3870 W Happy Valley Rd, Glendale, AZ 85310
Knowledge for a Healthier Smile
The first step is to choose a good toothbrush. You always want to use a soft brush with a small head. A soft brush is hard enough to remove plaque, yet gentle enough not to damage your teeth or gums.
The next issue is to select good toothpaste. In general, any toothpaste that contains Fluoride will do the job, unless you have special needs that are determined by your dentist. Two of the best brands of toothpastes are Colgate Total and Crest Multicare.
The first rule of brushing is to start from a specific location and work your way to the opposite side, continuing all the way through the whole mouth so that you end where you started. This way you won’t miss any area. Usually a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is enough. An adequate brushing should at least take 2 minutes and preferably around 4 minutes.
There are a variety of techniques for brushing your teeth, but one of the most popular ones is described here:
Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle toward the teeth and gums. Gently press against the gums so the tips of the bristles go in between the gum and the teeth. Then apply a few lateral strokes and roll down the brush to sweep the plaque away from the teeth and the gum. Repeat this motion 6 to 10 times and move on to the next area of 2 to 3 teeth. If your mouth is full of foam, spit out and continue brushing. Your brushing is completed when you have brushed all the surfaces of your teeth, not when your mouth is full! On chewing surfaces, short strokes work best to get the plaque out of the grooves and pits. When brushing the back side of your front teeth, hold your brush vertically to be able to reach the teeth better.
As far as frequency of brushing is concerned, ideally you want to brush your teeth after each meal. But if you can’t, brush at least twice a day- after breakfast and before going to bed. If you live in or around Glendale give us a call today to schedule your oral health evaluation exam.
The surfaces that are between teeth are not accessible to brush; therefore, the best way to clean them is by flossing. The frequency of flossing is like brushing and ideally after each meal, though one time a day (before going to bed) is the minimum necessary.
To start, cut a piece of dental floss (approximately 2 feet). Wrap both sides of the floss around your middle fingers. Using your index and thumb, glide the floss in between all your teeth one by one. When flossing, make sure you are not cutting your gums. The goal is to clean the teeth surfaces, not the gums. In the space in between teeth, press the floss against each side of the tooth (hug the tooth) and gently move it back and forth and up and down. Then move to the opposite surface of the adjacent tooth.
If you have any questions about flossing your teeth and you live in Glendale or surrounding area, give us a call today!
There have been multiple studies comparing the effectiveness of manual brushes as opposed to electric brushes.
Although not all electric brushes are the same, these studies conclude that in general electric brushes are more efficient in controlling plaque than manual brushes. Theoretically, you can do a very good brushing with a regular hand brush, but the movements of an electric brush make the task easier and more effective.
Also, some electric brushes (Sonicare) produce sonic vibrations that are difficult to mimic with a hand brush! Other electric brushes like Oral-B and Rotadent have small heads that help you access hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. This aspect is more important when you are talking about someone with orthodontic braces or a history of gum disease.
If you have any questions about electric toothbrushes and you live in Glendale or surrounding area, give us a call today!
There are a few different causes of bad breath. Ranging from stomach problems to diets and teeth problems, most of the causes can be found in the mouth. They are:
- Tongue (when bacteria grows in between the papilla)
- Teeth cavities (especially when food particles get stuck in them)
- Gum diseases
- Extraction sites during healing
- Dentures when not cleaned properly
- Alcohol and tobacco
If you or someone you know is concerned about bad breath, the first step is a dental check up. Your dentist will be able to confirm or rule out the source of bad breath.
When the cause is found, treatment will be determined and explained by your dentist. If the source of the bad breath is your mouth, there is little chance that mouth washes or mints can treat the problem. They usually mask the problem for a short period of time, and can sometimes exacerbate the situation (mouthwashes that contain alcohol cause dry mouth and usually make the bad breath worse).
These are a few other, non-dental reasons that cause bad breath:
- Sore throat
- Tonsillitis
- Some food
- Infection of air passages
Following a good oral hygiene routine and receiving regular dental check ups are the best ways to prevent bad breath. If you live in or around Glendale give us a call today to schedule an appointment and get rid of bad breath for ever!
Sugar is the main cause of dental decay when there are bacteria present. More significant than the amount of sugar you eat is the frequency of consumption.
Probably the worst thing you can do to your teeth is to drink a soda and have a sip every few minutes over a long period of time; the same is true for snacking. It is recommended that if you want to have a snack or soda or juice it is better to have it after food, as dessert, or have it in one sitting. Eating or drinking something sweet over an extended period of time creates a constant supply of sugar for bacteria that causes tooth decay!
