Post-Op Instructions

When you receive treatment at Chestnut Family Dentistry, Dr. Wendy Willoughby, Dr. Teresa Bare and our team will provide you with detailed pre- and post-op instructions to help you recover afterwards. Below is a general outline of instructions. We invite you to call us at 828-255-0936 if you have any questions or to schedule a follow-up appointment with our dentists in Asheville, North Carolina.

Anesthesia and Numbness

Following your procedure, you can expect the effects of the anesthesia to fade away within a span of one to three hours. Throughout this interval, it is crucial to remain attentive to the numb area of your mouth and take measures to prevent accidentally biting or chewing on the numbed tongue, lips or cheek.

Sensitivity

The gum tissue and tooth (or teeth) that were treated might display heightened sensitivity to temperature changes and pressure compared to your usual sensations. This is a standard reaction, with the level of sensitivity differing based on the extent of the procedure. You can expect these sensations to gradually subside within several days to a couple of weeks; although in unusual instances, the heightened sensitivity could endure for up to six months. As long as your gums and teeth are in the process of healing without deterioration, the recovery is on track and any unease can be set aside.

Managing Discomfort

Our suggestion is to adhere to the directed usage of ibuprofen (Motrin) to address inflammation in the treated area. Keep in mind that this is not for pain reduction, but it may help alleviate the sensitivity to temperature changes and pressure. In the case of lingering discomfort, you can either take Tylenol or rinse your mouth using warm salt water.

Avoid the consumption of any over-the-counter medications that you may have allergies to.

Potential Bite Problems

Should you notice that, after the anesthesia has worn off, your treated teeth are making contact before the adjacent teeth when biting down, we urge you to reach out to our team without delay. Timely action will assist in ensuring that your bite remains balanced, averting future discomfort or bite-related problems.

Temporary Crowns

For individuals with temporary crowns while awaiting their permanent ones:

• Steer clear of consuming chewy or hard foods and candies, as they have the potential to dislodge the temporary crown.
• Bear in mind to floss around your temporary crown by threading the floss between your teeth, then releasing one end and gently pulling it through the side of the tooth.

Schedule An Appointment

In case you have any questions or worries that are not been covered here, please contact our office. We are always here and ready to provide assistance.