Patient Resources

Patient Checklist

COMING SOON!

Post-Op Instructions

  • To support healing and minimize bleeding, take it easy for the first 48–72 hours after your implant surgery. Rest is key. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid anything too cold. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your face in 20-minute intervals for the first two days can help reduce swelling.


    If you received upper implants, avoid blowing your nose for two weeks.


    Mild bleeding and discomfort are normal during the first two days. By day three, you should start feeling more comfortable. A slight increase in body temperature (1–2 degrees) is also common and not a cause for concern.

    Eat when you're hungry, but avoid chewing directly on the implant site.

  • While removing one or two teeth is relatively simple, multiple extractions involve more extensive work and healing.


    You may notice significant swelling within 48 hours, both inside your mouth and around your eyes. Some bruising and discoloration around the eyes is also common and can be eased with a warm compress.


    A sore throat or dry, cracked corners of the mouth can occur due to stretching during surgery—this is normal.


    You'll likely have a follow-up visit within 48 hours to check in and discuss any symptoms or concerns.

  • It’s normal to feel some soreness for a few days after a root canal. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was done to prevent irritation and allow the temporary filling to set properly.


    You’ll likely be prescribed an antibiotic to clear any remaining infection. If you notice increased pain, swelling, a reaction to medication, or if your temporary filling comes out, contact your dentist right away.

  • You’ll start with a temporary crown or bridge before your permanent one is placed. Temporaries are less durable, so be gentle when brushing and avoid flossing upward or eating sticky foods, which could dislodge it.


    Some sensitivity or gum irritation is common after placement. This should subside as your tissue heals. Rinsing with warm salt water and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil can help.


    Your permanent crown or bridge may feel unfamiliar at first, but it should feel natural within a week. Let your dentist know if your bite feels off. Maintain daily brushing and flossing to keep your new restoration healthy.

  • Once the anesthesia wears off, your teeth may be sensitive for a few days. Avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages during this time.


    After the initial sensitivity fades, your teeth will feel normal again. Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine to help your fillings last.

  • You may experience sore, slightly irritated gums for a few days following your deep cleaning.


    Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz water) 2–3 times a day to relieve discomfort and support healing.


    You can resume brushing and flossing right away—just be gentle.


    If you notice swelling or stiffness, apply a cold compress and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Stick to soft foods for 2–3 days.
    If pain or swelling persists, contact your dentist.

PRINT INSTRUCTIONS

FAQs

  • Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

  • Great teeth and gum care start at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. By keeping to a daily routine you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.

  • Gingivitis is a condition caused when bacteria surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The gums can become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. In order to prevent the condition from worsening, regular hygiene visits are highly recommended. During your visit, our Hygiene team will teach you the proper flossing techniques and Oral Hygiene protocol for Home Care will prevent the Periodontal Disease.

  • Periodontal Disease is a quiet disease that begins with little or no symptoms. It is caused by bacteria that surrounds the teeth and enters the gums. The immediate condition is known as ‘gingivitis’. The gums become irritated, inflamed and often bleed. If not properly treated, the condition worsens. Noticeable symptoms now appear. They include:

    • Bad Breath

    • Gum Recession

    • Gum Sensitivity to Acidic Foods

    • Abscesses

    • Tooth Pain

    • Tooth Loss

  • Periodontal Disease is a chronic condition that needs immediate attention. Through a series of Periodontal Cleanings, Root Planing & Scaling, Laser Therapy and Local Antibiotics, this condition can be controlled. Periodontal Surgery is only necessary for severe cases.

  • Silver Fillings known as Amalgam have been around for decades. Made from a metal alloy, it was the best restoration for fillings. The metal expands and contracts with the heat and cold placed in the mouth. This allowed for little bacteria to enter a tooth once filled; keeping the tooth healthy and strong.

    White Fillings, also known as composites are often made of plastic or glass polymers. These cosmetic fillings allow us to fill a cavity with a substance that will look and feel just like your existing tooth structure. This restoration is created with a resin material and fits tightly into a tooth to prevent decay. Rather than a gray or silver material in your mouth, the composite color will match the tooth color.

  • There are several ways in today’s Dental World to enhance your smile. Certain procedures include:

    • Tooth Whitening

    • Bonding

    • Porcelain Veneers

    • Porcelain Crowns

    We have the capability to improve your smile using all or some of these procedures. For an exact consultation, please contact our office so that we may provide you with a customized treatment plan.

