Post Operative Instructions
Bite Balancing
Congratulations on getting your teeth balanced, which is also
called an occlusal adjustment. This is the very best way to
extend the life of your natural teeth and dental
restorations. Now that your initial appointment is completed,
here are a few things to remember:
- Your teeth are in contact in the best, most anatomically
accurate position. Up to this point, though, you have not
been. You will notice a difference.
- Your bite may feel different. Not necessarily better and
not worse, but different. This is something that you will
grow accustomed to.
- Bite balancing is a very precise procedure and it will take
several appointments. Once completed, you may need
adjustments in years to come as your teeth naturally shift.
The initial adjustments are part of your overall fee.
- After the first appointment, you may feel your teeth hitting
more evenly, but you may also begin to notice that you are hitting
a little too much on one side or one tooth. Bring this to Dr.
Caven's attention at your next adjustment.
- Some teeth may feel slightly rough. Bring this to Dr.
Caven's attention at your next adjustment.
- Some people feel they are biting hard on the front teeth.
This is usually a passing sensation, but bring it to Dr. Caven's
attention at the next adjustment.
- We want you to be aware of your bite, but not to concentrate on
it. Just chew normally and make little mental notes if
something feels uneven.
Please don't hesitate to call our office if you have any further
questions. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to
seeing you again soon.
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Tooth-Colored Fillings
Congratulations on receiving the most state of the art filling
material available. Here are a few points you should
know…
- After the numbness wears off following today's visit, you may
experience mild sensitivity to cold foods and beverages. This
is completely normal, and will usually diminish in 1-3 weeks.
600 mg of Advil is useful to alleviate this sensation.
However, if you experience spontaneous discomfort that is prolonged
(lasting about 30 seconds or more), or if the tooth becomes
extremely sensitive to both hot and cold, please contact our office
immediately. Dr. Caven may need to evaluate your tooth for
possible further treatment.
- You may also have sensitivity to pressure during eating or when
you are just biting your teeth together. If you experience
this symptom, please call our office. Dr. Caven may need to
do a simple adjustment to the filling and this should eliminate the
sensation.
- Continue to floss and brush your teeth as instructed by Dr.
Caven. Keep in mind that practicing good home care on a daily
basis is needed to achieve strong, healthy teeth and gums as well
as to preserve any dental work.
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Final Crown
Congratulations on your new crown. Like a new piece of
jewelry, certain precautions should be taken to prolong the
functionality and appearance of your crown.
- It is normal to have some sensitivity for a couple days after
getting your new crown.
- Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is very important to
prevent decay from forming around your new crown.
- Drinking sugary beverages throughout the day, such as coffee
with sugar, sodas, and sweet tea is not recommended. This can
lead to decay around the crown and other teeth.
- A night guard is a great way to protect your investment from
harmful teeth grinding and clenching. If you have one, please
continue to wear it.
- If you experience any sensitivity when biting your teeth
together, please call us to make a short appointment to have your
crown adjusted.
- Crowns are usually placed on teeth with large fillings, decay
or cracks and are therefore in a weakened condition. In about
5-8% of the cases though, the nerve in the tooth is damaged beyond
repair. These teeth may become sensitive after the tooth has
been worked on. If your tooth is bothering you, please
contact Dr. Caven's office.
Please don't hesitate to call our office if you have any further
questions. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to
seeing you again.
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Tooth Extraction
Following these proper care instructions will help hasten
recovery and prevent complications.
- Keep a firm steady pressure on the gauze given to you.
Replace as needed by rolling a couple squares together, dampen
lightly and place directly on the extraction site. Bite down
firmly.
- We suggest you return home and relax. You may want to
return to work tomorrow, but do not undertake any strenuous
exercise for several days following your appointment.
Do not smoke or use a straw for 2 days.
- Do not rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow, you may rinse
your mouth gently every three to four hours (especially after
meals). Use approximately ¼ teaspoon salt to a cup of warm
water. Continue to rinse for several days, making sure to be
gentle in the surgery area.
- Following any normal extraction, you can expect to feel sore
and even a little swollen. This is normal. Typically,
over the counter pain medication can be used, unless stated
otherwise. It is recommended to take the pain medication
before the effects of the anesthetic go away and to stay ahead of
any discomfort.
- A light diet is advisable for the first 24 hours after an
extraction. Make sure to eat soft foods and chew on the
opposite side of your mouth.
- Bleeding is a normal and necessary part of the healing process
and there may be some even into the following day. When a
small amount of blood mixes with saliva, it looks like a lot of
blood. Do not let this alarm you. It is not uncommon
for the bleeding to end, then begin lightly again at night as your
head becomes level with your heart. You may want to use an
additional pillow at night. If heavy bleeding persists, bite
down on a wet tea bag. If bleeding does not stop, please call
our office at 645-3366.
