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Post-Op Instructions

It is important to follow instructions after your dental procedures to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. The instructions found below are guidelines. After any dental procedure, the doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions and please ask them any questions you may have. You can always call our office as well 480-782-8825. 

Root Canal Therapy 

Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes the nerves and blood supply to your affected tooth. Blood and nerve supply to your tooth is from within the tooth canals. This area is cleaned, sterilized, filled and sealed. This prevents bacteria from entering the canals. 

1.    Do not eat for a minimum of 1 hour after procedure, or until numbness thoroughly wears off.
2.    It is normal for the tooth to be tender or sore to chewing. Expect this discomfort to subside within a few days. Sometimes, the tooth and surrounding tissue may remain sore for a few weeks after treatment. The three most common reasons for post-operative pain:

• Sore jaw joint from having your mouth open for a prolonged time.
• Sore muscle from the injection site.
• Bruising in the bone of the affected area.

3.    We recommend that you take something for pain relief within one hour of leaving our office. Medications such as Ibuprofen, Advil, or Aleve should take care of this discomfort. Tylenol is a substitute, although it does not contain anti-inflammatory properties.

4.    You can take up to 800mg every 4-6 hours for prescription strength relief. It is strongly recommended that you take one dose within one hour of leaving our office. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them as directed even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone. If you are allergic to these medications, do not take them and notify our office.

5.    It is important to continue to brush normally and floss carefully after treatment.

6.    Usually, the last step after root canal therapy is the placement of a permanent filling or crown on the tooth. A crown covers and protects the tooth from breaking. If your bite feels uneven in the future, or if you’re having persistent pain or swelling, or you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at 480-782-8825. Please call our office if you notice an increasing amount of pain or tenderness, a reaction to the medication, or the loss of the temporary restoration (filling).

It is important to follow instructions after your dental procedures to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. The instructions found below are guidelines. After any dental procedure, the doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions and please ask them any questions you may have. You can always call our office as well 480-782-8825. 

CROWNS or BRIDGES

Crowns and bridges take more than one appointment to complete. In the first visit the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while your custom restoration is being made. To keep your temporaries in place, avoid eating sticky foods (gum), hard foods, and if possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. It is important to brush normally, but floss carefully and don't pull up on the floss as it may dislodge the temporary crown. If your temporary crown falls off, call our office immediately so we may re-cement it. Do not throw the temporary away. 
There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away. 

1.    We recommend that you do not eat on the side that is numb after your visit. While you are numb, please be careful not to bite your lip, cheek, or tongue.
2.    It is not uncommon to experience temporary soreness in the area to cold or chewing, lasting only seconds. This indicates a healthy nerve that will eventually recover to feeling ‘normal’ again. This soreness may take up to 2 weeks to heal, but occasionally recovery can take a few months.
3.    For a few days after your visit, the area worked on may be tender to a lot of chewing. Be gentle with the area, chew on the other side as much as possible.
4.    During the procedure, the numbness often makes it difficult to feel your bite correctly. If a crown feels tall, or high in your bite, it may not allow your other teeth to meet together properly, or cause pain while chewing. If you are experiencing these things, please call our office within a few days of your visit. We may need to see you again for a slight adjustment on the biting surface of the tooth.
5.    If Dr. Peifer used anesthetic for your visit, it should last for approximately an hour or two after you leave our office, unless he told you otherwise. There may be a bruise at the site of the injection that lasts for a few days. This is a normal soreness. When the permanent crown or bridge is placed it may feel a little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should feel like one of your natural tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. Caring for your bridge or crown is just like caring for your own teeth. You should brush and floss regularly.

It is important to follow instructions after your dental procedures to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. The instructions found below are guidelines. After any dental procedure, the doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions and please ask them any questions you may have. You can always call our office as well 480-782-8825. 

White Fillings (Bonding) 

Your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after filling treatments. 
A mild pain medication (Tylenol or Motrin) should reduce any discomfort. 
You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic (numbing) completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office. 

