Home Care Instructions

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 at (949) 251-8544 so that one of our knowledgeable team members can help you.
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After Dental Implant Placement
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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.
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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 lasts for longer than 24 hours, contact our office immediately at (949) 251-8544.
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Swelling is also a regular part of most surgical procedures. Swelling can be minimized by using an ice pack on the cheek close to the site of the surgery. Apply ice for 15 minutes, then take a 15-minute break.
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Any food that involves chewing should be avoided for the first few days after surgery. Stick to soft foods like yogurt and liquids like soups.
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Patients typically experience pain when the anesthetic wears off. The dentist will prescribe medication to take care of that, however, over-the-counter pain relievers may be enough to alleviate the discomfort. The dentist will also prescribe antibiotics which should be taken as prescribed. These medicines are only useful when the proper dosage is followed.
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For the first few days of dental implant aftercare, avoid using toothpaste or mouthwash. Instead, warm salt-water solution should be used to clean your mouth after every meal. Once the surgical area has healed a bit, you can go back to your regular oral hygiene routine. Extra care should be taken when brushing, especially close to the healing cap.
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The first few days after getting dental implants should be used to rest. The more rest, the faster the recovery period will be. Avoid physically taxing activities like exercise as it can lead to pain and bleeding. It is best to spend the first few days resting in bed. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (949) 251-8544.
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After Cosmetic Reconstruction
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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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It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm saltwater rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin)) used as directed should ease any residual discomfort.
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If your speech is affected for the first few days, don't be concerned. You'll quickly adapt and be speaking normally in no time. You may also notice an increase in salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.
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Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.
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Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.
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Temporary Crown and Bridge
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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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Occasionally a temporary crown may come off. Call us at (949) 251-8544 if this happens and bring the temporary crown with you so we can re-cement it. It is very important for the temporary to stay in place, as it will prevent other teeth from moving and compromising the fit of your final restoration.
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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 which may dislodge the temporary.
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It is normal to experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity after each appointment. The sensitivity should subside a few weeks after the placement of the final restoration. Mild pain medications may also be used as directed by our office.
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If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (949) 251-8544.
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After Tooth Extraction
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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 the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
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After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
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Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office at (949) 251-8544 if the medication doesn't seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
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It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
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After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at (949) 251-8544.
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After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)
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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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It is normal to experience some hot, cold and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (use as directed) work well to alleviate the tenderness. If pressure sensitivity persists beyond a few days or if the sensitivity to hot or cold increases, contact our office at (949) 251-8544.
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You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the anesthetic completely wears off, since they are fully set when you leave the office.
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If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (949) 251-8544.
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After In-Office Whitening
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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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Be sure to avoid foods and drinks that have a lot of color, including the following:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Tobacco products, including smoking and chew
• Soft drinks
• Red wine
• Soy sauce
• Mustard / ketchup
• Red sauces
• Dark berries

You may experience minor sensitivity for 12-36 hours after whitening. Try using a sensitivity toothpaste to help reduce any sensations you may be experiencing. You may also take OTC Motrin, Advil, or Extra-Strength Tylenol. Please refer to the instructions on the label for directions on proper dosing. If the sensitivity is not subsiding or if you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (949) 251-8544.
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Questions About Your Recovery?
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Every recovery is a little different. If something doesn't feel right, don't wait it out, call us at (949) 251-8544 or book online if you need to be seen.