BEFORE APPOINTMENT: Be on time or even 15 minutes early as the doctor may wish to administer a mild sedative, or anti-inflammatory medication. Get plenty of rest the night before.  Eat a light breakfast avoiding caffeine to insure a comfortable relaxed visit.

AFTER FILLINGS: Fortunately in our office we do not place mercury containing silver fillings. Our restorations are a natural tooth colored composite which actually bonds chemically to the tooth making it stronger and providing a better marginal seal while also releasing Fluoride. If there is ever a time that decay develops around this type of resoration (which is unlikely with normal brushing and flossing)we can add to it rather than removing the entire filling like with silver. This type of restoration also allows us to be more conservative in our preparation which means less drilling. Occasionally some patients feel some sensitivity to cold but that is rare. There may be soreness in the gums around the injection site or around the tooth. This usually diminishes in a couple of days and can be treated with ibuprofen and/or hydrogen peroxide type mouthwash along with normal hygiene procedures. Exposure to alcohol routinely like in mouthwash should be avoided as alcohol will soften the surface of the tooth colored restoration and trap more plaque. If this happens you will notice that gum may stick to the restoration and require additional polishing.

AFTER TEMPORARY CROWN: The tooth may be a little sensitive to cold especially at the gum line as a temporary crown does not always fit as well as a permanent crown. A permanent crown will also look much better. If the tooth feels high please come in for an adjustment before the ligament bruises and makes the tooth sore. Please avoid eating sticky foods or gum as that may cause the temporary crown to come off which is not uncommon. If this happens call us so we can recement it.  In the meantime replace it with denture adhesive until you can see us.

AFTER PERMANENT CROWN: Some patients experience sensitivity to the cement but this is extremely rare. If the tooth feels high please come in for an adjustment before the ligament bruises and makes the tooth sore.

AFTER ENDODONTIC THERAPY: The tooth will probably be a little tender to chew on for a couple of days.  Always continue any antibiotics prescribed until finished.  Pain medication may not be prescribed as ibuprofen is usually sufficient.

AFTER EXTRACTION: Place ice for 48 hours in 30 minute intervals. Bite on gauze firmly to control any bleeding for 30 minutes with ice on outside of face around extraction site. If you should run out of gauze, biting on a tea bag will help. Stay on a soft diet and keep teeth and extraction site clean with a peroxide rinse after meals. Take medicine as prescribed. Small sharp bony fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots but if annoying return to the office for simple removal. DO NOT SMOKE as this may lead to a dry socket which is extremely uncomfortable and usually occurs on the 3rd day after the extraction. If this occurs a strong odor will be detected and the socket will need a medical packing placed.

DENTURES AND REMOVABLE PARTIAL DENTURE: When a sore spot arises please call the office for a simple adjustment to avoid an ulcer occurring. Wear for at least an hour before appointment so Dr. Roethele can mark the sore spot.  Clean dentures with mild soap and water and a soft brush. Toothpaste is abrasive and will cause denture to stain. Clasps may need to be tightened on older metal partial dentures during normal cleaning visits.

PERIODONTAL TREATMENT: There may be soreness in the gums around the injection site and/or the treated areas. This usually diminishes in a couple of days and can be treated with ibuprofen and/or hydrogen peroxide type mouthwash along with normal hygiene procedures.

Before Botox and Dermal Fillers: To reduce risk of bleeding and bruising avoid the following for 2 days prior to treatment: • Alcoholic beverages • Anti-inflammatories • Aspirin • Vitamin E • Ginkgo Biloba • If you have a history of oral herpes simplex, you should be pre-treated prior to the procedure

After Botox:  Do not massage or scratch the injection site • Effects are not immediate – you should see results in 3-7 days • Remain upright (no bending over or reclining) for four hours • Exercise the treated muscles every 15 minutes for four hours • Avoid makeup for four hours after injections

After Dermal Fillers: You may apply ice, as needed, for the remainder of the day to reduce swelling • Gently massage any nodules that may appear during next 24 hours • Avoid prolonged sun or UV exposure for two weeks • Avoid saunas and steam baths for two weeks • Avoid makeup for four hours