Instructions After Zoom Whitening

• For the first 48 hours, avoid food and liquid containing coloring agents such as coffee, tea, red wine, beets or any food or drink that would stain a white tee shirt.
• No smoking or tobacco use of any kind.
• It takes a week or two for the color to stabilize.
• Temporary sensitivity may occur for 1-3 days. We recommend using Sensodyne toothpaste for sensitivity.
• To maximize the whitening effect, continue at home whitening for 3 days.
• Touch up whitening at home every 3 months using at home whitening gel for 7 consecutive days.

Take Home Whitening Instructions

• A smear of gel in the tray for 30 minutes per day.
• Use gel for 7 consecutive days.
• For best results do not skip days in between whitening.
• If sensitivity occurs, discontinue use for 24 hours and resume the next day.
• Temporary sensitivity may occur for 1-3 days. We recommend Sensodyne toothpaste for sensitivity
• For the first 48 hours, avoid food and liquid containing coloring agents such as coffee, tea, red wine, beets or any food or drink that would stain a white tee shirt.
• No smoking or tobacco use of any kind.
• It takes a week or two for the color to stabilize.
• In case of accidental ingestion, rinse mouth thoroughly and drink lots of water.

Instructions after Fillings & Same Day Crowns

• Most of our crowns are completed in one appointment. However, some cases may require a temporary crown.
• Our fillings are light cured, therefore eating and drinking is allowed immediately after the visit.
• If anesthetic was used please be careful not to bite your tongue/cheek/lip until numbness wears off in 1-3 hours. Waiting to eat is recommended.
• Temporary sensitivity is normal for the first 24-48 hours. If sensitivity to hot/cold, biting continues for more than 48 hours please call the office.
• These procedures do not cause nerve exposure, however, there is always the possibility of the need for Root Canal Treatment.

Instructions after Bridge Treatment

• From the start of treatment until the final appointment, a temporary bridge will be placed to protect the prepared bridge.
• Please avoid chewing/biting on the treatment side of the mouth.
• Avoid chewing gum, hard foods and foods with seeds/kernels that can become lodged under the temporary bridge.
• Brush teeth 2x per day, be gentle when using floss or picks around the treated teeth. Slide floss through to avoid pulling up and de-bonding the temporary bridge.
• If your temporary bridge falls out or becomes loose please call the office.

Instructions After Tooth Extraction

• Bite down gently on gauze for 20 minutes using steady pressure (no talking).
• Remove gauze, if bleeding is still present, place new gauze at the site of extraction and bite down with steady pressure for an additional 20 minutes.
• Ice pack may be placed on the outside of the cheek to minimize swelling. We recommend on and off in 10 minute intervals for one hour.
• No eating or drinking for the first 2 hours.
• Please avoid: Straws, hot food or beverages, crunchy or spicy foods on the day of treatment. Yogurt, ice cream, pudding and Jell-O’s are recommended.
• We recommend over the counter pain medications for discomfort.
• No smoking for at least the first 24 hours. Smoking can lead to a dry socket (which is an infection of the wound).
• Please refrain from touching the wound. Gentle rinsing is allowed later in the day. Please be careful not to disrupt the blood clot that has formed.
• You may brush your teeth later in the day but please avoid the wound. 
• In case of excessive bleeding please contact the office or your doctor.

Night Guard Instructions

• Everyday use is recommended to protect the teeth while grinding. If appliance is not used every night your teeth may shift or rotate causing your appliance to not fit properly.
• Appliance should be brushed daily after removal to keep the appliance clean. It is ok to soak your Night Guard in cleaning substances designed for dental appliances.
• Night Guard should be rinsed prior to insertion.
• If your appliance is not fitting correctly you should contact the office.

Instructions After Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning Treatment of Periodontal Disease)

• Minor sensitivity may be present after treatment.
• Wait for the numbing sensation to dissipate before eating. Chew on the opposite side of the mouth.
• Gentle but thorough brushing is recommended twice per day, preferably with an electric toothbrush.
• Use recommended floss and or interproximal brushes for cleaning between the teeth at least once per day.
• This procedure is normally completed in two visits. It is important that these two visits occur as close to each other as possible. This will help prevent the bacteria from spreading to the areas that have already been treated.
• Since Scaling and Root Planing is not a cure for Periodontal Disease, it is highly recommended that you be seen for Periodontal Maintenance visits in 3 or 4 month intervals.