1.    We recommend that you do not eat on the side that is numb after your visit. While you are numb, please be careful not to bite your lip, cheek, or tongue.
2.    It is important to continue regular brushing and flossing in the area and to continue regular recall visits with our hygienist.
3.    It is not uncommon to experience temporary soreness in the area to cold or chewing, lasting only seconds. This indicates a healthy nerve that will eventually recover to feeling
‘normal’ again. This soreness may take up to 2 weeks to heal, but occasionally recovery can take a few months. Injection sites may also be sore.
4.    For a few days after your visit, the area worked on may be tender to a lot of chewing. Be gentle with the area, chew on the other side as much as possible, and avoid chewing hard things on the new filling like nuts or raw carrots.
5.    During the procedure, the numbness often makes it difficult to feel your bite correctly. If a filling feels tall, or high in your bite, it may not allow your other teeth to meet together properly, or cause pain while chewing. If you are experiencing these things, please call our office within a few days of your visit. We may need to see you again for a slight adjustment on the biting surface of the tooth.
6.    If Dr. Peifer used anesthetic for your visit, it should last for approximately an
hour after or two, after you leave our office, unless the doctor told you otherwise. There may be a bruise at the site of the injection that lasts for a few days. This is a normal soreness.After the anesthesia wears off your teeth will likely be sensitive. You should avoid hot and cold food or drink for the next few days. After that initial period, your treated teeth will feel as good as new. Continue your normal hygiene plan to ensure that your fillings last for a long time.

It is important to follow instructions after your dental procedures to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. The instructions found below are guidelines. After any dental procedure, the doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions and please ask them any questions you may have. You can always call our office as well 480-782-8825. 

Scaling and Root Planing

 Scaling and Root Planing therapy involves removing bacterial plaque and tartar from the root surface below the gum line. This reduces inflammation/infection and allows re-attachment of the gums to the root surface. The depth of the periodontal pockets is reduced thus allowing more efficient flossing and brushing. After this procedure your gums will probably be slightly sore and irritated for a few days. You should rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1 tsp salt/8 oz water) 2-3 times a day. This will relieve the pain and cleanse the area. Brushing and flossing should be continued right after the procedure, but you should brush gently so that you do not further irritate the area. If you experience any swelling or stiffness in the area you can place a cold compress on the area and take some pain relieving medicine. Avoid any hard or chewy foods for 2-3 days after the surgery to ensure the area heals correctly. If you continue to experience pain or swelling after a few days contact our office.

It is important to follow instructions after your dental procedures to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications. The instructions found below are guidelines. After any dental procedure, the doctor or dental assistant will give you full instructions and please ask them any questions you may have. You can always call our office as well 480-782-8825.  

Veneers

 Before you receive your permanent veneer you will first receive a temporary restoration. This is not as sturdy as the permanent version, so you should be careful when cleaning and eating. You should brush the area gently and should not pull up on the tooth when flossing because it could become dislodged. The same goes for eating. You should avoid sticky or chewy foods while you have the temporary in. 
There may be some sensitivity and irritation after the temporary or permanent is placed. This is normal and will subside after the soft tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse will help, and you can also take Advil or Tylenol if the pain does not go away. 
When the veneer is placed it may feel a little awkward for a few days. Your mouth needs to adjust to the new tooth, and it should feel like one of your natural tooth in less than a week. If your bite feels abnormal in any way, you should let your dentist know. When brushing and flossing you should pay close attention to the area between the veneer and the tooth at the gum line. 

Extractions (tooth removal)

You have had a surgical operation in your mouth. It must be cared for just as an operation on any other part of the body. Some discomfort, bleeding and swelling should be expected in the next 24 to 48 hours as your mouth heals. Following these instructions will promote faster healing and avoid complications. 

