Post-Op Instructions

We have placed tooth-colored restorations in your teeth. The resin material used is a plastic with small "filler" particles of glass like material - the finest and most up-to-date materials available today. These restorations will serve you well for several years. However, you should be aware of the following:

Chewing. As with natural teeth, avoid chewing excessively hard foods on the restored teeth (hard candy, ice, raw carrots, bones, etc) because extreme force can cause the resin material to break off from the tooth- just as it can in a natural tooth. In the event that a breakage does occur- replacement of a restoration is not difficult.

Recalls. Visit us at regular six-month examination periods. Often problems that are developing around the restorations can be detected at an early stage and repaired easily. Waiting a longer time may require redoing the entire restoration. This will void he warranty, i.e. if you do not visit us at regular six-month examination periods to inspect the restorations, we cannot warrant their condition.

Preventative Procedures. To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and to prevent future dental decay and supporting tissue breakdown, please brush and floss after eating and before bedtime. We do recommend you swish vigorously with mouthwash for at least 30 seconds daily.

Please call us if you notice any change in your tooth-colored restorations, or if you have any questions at all about them. 812-867-2414.

We are pleased to provide you with well-fitting, functional and esthetically pleasing dentures. We feel confident that after a few weeks of adjustment, you will enjoy years of satisfaction and use. In the meantime, the following is information you need to know.

1. Your First Few Weeks- New dentures always feel strange when first placed in your mouth. Several days of even a few weeks will be required for you to feel accustomed to them.
2. Sore Spots- Your mouth will most likely develop a few sore spots within the first 24 hours of wearing your dentures. This is to be expected and such sore spots can be easily relieved by the dentist. An initial 24 hour re-adjustment appointment should be made, and another appointment about a week later will usually eliminate any other sore spots.
3. Chewing- Your new "bite" may not feel comfortable for a period of days. We will adjust the contacting surfaces of your teeth after 24 hours, and again in about one week after the new dentures have "settled" into place.
4. Upper vs. Lower Dentures- Your upper denture will rest comfortably in place with moderate-to-strong "suction." Although your lower denture will have good stability, it is infrequent that "suction" can be expected on a lower denture. We suggest that you avoid denture adhesives unless you have extreme difficulty.
5. Care For Your Dentures and Your Mouth- Your dentures can be cleaned easily by using a denture brush and toothpaste. Clean them over a sink full of water to avoid damage if they are dropped. Denture soaking solutions are also useful for your dentures. Brush your gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush once per day to toughen and clean them. You may leave the dentures in or out of your mouth at night, depending on your preference. If they are out of your mouth, ALWAYS leave them soaking in water or mouthwash solution.
6. The Future- Your jawbones and gums shrink up to 1/32 of an inch per year when your teeth are missing. This is one of the main disadvantages of dentures. Because of this shrinkage, you should plan to have your dentures and oral tissues evaluated by us at least once per year. We will inform you when relining or rebasing of the dentures is necessary. Wearing ill-fitting dentures for too long without refitting can cause severe bone loss and very serious oral disease. Even dentures that "fit" comfortably need to be checked along with your oral tissues.

1. Floss teeth and then brush gently.
2. Place a thin line of whitening gel into your custom-designed whitening trays as directed. Each tooth impression in the tray should contain an adequate amount of gel. Try to avoid dispensing an excessive amount into the tray. (If you are sensitive to peroxide, before inserting the trays, apply a thin amount of petroleum jelly to the gums adjacent to the teeth that will be whitened).
3. Insert the whitening trays and allow any excess material to exude. Wipe away excess.
4. The recommended bleaching procedure is one 3-minute treatment per day for 14 days, or until you achieve desired results.
5. Clean tray thoroughly after each use and then brush your teeth again.
6. Rinse with mouthwash or warm water.
7. Schedule recall appointment as instructed.
8. When you are ready for refills, please contact our office.

*Keep out of reach of Children

*Store at or below 75 degrees

• Bite on moistened gauze for 30 minutes to stop any bleeding. If bleeding continues, place another moistened gauze and continue to apply pressure. Dry gauze should be avoided because it will stick to and dislodge the blood clot from the extraction socket.
• Do Not Rinse today. Tomorrow morning, start rinsing gently with warm salt water (1/4 tsp salt to 1 cup water) every four (4) hours for two (2) days.
• Swelling. An ice bag or a cold moist cloth should periodically be applied on the face over the surgical area.
• For at least 24 hours DO NOT:
  • Smoke
  • Drink through a straw
  • Drink alcohol, carbonated beverages or hot liquids
  • Blow your nose
  • Spit excessively
  • Perform strenuous activities
  Any of the above things may cause the blood clot to dislodge from the extraction socket, causing a "dry socket" and resulting in unnecessary pain. (Should this happen, call the office to see the doctor as soon as possible)
• Maintain a soft diet for the remainder of the day. Eat things like warm soup, ice cream, milk shakes (no straws)
• If your pain, discomfort or bleeding continues or worsens, call the office for re-examination.
• If you were given medication, take them according to the instructions. If you have non-aspirin over-the-counter pain medications at home, you may take them according to the instructions.
• Bony Edges. Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots; if uncomfortable, return to the office for simple removal.