Home Care Instructions

After Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction

It is important to allow time to adjust to your new bite and restorations. When the bite or tooth position is altered, the brain may require several days to recognize the new positioning as normal. If you continue to notice high spots or bite discrepancies, please contact our office at Max Dental Phone Number (305) 948-8882 to schedule a simple adjustment.

Mild sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is expected following treatment, as the teeth and surrounding tissues need time to heal after the removal of tooth structure. Temporary gum tenderness may also occur. Warm saltwater rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) three times daily can help reduce discomfort and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin), taken as directed, may also be used for relief.

Temporary changes in speech or increased salivation are normal and typically resolve within a few days as your oral tissues adapt to the new restorations.

Daily brushing and flossing are essential to maintain your dental work and overall oral health. Regular professional cleanings are also critical to ensure long-term success.

Avoid foods that are excessively hard, sticky, or capable of damaging natural teeth, such as ice, nuts, hard candies, and similar items. These can also damage restorations. In addition, avoid or minimize staining substances such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. Smoking should be avoided, as it can stain dental restorations.

If you participate in sports, please inform our office so a custom mouthguard can be provided. If you grind your teeth at night, it is important to wear your prescribed nightguard consistently.

Please contact our office at Max Dental Phone Number (305) 948-8882 with any concerns or questions at any time.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Crown and bridge treatment typically requires two to three visits. During the first appointment, the teeth are prepared and impressions are taken. Temporary restorations are placed to protect the teeth while your final restoration is being fabricated.

Because local anesthesia is used, your lips, tongue, and cheeks may remain numb for several hours. Please avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until full sensation returns to prevent injury.

It is not uncommon for a temporary crown or bridge to come loose. If this occurs, please contact our office immediately at Max Dental Phone Number (305) 948-8882 and bring the temporary with you so it can be recemented. It is important that temporaries remain in place to prevent tooth movement and ensure proper fit of the final restoration.

To protect your temporary restoration, avoid sticky or hard foods and try to chew on the opposite side. Maintain normal brushing, but floss carefully—remove floss by sliding it out from the side rather than pulling upward.

Some temperature or pressure sensitivity is normal and should resolve after placement of the final restoration. Mild discomfort may be managed with over-the-counter pain medication as directed.

If you experience a persistent bite imbalance, discomfort, or have concerns, please contact our office at Max Dental Phone Number (305) 948-8882.

After Tooth Extraction

Following an extraction, a blood clot must form to properly begin the healing process. You will be asked to bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes after the procedure. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and apply firm pressure for another 30 minutes. This may need to be repeated as needed.

It is critical not to disturb the blood clot. For the first 72 hours, avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, drinking through straws, smoking, alcohol consumption, and brushing near the extraction site. These actions can dislodge the clot and delay healing. Limit physical activity for 24 hours to reduce bleeding risk.

Swelling and discomfort are normal and typically peak within 24–48 hours. Applying an ice pack intermittently during the first day can help minimize swelling. Pain medication should be taken as prescribed or recommended.

If antibiotics are prescribed, complete the full course even if symptoms improve. Eat soft, nutritious foods on the day of extraction and gradually return to a normal diet as comfort allows.

Normal oral hygiene should resume after 24 hours, including gentle brushing and flossing away from the extraction site.

If you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, prolonged swelling, or any medication reaction, contact our office immediately at Max Dental Phone Number (305) 948-8882.

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

If local anesthesia was used, your lips and tongue may remain numb for several hours. Avoid chewing and hot beverages until full sensation returns to prevent injury.

Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure following a filling is common and typically resolves within a few days. Temporary soreness at the injection site may also occur. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin may be used as directed.

Composite fillings are fully hardened before you leave the office, so you may resume normal chewing once numbness subsides.

If your bite feels uneven, sensitivity worsens, or discomfort persists, please contact our office at Max Dental Phone Number (305) 948-8882.