Post-Operative Care

Amalgam Filling

Please follow the following guidelines after receiving an amalgam filling:

If we used a local anesthetic to numb the area we treated, the numbness in your lips, teeth, and tongue might last for several hours after the procedure. To avoid damage to your tongue and lips, you should avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
With silver fillings, you should not chew hard or sticky foods or chew directly on the new fillings for the first 24 hours. If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth. New silver fillings can be sensitive to hot and cold liquids and other foods.
If the sensitivity should continue for longer than two weeks or if the discomfort is extreme, please give us a call so that we can evaluate the situation and prescribe the appropriate therapy. Your gums may also be sore after your appointment.
Sometimes, due to the effects of the local anesthesia, it is quite difficult to make sure that your bit is exactly right. If you feel any discomfort in chewing, please let us know. A minor adjustment is frequently all it takes to make you comfortable.

Please call the office if you have any concerns

Please follow the following guidelines after receiving a composite filling:

If we used a local anesthetic to numb the area we treated, the numbness in your lips, teeth, and tongue might last for several hours after the procedure. To avoid damage to your tongue and lips, you should avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
It is normal to experience some sensitivity to heat, cold, and pressure after your appointment. You may experience some tenderness in the gum tissue as well.
White fillings are set completely immediately after they are placed, so as soon as the anesthetic has worn off, you can chew as you would normally.
Sometimes, due to the effects of local anesthesia, it is quite difficult to make sure that your bite is exactly right. If you feel any discomfort in chewing, please let us know. A minor adjustment is frequently all it takes to make you comfortable.

Please call the office if you have any concerns

Please follow the following guidelines after a crown preparation

When you leave the office you will likely be numb. Please avoid eating for 2 hours or until the numbness has worn off.
Please take the medications, if any, as prescribed by the dentist
You will have a temporary crown on your tooth. Please avoid chewing sticky or hard foods on this side while you have your temporary.
Brush and floss the area. Please pull the floss out the side to avoid dislodging the crown.
At times patients will feel sore or short-term sensitivity to temperature changes in their mouth.
If your bite feels uneven or you have prolonged discomfort, please call the office.

Please call the office if you have any concerns

Please follow the following guidelines after root canal therapy:

It is not unusual to experience soreness after root canal therapy. The ligament may be bruised and therefore you may still have some discomfort when applying pressure to the area until healing is complete
Please take the medication as prescribed by Dr. Twohig.
It may take several days or a few weeks for the symptoms to resolve depending upon the extent of the initial infection.
A temporary filling may be in place. Please avoid chewing on this side until a permanent restoration has been placed. Should you lose the temporary filling, please call our office.
Brush and floss the area as normal.

Please call the office if you have any concerns

Please follow the following guidelines after Scaling and Root Planning:

If we used a local anesthetic to numb the area we treated, the numbness in your lips, teeth and tongue might last for several hours after the procedure. To avoid damage to your tongue and lips, you should avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
Take the pain medication as prescribed by your dentist. It is best to take the first dose prior to the anesthetic wearing off.
You may notice increased sensitivity to temperatures and sweets which occurs as the tissue heals and decreases in size exposing tooth structure. Use a sensitive toothpaste or the prescribed fluoride treatment.
Please avoid smoking for 24-48 hours as this inhibits the healing process. Consider stopping smoking.

Please call the office if you have any concerns

Please follow the following guidelines after having a tooth extracted:

When you leave the office, you will be biting on gauze and should continue to apply pressure (biting) on the surgical site for 20 minutes.
Please avoid eating for 2 hours or until the numbness has worn off.
Please take medications as prescribed by the dentist.
A blood clot will form in the socket, to avoid dislodging the clot, avoid touching the surgical site, swishing fluids in your mouth the first day, and avoid smoking until the healing process is complete.
Avoid strenuous activity the first 24 hours after surgery.
If bleeding begins bite on a moistened tea bag or 20 minutes. If it persists after this time, please call the office.

Please call the office if you have any concerns.