- Replacing a missing tooth is usually important to maintain
normal, healthy function and to prevent tilting of neighboring
teeth.
Please don't hesitate to call our office if you have any further
questions. Thank you for visiting the office of Dr.
Caven. We look forward to seeing you again.
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Root Canal
Root canals are commonly associated with an unpleasant
experience. Fortunately, root canal treatment has come a long
way, but there are still a few simple precautions you need to be
aware of.
- Today, the blood supply was removed from your tooth, making it
non-vital. Over a period of time, your tooth will become more
dry and brittle and could possibly fracture if it remains
unprotected. If for any reason you do not have an appointment
scheduled for your final crown, please schedule as soon as
possible. Waiting longer than a couple months to have the
final crown put on your tooth may cause irreversible damage to your
tooth. Until the final crown is placed, please avoid
chewing on that tooth as much as possible.
- It is normal to be sensitive on your tooth for a few days after
treatment, especially when chewing food. Remember, that tooth
was very compromised before treatment and will need time to
heal.
- It is possible for the gum tissue in the general area that was
worked on, to be sore. This is completely normal, and usually
will subside within 1-2 days. However, if the tooth that was
worked on becomes sensitive to hot or cold, please call our office
immediately. Dr. Caven may need to evaluate the tooth for
further treatment.
- Usually an over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol or
Advil will eliminate any discomfort you may have following today's
appointment. If you experience any swelling or extreme
discomfort in that area, please call our office immediately.
Dr. Caven may need to evaluate your tooth for further
treatment.
Please don't hesitate to call our office if you have any further
questions. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to
seeing you again.
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Scale and Root Plane (Deep Cleaning)
Following these procedures will help your teeth and gums feel
more comfortable, and help to prevent any complications following
today's procedure.
- The care of your mouth must be handled with utmost importance
to achieve proper healing. Immediately start your home care
regimen as instructed by your hygienist, being less aggressive
initially.
- You may experience some mild to moderate discomfort following
your treatment. Taking an over the counter pain reliever such
as Advil or Tylenol will usually help eliminate any
discomfort. In the unlikely situation you are experiencing
extreme discomfort, please call our office. Dr. Caven may
need to evaluate your mouth for further treatment.
- Sensitivity to cold may temporarily occur. Usually this
sort of sensation will disappear in a few days following your
treatment. Using toothpastes such as Sensodyne and / or mouth
rinses containing fluoride will help to reduce this sort of
sensitivity.
- Your next meal should be soft. Avoid any hard "chippy"
foods like Fritos, potato chips, popcorn, etc. for the next 3-4
days.
- Very seldom does swelling or jaw stiffness occur.
However, if you do experience any of these symptoms, place a warm
moist towel to the face in the area of the swelling or stiffness.
Please call our office if swelling and stiffness does not subside
in 1-3 days following your appointment.
- Please do not smoke following today's scaling and root planning
procedure. Tobacco smoke is an irritant to healing.
Refrain from smoking for the next 24-48 hours.
Please don't hesitate to call our office if you have any further
questions. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to
seeing you again.
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Splint Therapy (Night Guard)
Congratulations on receiving your splint, also commonly referred
to as a nightguard. Nightguards are very useful for
permitting your jaw joint to move to its most anatomically correct
position, thereby relaxing your jaw muscles. This helps to
minimize nighttime clenching and grinding and protects your teeth
from excessive wear, fractures, cracks and mobility and can
significantly reduce chronic headaches. Here are a few
pointers while wearing your nightguard.
- Wear the nightguard at night and any other time you feel you
grind your teeth.
- When you remove the guard, rinse in tap water. You may
use toothpaste to scrub it if you wish. Place the guard in
the container we have supplied. Keep the container open to
allow ventilation. Place the guard up, so the water may
evaporate. Keep away from pets. They like to chew on
the guards.
- When you remove the guard in the morning, you may feel that
your teeth don't match up correctly. This is normal and to be
expected. Your teeth have not shifted. Your bite will
return to its accustomed position in a few moments.
- When your teeth don't feel like they fit together correctly,
that is telling you that the best position of your jaw joint is not
aligned with your best position of your teeth. This
difference is usually the reason we clench and grind our
teeth.
- Adjustments are typical and planned on. Usually we will
adjust your guard 1-2 weeks after initial delivery.
Occasional adjustment may be needed throughout the life of the
guard.
- You nightguard can last for many years.
- Patients often choose to have their bites aligned with the best
position of the jaw joint. This is a straightforward and
painless procedure routinely performed by Dr. Caven.
Ask Dr. Caven if that is an appropriate procedure for you.
