Home Care Instructions

After Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction

Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite, something that we will aid you through, following the completion of treatment.  Post op visits/re-evaluation of bite are important aspects of care when receiving restorations on multiple teeth.  Dr Russo will schedule you for no charge follow up visits after care is completed to ensure that you are comfortable and functioning well.  If you to detect any high spots when functioning with your new bite, call our office at so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to experience some non lingering temperature sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and may be sensitive in the interim. We take appropriate steps intra operatively to minimize this occurence. Your gums may also be sore for a day or so. A warm salt water rinse (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) once a day may accelerate healing.  In most cases the soreness is non-existent or may last for the day the procedure is completed.  

You may notice increased salivation if your treatment involves a conventional or implant retained removable prosthetic.  This type of treatment also may result in alteration of speech as removable prosthetics, implant retained or otherwise, cover tissue on the palate/roof of the mouth which your tongue takes time to become accustomed to.  There may also be alterations to taste with this type of therapy as there are taste buds on the roof of the mouth that again may be covered with a removable prosthesis.

Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.

Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth may do the same to your new teeth/depending on which prosthetic choice/dental material is used. More often removable prosthetics are susceptible to this type of damage.  Dr Russo will give you detailed guidance during the treatment planning/treatment selection phase so that you are fully aware of the possible outcomes and you can select the treatment that best fits your needs.  Dr Russo will also give post operative recommendations after care is completed (again specific to your treatment choice).  

If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Dental crowns and dental bridges usually take two appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.

Rarely a temporary crown may come off. Call us at if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.

To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown.

It is normal to experience some temperature sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.

It is normal to experience some non lingering temperature sensitivity after your dental filling appointment.  We take steps to minimize the potential for sensitivity intra operatively.  Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate any tenderness.

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.