At-Home Instructions

We are dedicated to every aspect of treatment our patients experience, and with that dedication, we are pleased to provide at-home care instructions for a few common procedures. Implementing proper post-operative care is vital to achieving optimal healing and avoiding any complications or additional dental care. Dr. Paul Takemoto will provide you with specific post-op instructions in Moorpark, California, to suit your particular needs as well. Please refer to the guidelines below and if you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at 805-553-1980. We appreciate your patronage at Moorpark Smiles Dental and want you to have the highest quality dental healthcare possible.

Root Canal Therapy

Soreness is a common and expected feeling after a root canal procedure and we recommend that you avoid chewing on the treated area so as not to irritate it and allow the restorative materials to set properly. We will also provide you with an antibiotic prescription that will treat any remaining infection in your tooth. We also ask that you call our office if you experience an increasing amount of pain, have a reaction to your antibiotic, or if the temporary restoration in your tooth dislodges.

Crowns and Bridges

Before a permanent crown or bridge is placed, you will receive a temporary restoration and with this, many patients experience a light sense of irritation and sensitivity. So, we advise that you are gentle when eating or brushing and avoid aggressive flossing or sticky, chewy foods that could displace your temporary dental solution.

It will take some time for your mouth to adjust to the new crown or bridge, up to a week, and may feel strange for a few days. Please let our dentist know if your bite is uncomfortable or abnormal after your new restoration is placed. If you have any discomfort after receiving your temporary or permanent restoration, this is normal and should diminish after the soft tissue heals. You may try a warm salt water rinse or take Advil or Tylenol to alleviate your pain.

White Filings (Bonding)

Your tooth may feel sensitive after the anesthesia from your procedure has subsided, and this is normal. We recommend that you avoid hot/cold foods or drinks for the first few days and after this small period, your tooth should feel completely renewed. You should continue to maintain your dental hygiene habits to ensure your fillings last for years to come.

Scaling and Root Planing

It is common that after scaling and root planing, your gums will feel sore or irritated, and to alleviate this, you may rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. It is recommended you resume brushing and flossing your teeth the same say as the procedure but to be gentle, so you do not irritate the area further.

You may also place a cold compress on the area if your gums become swollen or stiff, but please call our office if you experience this after a few days. You should also avoid hard, chewy foods for 2-3 days after your procedure so as not to not hinder the healing process.

Veneers

Similar to crowns and bridges, veneers require the placement of a temporary restoration before your permanent one is applied. The temporary veneer is less durable and likewise, you should be careful when eating or brushing and avoid aggressive flossing or sticky, chewy foods that could displace your temporary dental solution. Your mouth will have to get used to the permanent restoration you’ll receive, and should it feel uncomfortable and bothersome, please call to speak to our dentist.

Extractions

Extractions are a more major dental procedure and we ask to recommend you rest after your surgery and you will also need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. It is best this same person helps you to acquire your medications for pain management and infection control. Bleeding is expected for the first 24 hours or so and you will be provided with gauze to soak this up. You will also need to replace the gauze as needed and sit up to reduce blood flow to the surgical site. An ice pack will also help with any swelling or discomfort.

Your diet will also be affected with the loss of a tooth and we recommend any of the following soft foods:

• Mashed potatoes
• Pudding or yogurt
• Pears, or other soft fruits
• Soup
• Ice cream
• Other easily chewable foods

You must also avoid straws or sucking motions to ensure the blood clot in your extraction site remains intact. Please call our office if you have any ongoing pain, bleeding, or complications.