Advices
In this section we discuss important aspects that should be kept in mind after different dental procedures. Please try to stick to our advice and follow it precisely, thus making it possible to achieve the best treatment results.
After surgery or tooth extraction...
1) Wound pain and discomfort may be present after the anesthesia has worn off. Such pain may last for several days after surgery. Pain can be alleviated with painkillers that you can obtain from any pharmacy over-the-counter. Ibuprofen-containing and multi-component anti-inflammatories are effective painkillers.
2) Cool the wound area to avoid swelling. To do this, place an ice bag (extra-orally) on the wound area.
3) Do not place wound packs (chamomile, ethanol, etc.) on the wound.
4) You may experience slight weakness during the first hours that follow the procedure. Activities that involve physical exertion are not recommended for a few days.
5) If the wound has been covered with a special dressing, eating is not allowed for two hours. Even later it is advisable to eat softer foods until the wound dressing has been removed. While brushing your teeth try to avoid contact with the wound dressing and do not use an electric toothbrush after surgery.
6) Follow your doctor’s prescriptions and use treatment-supporting drugs as indicated.
7) Rinse the wound with chlorhexidine solution twice daily for two weeks. Rinsing should last one minute and you should perform it half an hour after brushing your teeth. A wound may be rinsed for a maximum of two weeks, if not prescribed otherwise. The solution may cause tooth pigmentation, but it is not permanent and can easily be removed after treatment has finished. In case of a burning sensation in your mouth or gum tenderness dilute the solution with water or consult your dentist.
After root canal therapy...
1) …the treated tooth may remain slightly tender. This is caused by the drug placed into the root canal.
2) …eating is not allowed for two hours, because temporary filling has been placed in the tooth.
3) …follow the treatment plan that has been prescribed by your doctor.
4) …remember that even if the tooth has been devitalised (i.e. “deadened”) and the root filling(s) is(are) in place, you still have to get it checked and X-rayed after one year, this also applying if no pain or sensation are present. It is also advisable to do regular X-raying every few years in order to be sure that the treatment has been successful.
After a filling has been placed...
1) …the tooth may be slightly tender and sensitive when biting. Such tenderness may last from a few days to a couple of weeks. Still, tenderness tends to disappear in a few days and is therefore no cause for concern. However, if the tenderness persists or spontaneous pain occurs, then it is advisable to see your dentist immediately because the tooth may be inflamed or the dental filling contact has remained “higher.”
2) …if the dental filling is uneven or your dental floss keeps getting stuck while flossing, tell your dentist about it and ask him/her to polish the filling. Such unpolished areas easily accumulate dental plaque and may cause secondary caries in the future (i.e. a new dental cavity may appear next to the filling).
After gum treatment...
1) …the dental necks and gums may remain tender. Avoid extreme cold or hot food/drinks.
2) …despite tenderness, try to follow your personal hygiene programme devised by your doctor: exercise caution and use interdental brush or dental floss to clean interdental spaces, if not prescribed otherwise.
3) …rinse the wound with chlorhexidine solution twice daily for two weeks. Rinsing should last one minute and you should perform it half an hour after brushing your teeth. Wounds may be rinsed for a maximum of two weeks, if not prescribed otherwise. The solution may cause tooth pigmentation, but it is not permanent and can easily be removed after treatment has finished. In case of a burning sensation in your mouth or gum tenderness dilute the solution with water or consult your dentist.
After a removable denture has been placed...
1) …wearing it may initially be uncomfortable. Please be patient and try to wear the denture regardless of the uncomfortable feeling – you will get used to your dentures! The first two weeks that follow the completion of dentures are usually the most difficult and your mouth has to adapt to the new situation. During this period, remove your denture only for cleaning and also wear it at night. Later on, the denture has to be removed for the night.
2) If the denture is not in your mouth, it should be placed in a glass of water or wrapped in a moist towel and put into a special box. If this is not done, the denture material will dry and become fragile. It may also change in shape and cause fitting problems.
3) Your denture needs cleaning twice daily. Dentures should be washed under running water and special cleaning devices (water-soluble tablets) should be used that help to disinfect the dentures. You may also use a special soft brush, if necessary. It is not advisable to clean your dentures with toothpaste due to the abrasive properties of the latter and the possibility of damaging the denture surface. Special attention should be paid to cleaning the clasp area. Denture care devices are available at pharmacies.
We have been offering dental care to the whole family since 2006.
Dental care for adults
Children's dentistry
Dental care for pensioners
Kesklinna Hambakliinik is a full-service dental clinic in Pärnu
Our doctors assist and advise both adults and children in dental matters, based on the patient’s wishes and our experience and capabilities.