If you are about to have a dental procedure, you may want to know what to expect afterwards. Here is a list of common procedures, and a list of ways to take care of yourself after the procedure, thanks to Dr. Karanvir Sibia and the staff at Ace Dental in Roseville.
A root canal procedure is needed when the pulp (soft tissue) inside the tooth becomes infected. An infected tooth can be very serious if left untreated.
Nowadays with modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they have little to no pain. Your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthesia, clean out the infected pulp, disinfect the inside of the tooth, and then fill the tooth with a material called gutta percha. He will then place a crown or a filling on the tooth.
After the procedure, you can expect some soreness. You should avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the root canal was performed. Your dentist will give you a prescription for antibiotics.
If you notice an increasing amount of tenderness or pain, if you have a bad reaction to the medication, or if you lose your filling, give us a call.
If you are missing a tooth, Dr. Sibia may recommend a dental bridge. A bridge replaces a missing tooth (or teeth).
A dental crown, which is basically a cap that fits over teeth, is a part of a bridge. If you have a fixed bridge, it is made up of a false tooth with crowns that fit over the teeth adjoining the false tooth. The crowns are cemented to the adjoining teeth to hold the false tooth in place.
Before you receive your permanent dental crown and dental bridge, you will first get a temporary restoration. Because it isn’t as sturdy as the permanent crown and bridge, you should be very careful when eating or cleaning your teeth. Avoid chewy or sticky foods, and brush and floss gently so that you don’t dislodge the restoration.
You may notice some sensitivity after the crown/bridge is placed. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever and also try a salt water rinse if you are in pain.
Call Dr. Sibia if your bite feels abnormal in any way.
If a patient has a tooth that is cracked, broken, or worn down, or if the tooth has a cavity, a white filling or dental bonding might be used to fix the problem. Bonding is a material that is easy for the dentist to sculpt to use to repair cracks or gaps in the teeth.
Bonding and white composite resin fillings for teeth can be made to look like the natural color of your teeth.
After Dr. Sibia places the bonding or the filling and the anesthesia wears off, your teeth may be sensitive. Try to avoid foods and drinks that are very hot or very cold. Try to get back to your regular oral hygiene as soon as you can.
Scaling and root planing are done when a patient has gum disease. They are two different procedures, but they are usually done at the same time.
Scaling is a thorough cleaning of bacteria, and food particles from the pockets that form between gums and teeth. Scaling also removes the plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and from below the gum line.
Planing is a thorough cleaning of the roots of the teeth. The procedure also removes bumps from the surface of the root. A smoother root surface makes it harder for bacteria to stick to the root.
After a scaling and planing, your gums may be sore and irritated. It can help to rinse your mouth with warm salt water two to three times a day. You can also try a cold compress, and some over-the-counter pain relievers. Stick to soft foods. Get back to your normal brushing and flossing as soon as you can, but brush and floss gently at first.
Call Dr. Sabia or Dr. Sibia if you still have pain and swelling a few days after the procedure.
Dental veneers are very thin shells that can be fit over teeth that are extremely discolored, worn down, broken, or chipped. While your permanent veneer is being made you will get a temporary one. You should avoid hard and sticky foods and brush and floss around the temporary veneer carefully.
Your mouth may feel sensitive and irritated after a veneer is placed. You can rinse with warm salt water and take an over-the-counter pain reliever, if necessary, to help.
Call Dr. Sibia if your bite feels abnormal in any way.
You may need an extraction if a tooth emerges from the gums in the wrong position, if the tooth is loose, or if it is so damaged that it can’t be repaired.
After an extraction, you will need to rest. You should lie down with your head slightly raised. The extraction site will bleed for awhile after the extraction. Your dentist will give you pain medication, and you can also use an ice pack for pain. You should stick to soft foods for a few days after the procedure.
Call Dr. Sibia if you are bleeding for longer than 24 hours.
Whatever type of procedure you may need Dr. Sibia and Ace Dental, your dentist in Roseville can help! Make an appointment today by calling (916) 772-0111.
Let us answer your post-operative questions!
