Home Care Instruction

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Cerec Porcelain crowns are usually completed in one appointment and eliminate the need for temporary crowns.

Bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary 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.

Occasionally a temporary bridge may come off. Call us at (727) 584-7163 if this happens and bring the temporary bridge 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 bridge.

It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure 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.

Postoperative Instructions after Dental Surgery

1. Keep moderate pressure on the gauze for approximately 45 minutes. If the site is still bleeding after the gauze is removed; fold a fresh gauze, moisten with water and place over the surgical site with moderate pressure for 45 minutes. If this is not successful, repeat with a moistened tea bag. If bleeding persists, call Dr. Solar.

2. As soon as possible, place an ice pack on the outside of your face over the area of the dental surgery. Apply for 20 minutes then take a 10 minute break. Maintain this routine for the first 24 hours after the procedure. After 72 hours, use warm compresses if swelling or bruising is present.

3. If pain medication was prescribed or recommended, take before the numbness goes away.

4. If stitches were placed, they will dissolve and come out by themselves (unless you were told otherwise).This may occur quickly or take up to a week.

5. Avoid doing the following things for 24 hours as they may dislodge the newly formed blood clot:              

 No forceful rinsing or spitting

 No gargling

No smoking (also delays healing and may lead to increased postoperative pain)

 No drinking with a straw

6. Avoid bending or heavy lifting for the first day.

7. After 24 hours, begin gentle warm salt water rinses to clean the surgical site of debris (8 oz. warm water plus 1 teaspoon of salt). This should be done 3-4 times per day until the surgical site has closed.

8. After the numbness has gone away, you are encouraged to eat and drink whatever you feel up to. Avoid the following foods/drinks initially:

Avoid hot (temperature) and spicy food

Avoid foods with small seeds or hard sharp fragments

Avoid alcohol

 9. Rest and sleep with your head elevated for the first few days after the dental surgery.

10. On the weekend or after hours, you can always reach Dr. Solar by calling him at 727 742-8681