Dental Information
Preventive Care for Children and Adults
Your Child's First Visit
 The first "regular" dental visit should be just after the first tooth erupts into the mouth. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. We may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. The parent may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and your dentist.
We will gently examine your child's teeth and gums. X-rays may be taken (to reveal decay and check on the progress of your child's permanent teeth under the gums). We may clean your child's teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. We will make sure your child is receiving adequate fluoride at home. Most important of all, we will review with you how to clean and care for your child's teeth.
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Your child's reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
Here are some "First Visit" tips:
- Take your child for a "preview" or online tour of the office.
- Read books with them about going to the dentist.
- Review with them what the dentist will be doing at the time of the first visit.
- Speak positively about your own dental experiences
During your first visit the dentist will:
- Examine your mouth, teeth and gums
- Evaluate adverse habits like thumb sucking
- Check to see if you need Fluoride
- Teach you and your child about proper oral hygiene.
- Suggest a schedule for regular dental visits.
What about preventative care?
Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand in hand. At our office we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child's teeth. Sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay prone teeth i.e. recently erupted molars. Sealants protect the depressions and grooves of your teeth from food particles and plaque that brushing and flossing can't reach. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child's lifetime of good oral health.
Easy to apply, sealants take only a few minutes to seal each tooth. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and can last several years before a reapplication is needed.
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Cavity Prevention
 Most of the time cavities are due to a diet high in sugary foods and a lack of brushing.
Limiting sugar intake and brushing regularly, of course, can help. The longer it takes your child to chew their foods the longer the residue stays on their teeth, the greater the chances of getting cavities.
Every time someone eats, an acid reaction occurs inside their mouth as the bacteria digests the sugars. This reaction lasts approximately 20 minutes. During this time the acid environment can destroy the tooth structure, eventually leading to cavities.
Consistency of a person's saliva also makes a difference; thinner saliva breaks up and washes away food more quickly. When a person eats diets high in carbohydrates and sugars they tend to have thicker saliva, which in turn allows more of the acid-producing bacteria that can cause cavities.
Tips for cavity prevention:
- Limit Frequency of meals and snacks.
- Encourage brushing, flossing and rinsing.
- Watch what you drink.
- Avoid sticky foods.
- Make treats part of meals.
- Choose nutritious snacks.
The first baby teeth that come into the mouth are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next to follow will be the 4 upper front teeth and the remainder of your baby's teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs until the child is about 2 1/2 years old.
At around 2 1/2 years old your child should have all 20 teeth. Between the ages of 5 and 6 the first permanent teeth will begin to erupt. Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth and some don't. Don't worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different.
Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance.
For this reason it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily hygiene.
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Oral Hygiene
 Why is oral hygiene so important? Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases, (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily.
Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth and due to its sticky nature it will always be anchor for bacteria.
Periodontal disease destroys the bone and supporting structures of the teeth. Destruction of these supporting structures will cause the teeth to be lost. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can reduce the bacterial index that causes cavities and gum disease.
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How to Brush?
 Make sure you use a soft bristled toothbrush; when brushing the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes. Use light pressure while putting the bristles between the teeth, but not so much pressure that you feel any discomfort. Heavy brushing or hard bristled toothbrushes will abrade the gums from around the neck of your teeth and cause recession and sensitivity.
When you are done cleaning the outside surfaces of all your teeth, follow the same directions while cleaning the tongue side of the posterior teeth.
To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle back-and-forth strokes over each tooth. Don't forget to gently brush the surrounding gum tissue.
Next you will clean the biting surfaces of your teeth by using short, gentle strokes. Change the position of the brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces. Try to watch yourself in the mirror to make sure you clean each surface. After you are done, rinse vigorously to remove any plaque you might have loosened while brushing.
Be sure to change the hand brush or electric toothbrush bristles every 4mos.
If you have any pain while brushing or have any questions about how to brush properly, please be sure to call the office.
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How to Floss?
Periodontal disease usually appears between the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Flossing is a very effective way to remove plaque from those surfaces. However, it is important to develop the proper technique. The following instructions will help you, but remember it takes time and practice.
Start with a piece of floss (waxed is easier) about 18" long. Lightly wrap most of the floss around the middle finger of one hand. Wrap the rest of the floss around the middle finger of the other hand.
