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Post-Op Instructions

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Even though your surgery is done, you still need to take care of your mouth at home to prevent complications and heal properly. That’s why at Dr. Richard Hardt, DDS, we also give you clear post-op instructions after getting crowns, extractions, and other procedures.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth when a regular filling won’t suffice. In our office, we often finish crown treatments in a single visit, minimizing the need for temporary crowns or extra appointments.

After the treatment, you may experience some sensitivity to hot or cold, but this should improve gradually. If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact us for a follow-up appointment, as even a slight imbalance in your bite can lead to long-term discomfort.

Sometimes, a root canal is necessary when the tooth doesn't heal as expected. This additional procedure can significantly enhance your comfort and eating ability.

Extractions

Getting a tooth extraction can be intimidating, especially if it's your first time. Our priority is to make the process as gentle and comfortable as possible. Pain during extractions is rare and we can easily address it using anesthesia and sedation.

After the procedure, the discomfort or swelling depends on the complexity of the extraction. Most discomfort can be managed with medication and proper care at home.

We recommend applying pressure with gauze to stop bleeding and sticking to cool, soft foods for the first day. After that period, warm saltwater rinses and gentle brushing after 24 hours will aid healing.

If pain persists or worsens, contact us to check for any complications like a dry socket, which can be swiftly treated.

Fillings

We place fillings when decay or fractures affect a tooth. During the procedure, we remove the affected portion and replace it with a tooth-colored restoration. The complexity of the treatment varies based on the patient's needs and the workload of the tooth.

Some sensitivity to temperature and chewing is normal and tends to improve quickly. If sensitivity persists, we may need to follow up, often resolving it with a simple bite adjustment.

While we ensure the bite is correct before you leave, it may need fine-tuning as you chew on it for a day or two.

Gum Treatments

Gum treatments are common and vary depending on the health of your gums and jawbone. Our aim is to clean away debris and roughness around the teeth and gum tissue to heal the affected area. Anesthesia may be recommended for thorough, pain-free treatment.

Afterward, some gum tenderness is normal, and you can ease it by using soft brushes and doing warm saltwater rinses. Stimulating gums also aids healing, even when they bleed — often a sign of gum disease.

Cold sensitivity post-treatment is a temporary part of the process and can be relieved with sensitive toothpaste or prescription fluoride gel.

If you have questions or suffer from any persistent issues after surgery, feel free to contact our team and we’ll be happy to help.

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