Please follow Dr. Kothuri’s instructions and use the following as general guidelines for post operative home care.
Composite Fillings
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to relieve any soreness that may occur around your gums.
Exercise care in chewing untul the numbness from the injection wears off. (If anesthetic was given)
If you experience sensitivity to cold following your restoration, it should
subside within a few days. If sensitivity persists please contact Dr. Kothuri at (408) 524-5505.
General Cleaning
For pain and discomfort you may take over-the-counter pain medication.
It is advisable to eat only soft food for the first 24hrs. and to avoid
hard or spicy foods which can cause irritation.
Drink plenty of water during the first 24hrs. at least 8 glasses are recommended.
Place cold towels or an ice bag to the outside of your face in the treated area. Apply 15 mins. on and 15 mins. off the first 4-6 hrs.
On the morning after the treatment, rinse mouth with warm salt water several times daily. (1/2 teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water)
Brush teeth gently to help remove plaque. We suggest you use a tartar control toothpaste.
Do not use floss, toothpicks or electric brushes, until the day after treatment.
Because it is very common for periodontal disease to recur, patients should have regular check-ups to monitor progress.
Please call Dr. Kothuri at (408) 524-5505 if you still have any questions or concerns.
Periodontal Treatment – Deep Cleaning
Following scaling and root planing, you can expect to notice less redness, less bleeding, and less swelling of your gum tissue. Your gum health can then be maintained with proper home care and regular professional care.
DISCOMFORT or PAIN: Discomfort or pain should not be acute and should subside in a few hours to a few days.
Discomfort immediately after treatment is usually associated with slight throbbing or aching and occasionally may be uncomfortable. This discomfort usually subsides in about four hours. Any discomfort due to brushing should get better in one to several days.
TOOTH SENSITIVITY: Teeth may be sensitive to temperature changes and/or sweets. The sensitivity to temperature may be intense the first several days and usually diminishes quickly.
BLEEDING: Some slight bleeding may occur during the next several brushings but the bleeding should steadily decrease over two or three days.
APPEARANCE: Root surfaces may be more exposed as the swelling of the inflamed gum tissue goes away. This may result in more spaces between the teeth.
INSTRUCTIONS TO MINIMIZE SYMPTOMS…
DIET / EATING – If extensive root planing was performed, chewing hard foods, such as meat or raw vegetables may be uncomfortable. This should last no longer than a few days. A diet of a softer consistency would be advised until chewing becomes more comfortable.
DISCOMFORT / PAIN / SENSITIVITY – If a local anesthetic was used, avoid chewing foods until feeling returns to avoid injury to the tongue or cheeks. Acetaminophen or a nonaspirin analgesic should be taken as needed to reduce discomfort. If tooth sensitivity persists, use
a desensitizing dentifrice (toothpaste) containing potassium nitrate. If the sensitivity is severe and prolonged, professional application of a desensitizing agent may be required.
ORAL HYGIENE – If gum tissues are tender, brush your teeth gently but thoroughly. This may take a little more time than normal. By the third or fourth day, normal oral hygiene techniques can be resumed. Rinsing the mouth is recommended with either of the following solutions: 1) an
antimicrobial rinse, or 2) a warm saline rinse. Use of these rinses should be limited to one to two consecutive weeks.
Please call Dr. Kothuri at (408) 524-5505 if you still have any questions or concerns.
Extractions
Place cold towels or an ice bag to your face for the first 6-8 hours.
Apply for 15 mins. on and 15 off.
Do not rinse mouth until the following day.
On the morning following surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water
(1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water).
Repeat this several times daily.
Keep fingers and tongue away from socket.
Following dental surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort.
If medication has been prescribed, take as instructed.
Swelling & Stiffness- It is normal and should not cause alarm.
Apply cold towels or ice bag for 15 mins. each hour as needed.
Bleeding- It is normal for saliva to be slightly streaked with blood for 1-2 days. If abnormal bleeding occurs, place moist gauze over extraction site and bite down for 30-40 mins.
Diet – A liquid or soft diet is advisable during the first 24 hours.
Drink lots of fluids. Call the office if any problems.
*Do not drink through a straw
*Do not smoke
*Do not take aspirin
*Do not engage in strenuous exercise
Please call Dr. Kothuri at (408) 524-5505 if you still have any questions or concerns.
Post Root Canal Instructions
Some degree of discomfort is normal for a period following root canal therapy. Individual experiences may vary depending upon a number of factors.
Analgesics and antibiotics may be required and should be taken as directed.
Avoid chewing on the treated area until soreness subsides.
Brush and floss gently around root canal site.
Please call Dr. Kothuri at (408) 524-5505 if you still have any questions or concerns.
Crown and Bridge Treatment
After your first appointment for crown and bridge treatment, a temporary crown is usually placed on the tooth or teeth involved. The temporary crown protects while the custom crown is being produced.
Temporary cement is used so that the crown can be easily removed at your next appointment.
If your temporary crown comes off before your next appointment, place the temporary back on your tooth and call our office.
With your temporary and permanent crown you may experience some discomfort due to irritation of the area during the treatment procedures. You may also notice sensitivity to cold or pressure.
Your new permanent crown will be shaped and shaded especially to your teeth in color and fit. The temporary crown is made to serve you temporarily, so its color and fit are not custom-matched to your teeth.
After your new permanent crown is in place you may need a few days to adjust to it. If you feel the bite is not correctly balanced, please call for an appointment.
Care for your new crown with proper brushing and flossing.
It is especially important to keep the edge of the crown clean at the gumline.
Please call Dr. Kothuri at (408) 524-5505 if you still have any questions or concerns.