Gently insert the floss tightly between the teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or try to snap it in to place. Bring the floss to the gum line then curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel light resistance. Move the floss up and down (not side to side) on the side of one tooth. Be careful not to cut the gum tissue between the teeth. Use a fresh area of the floss in between each tooth.
Rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles. Do not be alarmed if during the first week of flossing your gums bleed or are a little sore. If your gums hurt while flossing you could be doing it too hard or pinching the gum. As you floss daily and remove the plaque your gums will heal and the bleeding should stop.
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Caring for Sensitive Teeth
Sometimes after dental treatment, teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This should not last long, but only if the mouth is kept clean. If the mouth is not kept clean the sensitivity will remain and could become more severe. If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with your doctor. They may recommend a fluoride medicated toothpaste or mouth rinse made especially for sensitive teeth.
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Choosing Oral Hygiene Products
 There are so many products on the market it can become confusing and choosing between all the products can be difficult. Here are some suggestions for choosing dental care products that will work for most patients.
Automatic and "high-tech" electronic toothbrushes are safe and effective for the majority of the patients. Oral irrigators (water spraying devices) will rinse your mouth thoroughly, but will not remove plaque. You need to brush and floss in conjunction with the irrigator. We see excellent results with electric toothbrushes.
Some hand toothbrushes have a rubber tip on the handle; this is used to massage the gums after brushing. There are also cone shaped tiny brushes that can also be used with a handle called Interdental brushes. Interdental brushes are suitable for cleaning large interdental spaces when teeth are missing or gums are periodontally involved. If these are used improperly you could injure the gums, so discuss proper use with your doctor.
 Fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses if used in conjunction with brushing and flossing can reduce tooth decay as much as 40%. Remember, these rinses are not recommended for children under six years of age. Keep out of reach of children unless it is under adult supervision. Tartar control toothpastes will reduce tartar above the gum line, but gum disease starts below the gum line so these products have not been proven to reduce the early stages of gum disease.
Anti-plaque rinses, approved by the American Dental Association, contain agents that may help bring early gum disease under control. Use these in conjunction with brushing and flossing.
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 Professional Cleaning
Daily brushing and flossing will keep tartar to a minimum, but a professional cleaning will remove calculus in places your toothbrush and floss have missed. Your visit to our office is an important part of your program to prevent gum disease. Healthy gums are recommended to get a prophylaxis cleaning every 6 mos. Periodontally involved gums may require multiple cleanings or periodontal maintenance throughout the year to ensure they remain healthy.
Keep your teeth and gums healthy and remember “no bone, no teeth.”
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Nutrition
Good nutrition plays a large role in your dental health. Brushing and flossing help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong however a balanced diet will help to boost your body’s immune system, leaving you less vulnerable to oral disease.
 The three factors that will influence your teeth’s health are 1. form of sugar you intake i.e. sticky, 2. duration the sugar remains adhered to your teeth, 3. frequency with which it is ingested. Eating carbohydrates such as crackers, bread, cookies and candy or ingesting soft drinks frequently, causes the bacteria in your mouth to feed on it, they then produce acids which attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes or more. Frequent consumption of carbohydrates in the form of in between-meal snacking is a constant assault of acid on your teeth. Foods that stick to your teeth or are slow to dissolve give the acids more time to work on destroying your tooth enamel.
Carbohydrates:
- crackers
- breads
- cookies
- candy
Sticky/Slow to Dissolve Foods:
- granola bars
- chewy fruit snacks
- dried fruit
- potato chips
- hard candy
Sticky and starchy foods create less acid when eaten as part of a meal. During meals saliva production is increase at mealtime thus rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids.
Foods such as nuts, cheese, onions, and some teas have been shown to slow growth of decay- causing bacteria in the mouth.
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Bad Breath
Bad breath or halitosis, can be very unpleasant and cause embarrassment. Certain foods i.e. garlic, onions can contribute to your bad breath. Bad breath however, can be caused by one or more of the following:
- Lack of brushing or flossing. Food collecting on the tongue and the rest of the oral cavity collect bacteria which can cause a bad breath.
- Dry mouth from decreased salivary function. This maybe cause by some medications, salivary gland problems.
- Tobacco products.
- Bad breath may also be the sign of medical disorders such as local infection of teeth or gum, respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver or kidney problems.
