Dr. Joseph D. Chipriano, Jr., DMD, MAGD, FICOI, MIDIA

Following the administration of local anesthesia, numbness can persist for a number of hours. The numbness may affect your teeth, tongue and lips. It is extremely important to avoid chewing until the numbness has completely resolved. It is common to experience tenderness to cold, pressure or biting after the completion of a filling. Often this sensitivity will dissipate with time. If medically appropriate, over the counter anti-inflammatory medications will help with symptoms. If one's bite feels uneven or if persistent pain is present, please call our office at 570-622-3437.

After the administration of local anesthesia, numbness can persist for a number of hours. This numbness may affect your teeth, lips, and tongue. It is extremely important to avoid chewing until the numbness has completely resolved.

Root canals can be performed under a number of different circumstances. After a root canal has been completed, it will be normal to experience a sensation of pressure to biting on the tooth. This sensitivity to biting generally lasts approximately one week but could be lengthened by the presence of severe symptoms. Dental treatment can only treat inflammation or infection inside of the tooth. Inflammation or infection outside of the tooth requires healing by the body's immune response, time, and the appropriate utilization of medication as directed. Warm compresses can also be helpful in managing intraoperative or post operative swelling.

Root canals have an extremely high clinical success rate. Often, if a tooth treated with a root canal requires extraction, failure ensues if not adequately restored. Following a root canal treatment, the tooth will require either a filling, prefabricated post and core buildup, and crown. If there are any questions or concerns, please call our office at 570-622-3437.

Following the administration of local anesthesia, numbness can persist for a number of hours. This numbness may affect your teeth, lips or tongue. It is extremely important to avoid chewing until the numbness has completely resolved.

After the first appointment in fabrication a crown or bridge, the tooth and gums may be uncomfortable. Please use medications as directed. It is also beneficial to utilize warm salt water rinses several times a day. A temporary crown or bridge is placed with temporary cement. It is very important to avoid hard, chewy and sticky foods. Floss gently around the temporary restoration. Excessive force may loosen or dislodge the temporary restoration. It is also very important to call our office at 570-622-3437 if a temporary comes off so it may be re-cemented to prevent shifting of surrounding teeth.

Bleeding

Following the extraction of teeth, a gauze pad should be placed over the tooth socket. You are instructed to keep your jaws firmly closed for 30 to 45 minutes. Carefully remove and place new gauze pads every 30 to 45 minutes as bleeding continues. Two gauze changes should be sufficient. If bleeding persists, moisten a tea bag and close firmly in a similar fashion. Some slight seepage of blood over a number of hours following extraction is normal and gauze is not needed for this. DO NOT SPIT - you must swallow your saliva.

Swelling

Swelling is normal following more difficult extractions. Ice may be applied over the jaw for 10 minutes on and 30 minutes off for 24 hours. This will help to reduce some of the swelling that may occur. Swelling usually does not occur until the day following surgery. A hard, tender swelling accompanied with an elevated temperature may indicate the onset of an infection and should be evaluated in the office.

Pain

To minimize post-operative pain, take pain medication if prescribed or over the counter medication if recommended at the first sign of pain. Unless otherwise directed, take the medication on a full stomach. Some tenderness is anticipated but moderate to severe pain persisting on the days following the extraction may indicate poor healing and you are encouraged to return to the office for treatment and observation. Early treatment will provide relief and promote healing. All pain medication can cause drowsiness and caution should be exercised when operating a motor vehicle or machinery while taking the medication.

Mouthwash

DO NOT use a straw for the first 24 hours following surgery. Do not brush the teeth around the extraction or rinse your mouth for 24 hours. Starting on the following day, the mouth should be gently rinsed with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water 3 or 4 times a day for the first few days. Clean your teeth with a toothbrush being gentle at the surgery site. A clean mouth will promote uncomplicated healing.

Smoking

We strongly urge our patients to refrain for a full 48 hours following surgery. Smoking can delay healing and be a possible cause of infection and discomfort. Feel free to call the office at 570-622-3437 if you have any questions or if a problem arises.

For patients receiving new dentures to either replace previously worn dentures or restore hopeless natural teeth, a transition period will exist regardless. Dentures should be removed at night and soaked in a specifically designed denture cleaning agent. Dentures should NOT be soaked in bleaching agents or mouthwashes as color alterations will occur. It is best to cut food up in smaller pieces and chewing will be best balanced any biting on both sides simultaneously. To help with speech, read newspapers or magazines aloud in the privacy of your own home to facilitate public conversation.

A period of adjusting the denture is normal following its initial insertion. IF the gums are being rubbed and sore spots are experienced, please call our office at 570-622-3437 for an appointment to have the necessary adjustments.