It is important to be aware of all the sources of sugar that are out there. It is not just everything that is sweet, but anything that can turn to sugar like pieces of bread. Cutting down your sugar intake is good for cavity prevention, as well as your general health.
But what about when you have to have sugar? The best way to avoid cavities is to prevent the sugar from staying next to your teeth. Brushing after eating sugar, rinsing your mouth with Fluoride mouth wash, or chewing sugarless gum can help. However, nothing has the effect of avoiding sugar!
Is there any kind of food that prevents tooth decay? Well, not really. Some people believed that chewing foods like apples and carrots may have some plaque removal effect, but they still contain some sugar so any advantage is not clear.
Another group of food that causes significant damage to teeth structure is acidic foods. If in frequent contact with teeth, things like lime, lemon, and grapefruit can cause serious irreversible damage (erosion) to your teeth. If you live in or around Glendale don’t hesitate to call us with your oral health questions.
Many years ago scientists started to notice that children who were born and raised in areas with natural fluoride in drinking water had fewer cavities than children in other areas. Fluoride absorbed by your body when teeth were forming (during mother’s pregnancy to early childhood) integrates into the structure of enamel and makes it stronger.
After teeth eruption, fluoride found in your toothpaste, mouthwash, or in what your dentist places on your teeth still has a positive effect on your teeth. It strengthens the enamel and reduces the chance of tooth decay.
If you have children and live in an area that has no fluoride in its drinking water, you should consult your dentist and physician about fluoride tablets that are available for children.
If you have any questions about Fluoride treatment and you live in Glendale or surrounding area, give us a call today!
CEREC – Same Day Crowns
What is CEREC®?
Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic or CEREC® for short is a new state-of-the-art method of reconstructing tooth restorations. CEREC® uses computer-assisted design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to offer single-day restorations for patients. This new technology has revolutionized ceramic restorations such as crowns and veneers for patients so that there is no longer a wait between preparing the restoration and finally receiving the finished product. With CEREC®, the technology is used while you are sitting in the dental chair, which is both economical for you and your dentist. The restorations created are metal-free and tooth colored to restore your tooth to its natural beauty, strength and function. With CEREC®’s CAD-CAM technology, these ceramic restorations can all be done in one single visit to the dentist.
The CEREC® Process
CEREC® uses CAD-CAM technology to design and mill custom restorations during one visit to the dentist. So how does this process work?
Exam and Preparation
Before you get started, your dentist will determine if CEREC® is right for you. Depending on how much healthy tooth structure you have remaining, it may be a simple filling or you may need a crown. After reviewing your options, the dentist will begin the process by administering anesthetic and preparing your tooth for restoration by removing decay and weakened tooth tissue.
Optical Impression
In order to make the desired restoration, a 3-dimensional image of the tooth that needs to be restored must be created from a digital camera scan of the tooth. This three-dimensional image will be used to create the restoration without the need to take a messy impression. This means no horrible tasting impression material for you to gag on. The computer and CEREC® 3D software then converts the digital image into a three-dimensional virtual model of the prepared tooth.
Milling Unit
This device is used to used to create the custom restoration needed for the tooth. Based on the original color of your tooth, the dentist is able to select the correct colored ceramic block and in a few minutes, the milling device is able to create the restoration needed.
Placing the Restoration
After the restoration is made, it is ready to be tried on to ensure that you get proper fit and bite. When it is ready, the restoration is polished and bonded into place by your dentist. Therefore, no temporary restoration is needed and no return trip is necessary, saving you time and money.
Advantages to Using CEREC®
CEREC® has revolutionized the restorative process. It was created with the patient in mind in order to make a visit to the dentist as pain-free as possible. Some of the benefits to using CEREC® are:
- Most procedures can be done in one visit – less costly and less time-consuming
- Less painful injections due to single-visit
- No need to take messy impressions
- No need to have a temporary restoration for in-between visits
- Ability to save as much natural tooth structure as possible
- Longer lasting restorations – may last over 10 years
- Restores teeth to natural beauty, function and strength
- Metal-free restorations
Teeth stains are inevitable due to our consumption of a variety of foods and drinks (soda, spicy food, coffee, etc.). However, advanced teeth whitening technology has enabled dentists to whiten teeth without adversely affecting the tooth structure.
