After Cosmetic Reconstruction

For most patients, simply knowing what to expect after cosmetic reconstruction can allay most of the concerns and uncertainty that can arise.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about the days following your procedure:

For the first several days, it is normal for your new bite to feel strange, as your brain adjusts to the new position or thickness of your teeth. If you continue to detect any problems with your bite beyond that timeframe, please contact us to make an appointment for an adjustment.

It is also normal for you to experience sensitivity in your teeth to hot and cold, during the time it takes for them to heal, and your gums may be sore, as well.

If you do have soreness in your gums, a warm salt water rinse (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will relieve pain and reduce swelling. Generally, any greater discomfort can be alleviated with a single Tylenol or Ibuprofen tablet every three to four hours.

You may find that your speech is affected for the first few days, but you will adapt quickly and your speech will return to normal.

Similarly, you could experience increased salivation, but that, too, will subside within a week or so.

A few simple measures will enable you to enjoy the benefits of your new dental work for many years to come:

Beginning right away, be sure to maintain a regimen of brushing and flossing every day, because daily plaque removal (like regular cleanings at the dentist’s office) is essential for the long-term success of your new teeth.

Avoid foods or other substances that can do damage or stain your new dental work-including anything that can crack or chip a tooth, like nuts or hard candies, and anything that can discolor it, like red wine, berries or cigarette smoking.

If you grind your teeth, be sure to use the night guard we have provided for you. If you are active in sports, you may also need extra protection. Please let us know and we can provide you with a customized mouth guard to safeguard your teeth.

All in all, any discomfort or special accommodations you may experience in the first few days after your procedure should be minimal, but please let us know if you have any questions or concerns whatsoever.

And remember it may take a bit of time to get used to the look and feel of your new smile-but when you do you will have a whole new reason to smile!

© 2011 Twin Cities Dental Center