Mouthwashes just mask the problem temporarily close analysis of the problem, including a referral to your physician may be necessary to determine the cause.
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Dental Procedures
We offer a carefully selected group of dental services, designed to serve you throughout your life. These include, but are not limited to:
Root Canals
A root canal is a procedure by which the pulp or nerve found in the inside of the tooth is removed. There are many myths about root canals however, the sooner you treat a tooth that is causing pain or discomfort, and that requires this procedure, the easier it will be for you. Problem arises when patients wait until they are in a lot of pain to get the treatment done thus complicating the procedure.
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Extractions
You and Dr. Galan may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.
To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Galan will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.
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Why replace a missing tooth?
After a tooth has been lost is it essential to prevent other problems that can affect your mouth as a direct result. Teeth need each other for support. When one or more teeth are lost the biting forces on the teeth next to the space will change and cause the teeth to shift. The teeth may begin to extrude out of the socket and eventually you can end up losing them too.
As your teeth move and your bite changes it may become more difficult to chew and your jaw joint (TMJ) may become damaged. As your teeth shift it may become more difficult to clean them causing permanent bone loss and cavities. Bridges, implants or prosthetic appliances can be used to prevent the loss of other teeth.
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Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry includes a variety of dental treatments aimed at improving the appearance of the teeth. The purpose of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of the teeth using bleaching, bonding, veneers, reshaping, orthodontics, or implants to improve the appearance of stained, chipped, misshapen, or crowded teeth.
Aging and stress can cause teeth to become chipped, worn, weak and discolored. The latest technology allows us to conservatively restore and strengthen these teeth back to their natural strength and beauty.
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Repairing Damaged Teeth
If you have missing or damaged teeth we can then restore and enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Our practice can treat:
- Missing teeth, gaps between teeth, general bite problems
- Chipped, cracked or worn teeth
- Unsightly, stained, or washed-out fillings
- Permanently stained or discolored teeth
- Crooked or crowded teeth
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Invisalign
Invisalign offers now a way of straightening your teeth without having to wear conventional braces. Although invisalign works for most patients it may not work for others. A consultation and close analysis of your case is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for invisalign. Call the office for a your personalized consultation.
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What is a Crown?
A crown ("cap") is a tooth-like covering placed over a carefully prepared preexisting tooth. Crowns serve many functions, such as to strengthen, restore or improve the appearance of your natural tooth. For example, a crown can support the tooth when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling. Crowns may also be used to protect the structure of a tooth that is fractured or broken, and can be attached to bridges or dentures.
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What is a Bridge?
 A bridge is a custom device anchored to neighboring teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth. Crowns and bridges are most often made from superior materials such as semiprecious or precious metals, porcelain, or a fused combination of the two. Aesthetics, function, and tissue compatibility are considered when selecting the material most suitable for you.
A bridge is an excellent way to replace missing teeth and restore stability to your mouth. A dental bridge is attached to the teeth next to the open space from your missing tooth or teeth. Those teeth act as supports. Your teeth are prepared and impressions are made of your mouth. Your bridge is carefully crafted and fit to your teeth.
A bridge is a good way to restore your beautiful smile!
How to care for your Bridge:
- Avoid chewing until the numbness has worn off completely.
- Brushing and flossing. Dr. Galan may recommend special floss, brushing and cleaning aids, as it is important to keep your bridge bacteria free.
- To reduce discomfort, rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water. Your gums may be sore for a few days, this is normal.
- Call us if sensitivity persists, you experience discomfort or an uneven bite.
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Dental Implants
 Dental Implants are a revolutionary way of preserving your natural bone. Bone is lost when teeth are lost and dental implants are changing the way people live! With them, people are rediscovering the comfort and confidence to eat, speak, laugh and enjoy life. Implants can replace: A. Single tooth and the restorative phase similar to crown fabrication and placement, or B. Multiple tooth implants followed by restorations with crowns or removable overdentures which may require several visits
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts that are placed where teeth are missing. The bone “bonds” with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. In addition, implants can help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone and facial deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
If, like many others, you feel implant dentistry is the choice for you, we ask that you undergo a dental/radiographic examination and health history. During these consultation visits, your specific needs and considerations will be addressed by Dr. Galan or by a Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or Periodontist suggested by our practice. Your questions and concerns are important to us and our team will work with you very closely to help make your procedure a success.