Please don't hesitate to call our office if you have any further
questions. Thank you for visiting our office and we look
forward to seeing you again soon.
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Provisional Crown
Thank you for coming in today for your crown preparation
appointment. During the next 3-4 weeks it is very important
to follow a few basic instructions.
- It is important that you be careful not to eat any food or
candy that is sticky, tacky, or extremely crunchy, as these kinds
of foods may dislodge or fracture your provisional crown.
- Continue to brush your teeth as instructed by Dr. Caven, but do
not floss around your provisional crown. Using floss can
cause the crown to loosen, and possibly come off.
- If for any reason the provisional crown becomes loose, or does
fall off, please call our office immediately. In the unlikely
situation you are unable to see Dr. Caven quickly, or you are out
of town, place Fixodent, Vaseline, or Poly-grip inside the crown
and carefully place it back onto the area it came from until such
time you are able to come to the office and have Dr. Caven
re-cement your provisional crown.
- It is normal to have some sensitivity associated with
provisional crowns, especially to cold water or biting. This
is not to cause alarm, unless the sensitivity is severe or
prolonged (longer than 1-2 minutes). If that is the case,
please call us. Dr. Caven may need to evaluate your tooth for
possible further treatment.
Please don't hesitate to call our office if you have any further
questions. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to
seeing you again.
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Tooth Decay
Tooth decay
is one of the most common pathologies in the
world. Dentist can treat it, but prevention is always easiest
and least expensive for patients.
This sheet is meant to help inform you how decay
starts and what you can do on a daily
basis to help prevent it.
In order to have a cavity, you must have 3 things.
1) A tooth
2) The specific type of bacteria
that causes decay
3) Sugar that feeds the
bacteria
There are over 500 different types of bacteria
strands in our mouths. Only a few cause decay and if you
happen to have them, your risk for decay increases.
The bacteria thrive on sugar. It uses the
sugar and emits an acidic by-product that weakens the tooth's
enamel. A hole in the tooth can form, which is a cavity.
The bacteria can also seep around old fillings or crowns.
Once the filling or crown begins to leak, decay can form and
destroy the tooth from the inside. Every crown or
filling has a lifespan, so we will always want to keep a
close watch on previous dental work.
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What can you do?
The most effective way to limit your risks for decay is to
thoroughly floss and brush your teeth. Many
cavities form between the teeth where the toothbrush can't
reach. That makes flossing critical.
Regular dental check ups with annual
radiographs are important in controlling and monitoring your
health. When you get your teeth cleaned, we always recommend
professional fluoride, which is a very good way to kill
bacteria.
Drink fluoridated water. City water in
Jacksonville has about 7 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride.
Many bottled water brands have none, while most have about 3
ppm. Filtered water from most refrigerators still has
fluoride.
Watch what you eat. Controlling your
sugar intake will help you tremendously. The effects of sugar
are strongest for 20-30 minutes after you eat, so try to brush and
floss quickly after consuming sugar. Don't eat sugar items
throughout the day. Soft drinks, energy drinks and many
juices are loaded with sugar.
And eventually, dentists will be able to assess your specific
bacterial types and treat that with antibiotics. Individual
risk assessments are the way of the future.
Please contact Dr. Richard Caven with any questions at (904)
645-3366.
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Whitening Instructions
Congratulations on getting a brighter smile. Here are a
few tips to follow…
- Make sure trays fit well and comfortably. Do not expose
trays or solution to heat. For example-do not leave in your
car, on top of the refrigerator or on the microwave. Please
brush and floss before a whitening session.
- After inserting the tray into your mouth, make sure to wipe
away any excess that flows out onto your gums. Try not to
disturb the trays. Leaving the solution on your gums may
cause irritation to the tissue.
- Wear trays about 1 hour once or twice a day. Use new
solution each time. Make sure tray is dry before applying
solution. If there is water in the tray, the solution will be
diluted and will not be as effective.
- Whitening does not damage your teeth in any way. Tooth
sensitivity is common while whitening. Some but not all
patients experience this. Avoid any citrus such as orange
juice. Use Sensodyne toothpaste while whitening and you may
wish to use a fluoride mouthwash such as ACT-if you experience
sensitivity. Prescription strength desensitizers are
available at our office.
- It is also best to limit the amount of dark beverages. If
you do drink tea, coke, coffee, dark wines it is recommended to use
a straw, when possible, to avoid contact with the teeth.
- After the initial treatment time of 10-14 days (or as otherwise
prescribed), keep the whitening solution stored in your
refrigerator. Storing the solution in a chilled environment
tends to increase the shelf life of the product.
Please don't hesitate to call our office if you have any further
questions. Thank you for visiting us and we look forward to
seeing you again.
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