Almost all whitening methods are similar in concept, but some are much more effective because of the way the whitening material is delivered to the teeth. Another contributing factor is the concentration of the material, which is why less potent over-the-counter whitening systems usually don’t give patients the results they are hoping for.
The two main methods of professional whitening are tray whitening and in-office whitening. In tray whitening, an impression is taken and a custom tray is made for the patient. Then, a supply of whitening gel is given to the patient and he/she wears the tray for a few hours each day (techniques differ) for a period of time until an acceptable result is achieved. Sensitivity of the teeth is a normal side-effect of this whitening method and is almost always transitional.
On the other hand, in-office whitening is the most efficient means of whitening. There are a number of different types used, but the process is very similar for these methods; you can have your teeth whitened in one session and achieve significant results. Your dentist can give you more detailed information and help you decide which method is more suitable for you and your teeth.
When considering tooth fillings, one of the options available are composite fillings which are made from durable plastics that are similar in color to natural teeth. Because the composite fillings are tooth-colored, they look more natural and are less noticeable compared to other types of fillings.
Another benefit of tooth-colored fillings is that they are compatible with sealants allowing your dentist to perform both procedures in a single sitting preventing further decay. There are other advantages to composite, tooth-colored fillings, most importantly the capability of bonding to tooth structure. Also in many cases they can be repaired by addition of more composite material.
Speak with one of our doctors to find out which kind of filling is best for you.
If you live in or around Glendale, call or schedule an appointment today.
This is one way to quickly get that beautiful smile. Veneers and Laminates are a thin shell of porcelain or resin that is bonded to the surface of the teeth. This can change their shape, shade, and position to improve the cosmetics of your teeth and smile. They are also used to replace and restore any lost tooth structure where indicated.
Your dentist will do a complete examination of your teeth to determine if veneers are ideal for you. Veneers often provide the opportunity to dramatically transform the aesthetics of your teeth and smile.
Veneers can enhance the shape of your teeth, make your teeth as white as you want, and give you the smile you have always desired. Additionally, Veneers are bonded to your tooth structure, which gives them strength.
Since they are very thin, Veneers are considered one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available. Most of the time, very little or no tooth structure is removed before placing veneers. Ask your dentist how veneers can improve your smile.
If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry and veneers and you live in Glendale or surrounding area, give us a call today!
Every tooth consists of three different layers. The outermost and hardest layer is enamel, and the second layer is dentin. The third is pulp, which is the cavernous space where the live tissue and nerve of each tooth is located.
If for any reason the pulp space is exposed to the outside, the tissue becomes contaminated and eventually infected. The exposure of pulp happens in many circumstances, such as when you have a large cavity or a fractured tooth. Your dentist can explain the exact reason for damage to this tissue. In these cases, the treatment is usually root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment is the process of going inside the pulp space and removing the infected, dead tissue. The space is then disinfected and sealed with special materials. Nowadays, root canal treatments are performed with advanced techniques and materials, making them far more comfortable and faster. After root canal treatment is complete, your restorative dentist will usually place a crown on your tooth to safeguard against fracture.
If you have any questions about root canal treatments and you live in Glendale or the surrounding area, give us a call today!
Inlays and Onlays are lab-made restorations that are placed on teeth when the cavity or lost tooth structure is too large to be restored by a simple filling. The process of making an inlay is very similar to a crown. After the tooth is prepared, it is cemented or bonded to the tooth.
There are different materials that inlays are made of, including gold, porcelain, and composite resins. Porcelain and composite inlays and onlays are cosmetic alternatives to fillings and are very strong compared to regular white fillings. Gold inlays and onlays are also suitable alternatives, but their appearance makes them less popular.
Your dentist will explain when an inlay or onlay is a viable treatment option for you. In general, inlays and onlays can replace most back teeth fillings and are sometimes cosmetically preferred over conventional fillings. At the same time, they are more conservative than crowns.
As far as cost is concerned, because the process of making an inlay or onlay is similar to a crown, its cost is also comparable. But when considering the longevity of inlays and onlays, they can end up costing less than traditional fillings.
If you have any questions about inlays and onlays and you live in Glendale or surrounding area, give us a call today!
Sealants are thin layers of resin that are placed on the pits, fissures, and grooves of molars to prevent decay on these surfaces.
The majority of decay on back teeth starts in the grooves and pits of chewing surfaces, especially during the first few years after their eruption. Sealing these surfaces with composite resins prevents this kind of decay.
Sealants are one of the most effective methods of preventing decay on the surfaces where they are placed. Although it is still a possibility that decay may develop on surfaces in between teeth, sealants significantly reduce the overall chance of having cavities.