Implant Procedure
Dental implants are metal anchors, which act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the bone. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth.
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two phases:
Phase I: implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone. You should be able to wear temporary dentures and eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your restorative dentist designs the final bridgework or denture, which will ultimately improve both function and aesthetics.
Phase II: Your oral surgeon will uncover the implants and attach a small healing collar. Then, Dr. Galan will be able to begin making your new teeth. An impression must be taken. Then posts or attachments can be connected to the implants. The teeth replacements are then made over the posts or attachments. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients do not experience any disruption in their daily life.
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Bleaching
 Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they've been dreaming of with our simple "bleaching" procedure. Our office offers two ways in which to enhance your smile. The in office whitening treatment, Zoom the 1 hour whitening system or the home whitening system. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to begin bleaching. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much of each shows when you talk and smile.
The home treatment only takes a day or two for your custom bleach splints to be ready for you. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear, almost invisible splints. With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the brightness you want, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. We'll want to take "after" photos at your next appointment.
Dental bleaching can be used to correct many tooth discolorations. These discolorations may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in bleaching technology, we offer a safe method for creating a beautiful, "brilliant" smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice. But because of the low cost of bleaching treatments, bleaching is nearly always worth a solid try.
Key Benefits:
- Corrects brown, yellow and mottled tooth staining
- Works on people of all ages.
- Is a near permanent solution for a "dull" smile, restoring brightness and bringing a smile alive.
How is it done?
An impression is taken to make a specialized "mouthguard" or "stent" to hold the bleach against the teeth. The material is used each night for about 3-4 hours for a week or two, after which significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology offers improvements in yellowing, aging or stained teeth. For very severely stained teeth, crowns or veneers may be more appropriate.
Considerations
Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available at drug stores and pharmacies. However, since these products can harm the gums and teeth, it’s better to use products that our practice recommends.
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Porcelain Veneers
What are porcelain veneers?
 Before *Actual patient photo
Will they look like normal teeth?
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.
How durable are porcelain veneers?
 After *Actual patient photo
Dr. Galan will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.
The Procedure
This procedure will require three appointments:
- Diagnosis
- Treatment Planning (may take several visits)
- Preparation
- Bonding
Diagnosis and treatment planning
You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design. Dr. Galan. She will review the corrective limitations of this procedure and help you plan your new smile.
Preparation
The amount of time it takes for the preparation depends on the complexity of the case. Although the porcelain veneer is very thin, the teeth are lightly reduced to allow for the added thickness.
Impressions are taken of the teeth prepared and sent to the lab for fabrication. If the teeth are too unsightly a temporary veneer can be placed at this time. The veneer should be ready in approximately one to two weeks.
Bonding
Your third appointment may take almost as long as your preparation appointment depending on the complexity of the case. A nightguard may be necessary to help protect your new smile.
Care and follow up
Brush and floss daily. Return for a follow-up visit after one to two weeks.
Maintenance of your new Veneers
- Brush and floss as you normally would. Don’t be afraid that you will damage your veneers by brushing and flossing. Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. A good home care regimen will insure the best esthetic success of your veneer.
- You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneer. This is due to the amount of enamel left on the tooth after preparation. Sensitivity is totally normal and should dissipate after one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists please call the office.
- If you are a known clencher (bruxer), please be sure to let us know. Dr. Galan may recommend a soft night guard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.
We hope that your new veneers fulfill your esthetic goal. With proper home care and scheduled visits, they are sure to provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.
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Composite Fillings (Tooth-color)
We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings from years past in their mouths. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and Tooth Colored Restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.
Disadvantages of Silver fillings
Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break. This results in the tooth not being protected and lets cavities get started once again. With age, the metal of a silver filling expands, contracts, and can split.
Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury. They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums. Fortunately, silver fillings can safely be replaced with Tooth Colored Restorations.
Advantages of Tooth-Colored Restorations
There are many advantages to tooth colored restorations. Resin are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger.
Since the resin used in tooth colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!
The result is a beautiful smile!
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Bonding
Bonding can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged, and is an alternative to veneers.
How does it work?
The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.
Considerations
The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before repair is needed.