  • Tooth Whitening is a cost effective and safe procedure to create a beautiful, healthy smile. Over the years, flouride is has been added to the whitening product. This reduces the risk of tooth and gum sensitivity.
    Tooth Whitening must be monitored by your dentist and only done after a comprehensive exam and hygiene cleaning.

    The whitening process can last for a number of years if maintained properly. Beverages such as coffee, tea, cola and wine will reduce the lasting effect. Remember, if it could stain a white shirt, it will stain your smile!

  • Bonding is a cost effective procedure used to fill gaps in front teeth and to change a tooth’s color. The immediate results are amazing. Within a few hours, you will have a great smile! Bonding like Tooth Whitening may change color over time due to coffee, tea, cola and wine.

  • Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that go directly on your natural teeth. . This entire procedure can take as few as two visits. Veneers change the size, shape and color of a patient’s teeth. This procedure is used to repair fractured teeth, teeth darkened by age or medication, or a crooked smile. Many times, patients ask for Porcelain Veneers to simply feel and look younger with a straighter, whiter smile!

  • Crowns are a permanent cosmetic procedure that covers the entire tooth. It will change the size, shape and color of the teeth in as few as 2 visits.

  • A Dental Implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a period of a few months, the Dental Implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.

  • What is a Dental Implant?

    A Dental Implant is a “man-made” replacement for a missing tooth or tooth root. Made from titanium, this screw-like object is inserted under the gum and directly into the upper or lower jaw bone. There is usually minimal discomfort involved with this procedure. After a period of a few months, the Dental Implant and the bone fuse together. This creates an anchor for the new tooth to be placed onto the dental implant.

    What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

    • Dental Implants look and function like your natural tooth.

    • Dental Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth.

    • Dental Implants are maintained by routine hygiene visits to your dental office.

    • Dental Implants decrease the possibility of bone loss, periodontal disease, tooth movement, and further tooth loss.

    • Dental Implants replace the need for a Removable Full or Partial Denture.

    • Dental Implants focus only on the tooth or teeth that are missing. A traditional bridge would involve the two or more adjacent teeth being compromised to create a false tooth in between.

    Who is a candidate for Dental Implants?

    With major advancements in Dentistry and Dental Implants, most people are candidates for Dental Implants. There may be exceptions due to chronic illness, heart disease, and severe osteoporosis.
    What does the Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

    The average Dental Implant Procedure takes 3 - 4 visits. The first visit is to x-ray the area and take an impression for a surgical guide and a temporary prosthesis to cover the Implant.

    The next visit is to place the Implant. A local anesthesia is applied to the area. (Any additional sedation is no longer necessary unless deemed by the dentist). The dentist will then make a minor incision to place the implant. The implant is placed into the jaw bone. The area will then be covered with sutures. The procedure is usually completed with minor pain.

    You will next return in approximately 3 months to begin creating the Porcelain Crown to place over the Implant.

    How Much Does a Dental Implant Cost?

    Fees from Dental Implants vary from dentist to dentist. Always schedule an Implant Consultation to discuss the procedure and all fees involved.

    How long does a Dental Implant last?

    With routine dental hygiene scheduled and proper home care, A Dental Implant can last approximately 30 years to a lifetime.

    Does your office offer financing for services provided?

    Please contact us to discuss the options we have available to make your perfect smile today!

  • After dental implant surgery, it is recommended that you take at easy for 48-72 hours. Resting assists the healing process and limits after surgery bleeding. Drink plenty of fluids, but nothing too cold. You may need to apply an ice pack to your face in twenty-minute intervals for the 2 days following surgery. If you received upper implants, do not blow your nose for two weeks. It is common to experience slight bleeding for about two days after surgery. You will feel slightly uncomfortable the first two days following surgery, but the third day is generally better. An increase in temperature of about 1 to 2 degrees is to be expected and is not a cause for concern. Finally, while you can eat when you are hungry, do not chew directly onto the implant area.


  • The removal of one or two teeth is a simple procedure. Extracting multiple teeth requires that the jawbone be shaped and removed to prepare for a denture. You may experience the following after a multiple tooth extraction procedure. Within two days, you will experience the maximum swelling both inside the mouth and possibly around the eye as well. The area around your eye may also become discolored, which may be alleviated by a warm compress. The muscles near the extraction site may become sore after surgery, causing a sore throat. This is normal as well as the corners of your mouth becoming dry and cracked from being stretched open during surgery. In most cases, you will have a follow up appointment with your dentist within 48 hours after surgery to discuss any post surgery symptoms that you are experiencing.