Dental X-Rays – Why?
Dental X-rays are one of the most important part of your regular dental treatment. Your dentist uses the specialized imaging technology to look for hidden tooth decay – also called cavities – and can show dental issues such as abscessed teeth, dental tumors, and cysts.
Additionally, your dental X-rays allow your dentist to see the condition of prior dental procedures, such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and bridges. And, too, your dentist will be able to look for possible bone loss as a result of periodontal gum disease and find hidden tartar build up.
In addition to diagnostics, your dentist may choose to perform dental X-rays in order to check for bone density as part of preparing you for dental implants, which require an adequate density in order to support the implants.
What are Digital Dental X-Rays?
Like old fashioned dental X-rays, digital dental X-rays are used by your dentist to take images of your mouth, including tooth structure and your jaw bones. In order to take the digital images, your dentist – or a dental technician – will place a small sensor in your mouth, carefully positioned. This small sensor is connected to the processing computer by a very thin wire.
Your dentist or the dental tech inputs the command for the the X-ray machine to send a X-ray through your teeth and into the sensor, effectively taking a photo of your tooth or teeth. The sensor captures the resulting image and sends it through the wire to the computer. Then your dentist will reposition the sensor and take additional digital X-rays until all of your teeth have been X-rayed.
With digital dental X-rays, your dentist or other dental professional is able to immediately see your teeth and jaw bones. This means that assessment and diagnosis is virtually instantaneous.
Digital Dental X-Rays – A Great Advance
Many dentists are now using digital dental X-rays, which have many benefits for you, as the patient. Among some of the many benefits for you, are:
- A reduction in the amount of radiation you are exposed to during the X-ray process.
- No need for dental film or processing chemicals in order for your dentist to be able to see the images.
- An almost instantaneous ability to see the X-ray images, which means, if you’re in pain, you’re not waiting for the images to be processed and then viewed.
- Your dentist is able to use color contrast in viewing and manipulating the X-ray image, in order to see all of the details in the image.
When you’re looking for a dentist, you would be well served to choose one who offers digital dental X-rays. The benefits are immense, the process is simple and painless, and you’ll be able to see the images when your dentist reviews them with you.
How Do Denture Implant Restorations Work?
Just like traditional implants, titanium or zirconia implants are surgically placed in the jaw to fuse with the bone and act as a root for an artificial tooth. With implant-supported dentures, a few implants can support up to 16 teeth in one arch, providing the same aesthetics and durability at a lower cost.
All-on-4 implants strategically place four implants to support an entire arch. Two implants are placed in the back of the mouth and two in the front. The front implants are placed straight into the jaw, while the back implants are inserted at a 45-degree angle to avoid the need for a bone graft. This angled placement simplifies the procedure and reduces costs by eliminating the need for a bone graft in the back of the jaw.
The All-On-4 Implant Procedure
The process for obtaining full arch implant-supported dentures can vary based on the chosen brand. However, we’ll outline the step-by-step process for All-on-4 implants to provide an overview of what you can anticipate.
- Begin by scheduling an initial consultation with your dentist to determine your suitability for implant-supported dentures. During this consultation, 3D imaging will be used to evaluate your jawbone structure. Your dentist will also plan the aesthetic and functional aspects of your new teeth, including crown length and bite placement.
- Your dentist will utilize 3D imaging to create a computer simulation of your mouth, allowing for precise planning of each implant’s placement. They may also craft a surgical template to assist in implant placement.
- The next phase involves surgically inserting the four implants, along with any necessary procedures like tooth extraction or bone shaping. Following implantation, the implants will be fitted with abutments and temporary teeth while the jawbone heals and integrates with the implants. It’s essential to adhere to a soft food diet during this healing period to support proper osseointegration.
- Approximately three months after the initial implant placement, the temporary teeth will be replaced with a permanent fixed denture. Recovery during this stage is typically swift and comfortable.
Same-Day New Teeth with Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures provide the convenience of arriving at your dental office with one or both arches in need of reconstruction and leaving with a fully restored smile on the same day. It’s crucial to understand that although the implants and temporary teeth can be placed in a single day, the entire treatment isn’t finished until the implants have fully fused with the bone, a process that may take several months. For same-day treatment, your dental provider must have 3D imaging technology to map your jawbone accurately and craft temporary dentures. Make sure to verify that your dentist possesses the necessary tools for this procedure.
