Oral Health Tip
- Proper home care and routine check up are the key to success for your oral health.
- 6 month routine check up helps to find immediate or potential problems you may have in advance and also it gives you valuable feedbacks on your home care.
- Most of the oral problem can’t sorely be determined by pain or symptoms because tooth decay and serious gum disease can progresses without symptoms.
- Brushing alone may not be adequate to clean your teeth. You may need different tools such as waterpik or interproximal brushes depends on the case.
- Healthy diet is essential to maintain good oral health.
Emergency Care
If you have a dental emergency it’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible. In case this is not an option, here are some tips for handling common dental problems you may encounter.
- Lost Crown (or Temporary Crown)
It is best to get the crown re-cemented as soon as possible, but generally a crown can be out for a few days without causing any major problems. however, don’t try to wait more than few days. Tooth movement and hypersensitivity may occur.
Keep the area clean. Gently brush and rinse with warm salt water.
*to make salt water rinse: mix 1 teaspoon table salt with 1 cup of warm water*
Is the tooth sensitive? Denture adhesive or over the counter temporary cement can be placed inside the crown and it can be gently fit back into place to help soothe the tooth. - Toothache
Rinse your mouth with luke warm salt water. Salt water helps to cleanse and soothe the affected area.
If you can, take over-the-counter pain medications. OTC medications can be quite effective. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, or Aleve generally work the best for dental pain. Use as directed.
Avoid eating or drinking hot,cold or sweet foods. - Facial swelling
When you start to notice facial swelling, contact a dentist immediately. Especially if you have hard time breathing or swallowing, and can not see a dentist, go to nearby emergency room. - Lost Filling
Get some temporary filling material. Most pharmacies carry temporary filling materials that can be placed over sensitive areas until you see your dentist. Sugar-free chewing gum or clean bead wax can also be used to cover the area as a last resort. - Knocked Out Tooth
A knocked out tooth can still be saved (re-implanted) if you act quickly and get to your dentist’s office. Time is your enemy in this situation. Quickly locate the tooth, or teeth. Very gently remove any obvious dirt or debris. Avoid touching the root as much as possible. Transport the tooth in milk or in some of the person’s own saliva. Make arrangements to see your dentist as soon as possible(within 1~2 hours). If it’s after hours still call your dentist!
Can’t get hold of a dentist?Your nearest Urgent Care or Emergency Room should be able to help.
Post Op instruction
Post op Care
Instructions after Extractions/implant surgery
- Place cold towels or an ice bag to your face for the first 6-8 hours.
Leave it on 15 minutes, then off for 15 minutes. - Do not rinse mouth util the following day.
- On the morning following surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water).
Repeat this several times daily. - Keep fingers and tongue away from socket.
- Bleeding – it is normal for the saliva to be slightly streaked with blood for about 1-2 days.
If abnormal bleeding occurs, place a piece of moist gauze over extraction site and bite down for 30-45 minutes. - Following dental surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort. If medication has been prescribed, take as instructed.
- Swelling & Stiffness – it is normal and should not cause alarm. Apply cold towels or ice bag for 15 minutes of each hour as needed.
- Diet – A liquid or soft diet is advisable during the first 24 hours. Drink lots of fluids.
- Return to office if undue symptoms develop.