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Mouthguards
If you or your child play either for fun or professionally you always run the risk of injuring your teeth while practicing your favorite sport. We recommend wearing an appliance that will allow you to protect your teeth and your child’s teeth from getting damaged. Mouthguards are very easy to make and can prevent you from loosing or fracturing your teeth while playing your favorite sport.
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Nightguards
Nightguards are appliances that can be worn during the day or while sleeping to reduce the chances of fracturing or wearing your teeth. It also helps reduce the stress that is placed on the TMJ from these parafunctional habits. Stress is part of our everyday lives and nightguards will help reduce the effects of stress on your teeth!
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Post-Op Care
After Composite Fillings (white fillings)
When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold & pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness; if pressure sensitivity persists for more than a couple of days and if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office.
You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 408) 377-8200
After Crown and Bridge Appointments
Crowns and bridges usually take two or three appointments to complete. In the first visit the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don’t pull up on the floss which may dislodge the temporary, but pull the floss out from the side of the temporary crown always placing a finger over the temporary crown to prevent it from coming off.
It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (408) 377-8200.
Post Extraction Instructions
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form, stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. The following will help in a faster recovery:
1. Anesthesia: The feeling of numbness will begin to wear off in 30 minutes to 4 hours. Until that time, avoid all hot foods or liquids, and do not chew. This is to prevent accidentally burning or biting the lips, cheeks, inside of your mouth, or tongue until the feeling has returned. ANY CONCERNS ABOUT PROLONGED NUMBNESS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE.
Bleeding
It is normal for the extraction site to bleed slightly or ooze blood for 12-24 hours following surgery. Placing a piece of moist gauze over the empty tooth socket and biting down firmly 1-2 hours can control this. Change the gauze pack every 15-30 minutes, repeat if necessary. If bleeding continuous call the office immediately.
After the blood clots it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as this is an important part of the healing process and you must be careful. Avoid vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause bleeding from the extraction site.
Pain and Medications
DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN PRODUCTS due to the possible increase in bleeding potential. If prescription medication were prescribed please follow label instructions carefully. For most extractions, a non-aspirin over the counter pain medication will provide good pain relief e.g. acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not take more than the manufacturer or doctor recommended dosage of any over the counter or prescription medications(s). If you experience any untoward side effects from the medications(s), please discontinue taking them, and call our office. FOR SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS OR ALLERGIC REACTIONS SEEK MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY.
Diet
A liquid or soft diet should be adhered to for the first 12-24 hours. It is important to drink lots of fluids for the first day or two following the extraction. Avoid foods that are too hot or spicy for the 24 hours also foods such as rice or chips, may get caught in the extraction site causing pain and irritation. Avoid the use of a straw as it may dislodge the blood clot that is forming in the extraction site.
Oral Hygiene
After the extraction clean the rest of the mouth as usual, and avoid brushing near the extraction site for first 12-24 hours. Avoid commercial mouth rinses as they tend to irritate the site. DO NOT SMOKE for the first 24 hours following surgery. Begin gentle rinses with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon in 8oz of warm water) after meals and before bed.
DO NOT RINSE OR SWISH YOUR MOUTH for the first 24 hours following surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS:
Dry Socket
Dry socket is when a blood clot fails to form in the socket where the tooth has been extracted or the clot has been dislodged and the healing is significantly delayed.
Following the post extraction instructions will reduce the chances of developing dry socket. Symptoms associated with dry socket are constant moderate to severe pain, bad taste, putrid odor, and poor clot formation at the surgical site. IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS CALL OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.
Swelling
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. Apply an ice pack for the first 2-8 hours after the surgery to the outside of the face over the area of the extraction site, for 15 minutes or so, and then remove for 15 minutes. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours
C. Fever.
Monitor your temperature for the first 24-48 hours. Any elevated temperature should be reported to our office.
Healing
After a tooth has been extracted there will be a resulting hole in the area where the tooth was. In time, this will smooth and fill in with bone. This process can take many weeks or months. However after 1- 2 weeks you should no longer notice any inconvenience.
IMPORTANT
IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SEVER SWELLING, PROLONGED BLEEDING, SEVERE PROLONGED PAIN, HIGH FEVER, DIZZINESS, ALLERGIC TYPE REACTIONS, ETC. THAT CONCERN YOU, PLEASE CALL US IMMEDIATELY. IN THE EVENT YOU CANNOT REACH US OR WE DON NOT RETURN YOUR CALL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
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