The Cost of All-On-4 Dental Implants
Several factors can influence the cost of same-day dentures, including the location of the dentist and any additional treatments required, such as tooth extraction and bone shaping. Although the initial expense might appear substantial, it is actually more cost-effective than replacing each tooth individually. Furthermore, same-day dentures offer superior durability and longevity compared to traditional removable dentures.
Are You a Candidate for All-On-4 Implants?
If you require full mouth reconstruction or complete arch replacement, All-on-4 implant-supported dentures might be the ideal choice for you. Schedule a consultation with a dentist experienced in implant-supported procedures to determine your eligibility. If you currently wear removable dentures, you may have experienced some bone loss that needs addressing beforehand. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your jawbone to ascertain whether implant-supported dentures are suitable for you.
Unlike other dental websites, our FAQ is not prepared by one or two doctors. What we have done is compiled the best answers for our FAQ, organizing it all here for you. For instance, if you have a question about root canal treatments we guide you to the American Academy of Endodontics FAQ section. So instead of getting your answer from an individual doctor, you get it from the most reputable source for root canal treatment issues.
All the answers provided are for general information only. Your dentist will be able to answer any specific questions about your case. You should consult your dentist before making any decisions regarding treatment for your oral health issues.
Contact us if you have a question you would like us to answer.
Select a category for your question:
- General Dentistry
- Oral Health
- Braces and Orthodontics
- Gum Disease and Treatment
- Root Canal Treatment
- Dentistry for Children
- Mouth and Jaw Surgery
- Dentures, Implants, Missing Teeth
If you have any dental questions and you live in Glendale or the surrounding area, give us a call today!
Please select the procedure you received to see a summary of post-op instructions. Call us if you have any questions:
- Extraction
- Fillings
- Crowns and Bridges
- Root Canal Treatment
- Teeth Cleaning/Deep Cleaning
- Placement of Braces
- Gum Surgery
- Apicoectomy (Root Canal Surgery)
- Bone Graft Surgery
Extraction:
- Pressure should be placed on the gauze pad that has been put over the extraction site for one hour. If the bleeding continues new gauze should be placed and pressure applied for another 45 minutes.
- If you are supervising children who have had an extraction done, make sure they don’t bite on their numb lips or tongue (it can cause serious injury to their soft tissue).
- Avoid eating or drinking anything hot on the day of your extraction. Also, do not rinse your mouth and do not use a straw for drinking. Do not spit and do not drink carbonated beverages. Do not brush on the day of the surgery; you can gently resume your brushing and flossing the day after.
- 4-You may experience some pain, bruising around your lips, and/or some swelling, especially after extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. Ice bag application and medication prescribed for you will help to minimize your discomfort.
- Please take all the medication you have received based on the provided instructions.
- During the first 2-3 days after surgery a diet of soft food and liquids is recommended (soup, yogurt, milkshakes and juice).
- For more complex surgical procedures, including Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction, Implant Surgical Procedures, etc: You will receive an ice wrap which should be worn for the rest of the day until you go to bed on the day of surgery (10 minutes on and 5 minutes off). Instructions for various surgical treatments will have some unique directions, which will be supplied to you at the time of your treatment.
- Call our office if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain or swelling, or if you have any questions or concerns. In case of serious emergencies call 911.
Fillings:
- Do not eat on your new filling for one hour and until your numbness is gone.
- If you are supervising children who had fillings done, make sure they don’t bite on their numb lips or tongue (it can cause serious injury to their soft tissue).
- Do not bite hard or chew on silver amalgam fillings for 24 hours.
- You may experience cold and heat sensitivity and some gum soreness; this usually subsides within a few days.
- Call our office if you experience pain or discomfort for more than a few days after the fillings, or if you have any questions.
Crowns and Bridges (also Inlays and Onlays):
- Crowns and bridges usually take 2 or 3 appointments to complete. On the first appointment, the tooth/teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is placed on your tooth/teeth.
- You may experience sensitivity, gum soreness, and slight discomfort on the tooth/teeth; it should subside after the placement of the permanent crown(s).
- Whenever anesthesia is used, avoid chewing on your teeth until the numbness has worn off.
- A temporary crown is usually made of plastic-based material or soft metal. It can break if too much pressure is placed on it. The crown may also come off; if it does, save the crown and call our office. The temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth and prevent other teeth from moving. If it comes off it should be replaced as soon as possible. To avoid losing your temporary, do not chew on sticky or hard food (chewing gum, ice). Try to chew on the opposite side of the temporary as much as possible.