1.    Leave the gauze pad in with moderate biting pressure for 1 hour. This pressure helps reduce bleeding and permits a clot to form in the tooth socket. If bleeding persists, additional gauze pads may be used.
2.    Do not spit, suck through a straw, blow your nose, or sneeze violently. These actions will promote bleeding and may dislodge clot.  The sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process.
3.    For the first 24-48 hours, you should maintain a diet of soft foods. Hot and spicy foods should be avoided to prevent irritation and burns in the extraction site. Also avoid carbonated and hot beverages for 3-4 days. Avoid sticky foods like taffy. Return to a normal diet as tolerated.
4.    For the first 24 hours, your activity should be limited. No bending over or heavy lifting for 2-3 days. When lying down, keep your head elevated with pillows to control bleeding. Please be aware you may get severe bleeding following extractions under increased air pressure conditions such as flying or diving under water.
5.    Do not smoke or use tobacco products for 48 hours after surgery. Smoke can interfere with healing, promote bleeding, and cause a painful situation known as “dry socket”.
6.    Do not directly brush extraction site for the first 3-4 days after surgery. Avoid all rinsing for the first 24 hours. After the first 24 hours you should gently rinse the area using warm salt water (1 tablespoon salt in 8 oz of water). Do not use hot water. In addition, rinse the extraction site after eating.
7.    Tylenol or Motrin can be taken every four hours as needed or as directed by Dr. Peifer. Avoid aspirin as it promotes bleeding. If antibiotics are prescribed, follow the instructions and take until gone.
8.    To treat any swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold towel for 12 to 24 hours. Apply alternately, 10-20 on the 10-20 minutes off, for 6 hours or longer if necessary.
After the surgery you will need to rest. You may need to be driven home by a friend or family member because of the anesthesia. If you have prolonged pain, bleeding, irritation, or don’t feel that the extraction site is healing properly call your dentist for a follow up.

CALL OUR OFFICE ANYTIME YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS 480-782-8825

Night Guard/ Occlusal Guard

You have been given a new appliance called a night guard/occlusal guard to help prevent tooth wear and jaw pain. This guard, made of acrylic, has been designed specifically for your teeth and it should fit comfortably. Proper care will also ensure good health and longevity for your guard. In order to maintain a proper fit, these instructions should be followed. 

1.    We recommend storing your new guard in a protective case when not in use. The container should be dishwasher safe or disposable and cleaned or switched on a regular basis to prevent bacterial build-up.
2.    To clean your guard, use a designated soft tooth brush to scrub it regularly. Use toothpaste as a cleaning agent. Avoid storing the appliance in mouthwash, because it will discolor. You can bring your guard to your cleaning appointments; we will remove any hard build-ups with our ultrasonic cleaner.
3.    Wear your guard as directed by Dr. Peifer. The majority of patients are instructed to wear their guard every night while sleeping.

If you have any questions about your new night guard or if it doesn’t fit comfortably, please call us. 480-782-8825 

Whitening

You were given “molds” of your teeth with the bleaching trays. These trays are custom to your teeth. Please keep the molds so incase something happens to your trays, we don’t have to take another impression or molds of your teeth. 

1.    Brush and floss teeth daily, avoid using toothpaste containing hydrogen peroxide or baking soda or any other whitening products on your teeth.
2.    Brush and floss really well before whitening to remove any plaque or buildup.
3.    Apply a small amount of whitening gel in the face-side of the of each tooth space, except the last molars. Place the trays with gel in your mouth. Notice the gel “squish up” against your teeth and make sure the entire tooth structure is covered with the gel (to avoid spotting).
4.    Wipe excess gel using your finger, Q-tip, or a clean toothbrush. Do not let the gel get on your gums as it will cause sensitivity.
5.    Wear your trays once or twice daily for 1-2 hours per application.
6.    After whitening, remove and rinse the trays with warm or cool water, removing all residual gel. Store trays in their case in a cool, dry place. Rinse and brush excess gel from teeth.
7.    Whitening is not immediate for most people. It may take a few consecutive days or even 2 weeks of bleaching before noticing a difference. Also, whitening is gradual, so you may not notice them looking whiter if you look everyday, so some patients take before and after pictures to compare.
8.    Store any additional whitening gel in the refrigerator for later use. The gel has a shelf life of 1 year if refrigerated.

9.    Avoid citrus food and juices because they can cause tooth sensitivity. Do not use tobacco for at least 48 hours after whitening. Avoid coffee, dark colas, red wine. These things cause re-staining of the teeth.
10.    Call our office if you have any questions. 480-782-8825