Home Care Instructions

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We Take Your Oral Care Seriously, Even After You’ve Gone Home

At MacArthur Dental Arts we recognize that having a dental procedure can sometimes be overwhelming. For your convenience we’ve listed some after care instructions for our more common dental procedures to help refresh your memory once you’ve returned home. If you’re not finding the information that you’re looking for, please do not hesitate to call our office so that one of our knowledgeable team members can help you.

After Dental Implant Placement

After getting implants, avoid doing anything that could irritate the device. That includes touching it, rinsing the mouth with mouthwash for the first few days, or spitting. This is particularly important if there is a healing cap coming through the gum tissue.
Do not panic if the site of the surgery continues bleeding for the first 24 hours. That is perfectly normal. If the bleeding seems excessive, it can be minimized by placing gauze on the operation site and biting down on it for 30 minutes. If the bleeding last for longer than 24 hours, contact our office immediately at 949-251-8544.
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After Cosmetic Reconstruction

Keep in mind that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered, or the position of the teeth has changed it can take several days for the brain to recognize the new position and/or thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at 949-251-8544 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.
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Temporary Crown and Bridge

In rare cases, when your crowns and bridges can't be designed and fabricated in the office, they can sometimes take two or three appointments 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 the custom restoration is being made. Since the teeth will be anesthetized, the tongue, lips, and roof of the mouth may be numb. Please refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages until the numbness is completely worn off.
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After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
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After Composite Fillings (white fillings)

When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb.
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After In-Office Whitening

Remember that after a teeth whitening treatment, the pores of your enamel are open and this makes them extra vulnerable to any stains. Once the pores close, which usually happens 24–48 hours after the procedure, you can resume your normal habits.
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