- Continue your normal brushing but be careful while flossing around the temporaries (remove the floss gently from the side). If it is difficult to get the floss between the temporary and surrounding teeth, refrain from flossing until you receive your permanent crown.
- After the permanent restoration is placed you may feel slight pressure for a few days. Also, the bite may feel different for a day or two. But if after 2-3 days the bite still feels uneven or if you feel discomfort when chewing on the tooth, call our office. Delaying the necessary adjustments may damage the tooth permanently.
- Call our office if you are in pain or if you have any questions.
Root Canal Treatment:
- You may experience moderate pain and sensitivity to pressure on your tooth. Also, you may feel gum soreness for few days after your treatment. The healing process may take several days but the pain and discomfort should subside gradually.
- Take any medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.
- Usually a temporary filling has been placed on your tooth; do not bite on the tooth for one hour and while you are numb. Also, until the permanent restoration is placed, be very gentle with the tooth. Try to chew with the opposite side.
- Continue your brushing and flossing.
- Follow up with the placement of your permanent restoration as you have been advised. Any unnecessary delay in placement of final restoration may damage the tooth permanently.
- Call our office if you are in severe pain or experience swelling, or if you have any questions.
Teeth Cleaning (Deep Cleaning):
- You may experience some cold and heat sensitivity (especially after deep cleaning).
- If you have received anesthesia do not eat anything until the numbness has worn off.
- Continue your regular brushing and flossing.
- Some bleeding for a day or two after cleaning is normal, but if you experience any excessive bleeding call our office.
- Call our office if you are in pain or if you have any questions.
Placement of Braces:
- You may experience some pressure and discomfort on your teeth.
- Be gentle with braces and avoid chewing hard and/or sticky food.
- Brushing and flossing around braces is sometimes challenging and time consuming, but very important.
- Call our office if you have any questions.
Gum Surgery:
- You may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding after the surgery.
- Take all medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.
- Apply an ice bag on your face over the surgical site on the day of surgery for 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off.
- Keep your next appointment on time for removal of sutures and follow up checks.
- DO NOT raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the treated area.
- DO NOT brush teeth near the surgical site. Brush teeth in the rest of your mouth.
- There is often a temporary loss of feeling in the operated area and the tooth may feel loose.
- Do not smoke, spit, or use a straw on the day of the surgery (avoid smoking for a few days after the surgery).
- Should any difficulties occur, do not hesitate to call our office anytime. In case of serious emergencies call 911.
Apicoectomy (Root Canal Surgery):
- Swelling, minor pain and/or skin discoloration may be experienced following the surgical procedure. This will be temporary.
- In order to keep the swelling to a minimum, use an ice pack for the first few hours after surgery (on for 10 minutes and off for 5 minutes).
- The day after the surgery, use lukewarm water rinses for the treated area following each meal. This should continue for the first 3 days following the surgical procedure.
- Eat only soft foods. Avoid hard and chewy foods.
- Get plenty of rest and insure normal intake of food, especially liquids such as fruit juices, soup, and milk. Use a vitamin supplement if desired. Try not to sleep on the operated area for 2-3 days.
- DO NOT raise your lips with your fingers to inspect the treated area.
- DO NOT brush teeth near the surgical site. Brush teeth in the rest of your mouth.
- There is often a temporary loss of feeling in the operated area and the tooth may feel loose.
- Take all medication that was prescribed for you according to instructions.
- Should any difficulties occur, do not hesitate to call our office anytime. In case of serious emergencies call 911.
Bone Graft Surgery:
- Mild discomfort, swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding are normal following bone graft surgery. These symptoms should gradually improve as healing progresses.
- Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed and follow any additional instructions provided by your doctor.
- Do not pull your lips or cheeks away from the surgical area to inspect the site, as this may disturb the graft, loosen sutures, and delay healing.
- If sutures or a protective periodontal dressing have been placed, leave them undisturbed. Contact our office if the dressing comes off prematurely.
- Brush and floss normally in untreated areas, but avoid brushing directly over the surgical site until instructed otherwise.
- Avoid mouthwash, antiseptic rinses, smoking, straws, and spitting during the initial healing period, as these activities can interfere with proper healing.
- Eat soft foods and avoid foods that are hard, sticky, spicy, or very hot. Drink plenty of fluids and follow a gentle diet as recommended.
- Healing and bone regeneration take time. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor your progress and ensure the graft is healing properly.
- Contact our office if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, unusual swelling, or have any questions about your recovery. In case of a serious emergency, call 911.