Post Op Instructions
Home Care Following Nerve Therapy
We used a local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the area being treated. This numbness in your lips, teeth and tongue might last for several hours after the procedure. You should avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.
What if my tooth hurts?
For the first few days after your nerve therapy, you may have some discomfort or sensitivity in the tooth that was treated, particularly if there was pain and infection prior to the treatment. If antibiotics have been prescribed for the infection, it's important that you take them for the full length of time indicated on the prescription, even if all signs of infection are gone. To control discomfort, we recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever, following label directions. To further reduce pain and swelling, you can rinse three times a day with warm salt water. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and then gently swish the water around the tooth and spit.
Caring for your temporary crown or filling
The temporary filling or crown was placed to protect your teeth while your custom restoration is being created in a dental lab. It's common for a small portion of a temporary filling to wear away or break off. This usually is not a problem. However, you should take these precautions to ensure that your temporary filling or crown stays securely in place:
- Avoid chewing gum and eating sticky or hard foods
- If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth
- Continue to brush normally
- Floss carefully each day, pulling the floss out from the side as you floss next to the temporary lifting the floss out from the top can cause the temporary to come loose.
