severe.
Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Advil) for minor discomfort.

Occasionally, the cover screw or healing abutment may loosen or fall out. This should not affect the stability of your implant. It is important, however, to call us as soon as possible so that we can replace it for you. Please bring the loosened component in with you.

Our office typically uses stitches that are designed to dissolve and fall out on their own. Depending on the type, this may occur within the first week or within two-to-three weeks.

Bruising may occur. This is not uncommon and should disappear soon.

Keep lips moist with ChapStick or Vaseline to prevent them from cracking.

NO SMOKING. Smoking is known to cause failure of implants.

NO DRIVING or operating machinery for 12 hours following general anesthesia.

If you have been prescribed an antibiotic and are currently taking oral contraceptives, you should use an alternate method of birth control for the remainder of this cycle.

If any unusual symptoms occur or if you have any questions concerning your progress, we may be reached 24 hours a day by calling (888) 860-4886.

Self Care for Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Your lower jaw meets the upper skull in front of the ear. The joint that connects them is called the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Noises in the jaw joints are extremely common, and the disk that separates the jaws has been estimated to be displaced in approximately 40% of the population. Like any joint (hip, shoulder, wrist), the TMJ can be strained or injured. The injury can be the result of a specific trauma to the jaw area or can result from prolonged smaller trauma (microtrauma) from oral habits such as grinding.

Jaw pain and difficulty with jaw movement are common signs of problems with the jaw joint or jaw muscles. These problems as a group are called temporomandibular disorders, or TMD, and they can often improve with some basic home care. For example:

Heat or ice can reduce joint or muscle pain and relax the muscles.

Moist Heat: Moist heat can be especially helpful to sore muscles when applied to the painful area of the jaw for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. A wet towel over a hot water bottle or a gel type heat pack can be used. A wet wash cloth heated in a microwave can also be used. Avoid burning the skin.

Ice: Ice treatment can also be helpful for a sore jaw joint. An ice cube can be placed directly over the jaw joint in front of the ear. Move the ice over the jaw joint for 4-5 minutes, for 3-4 times a day. Avoid frosting the skin.

Soft Diet: A simple rule of thumb is to avoid chewing foods that aggravate the pain and/or jaw clicking such as French bread, bagels, or steak. Cook foods of softer consistency and cut food into smaller bites. It is helpful to avoid biting off food with the front teeth. Place the smaller pieces of food directly in the back of the mouth and chew on both sides to avoid overloading one side.

Chewing Gum: Do not chew gum. Chewing gum for extended periods of time places a lot of pressure on the jaw joints.

Jaw Position: Normal rest position of the jaw is with the teeth slightly separated and the tip of the tongue in the roof of the mouth behind your front teeth. This is a relaxed position with no tense jaw muscles. The teeth should only touch when chewing and swallowing. Check your jaw position several times during the day to see if you clench your teeth.

Jaw Habits: Check yourself and ask your family or friends if you have any habits, which might make your jaw problem worse. These include teeth clenching or grinding, lip or cheek biting, fingernail biting, pen biting, thrusting your jaw forward, resting your jaw on your hand, and bracing your jaw even with your teeth apart.

Dental Appointments: Avoid extended mouth opening at the dentist while you are having jaw pain. Let your dentist or hygienist know you have been having problems with your jaw.

Caffeine: Avoid excessive use of caffeinated beverages, such as coffee or colas, as these can contribute to jaw muscle tension and pain. Keep your caffeine use to two or less beverages per day.

Sleeping Position: Attempt to not sleep on your stomach, as this can put pressure on the jaw.

Medications: Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or Tylenol can be helpful in reducing your jaw pain. Take these medications as prescribed on the product instructions.