Patient Care Information

Pre-Treatment Instructions for Inlays and Onlays

Congratulations!

You are on your way to receiving the most advanced, state-of-the-art cosmetic and structurally sound restorative dentistry available today. We are excited with what Cosmetic Dentistry can do for you and your teeth, and are pleased that you are as committed to high quality dentistry, as we are. It’s our privilege to provide you this service. Please call if you have any questions
Here are a few simple rules to follow as your final restoration is being custom fabricated for you by our laboratory.

DISCOMFORT: After the tooth/teeth have had the decay removed and structure stabilized, you may experience some minor sensitivity. You can help reduce this by taking aspirin or ibuprofen every four hours. Please remember, if you have been given anesthetic, it should wear off in a couple of hours. Please be careful not to chew on the tooth (teeth) until this occurs.

TEMPORARY CARE: A temporary tooth-colored restoration was placed to protect the tooth (teeth) while your new restoration is being made. Avoid heavy chewing and sticky foods. If the restoration seems to loosen, do not be alarmed. Call our office and we will arrange a time so things may be placed in their proper positions. Even if there is no discomfort involved, it is very important that we re-cement this restoration; so that the teeth don’t drift – making placement of your final restoration very difficult.

CLEANING: Proper care of the interim restoration – if placed – is a must! Brushing can be accomplished with a gentle motion on the sides of the tooth – flexing the soft bristles at the gum line. We may instruct you not to use dental floss, depending on the procedure. When flossing is recommended, place it gently between the teeth, clean the gum areas as usual, then release your inside finger and pull the floss through the space, toward the cheek. Do not draw the floss back between the two teeth.

Pre-Treatment Instructions for Crowns or Bridges

Congratulations!

You are on your way to receiving the most advanced, state-of-the-art cosmetic and structurally sound restorative dentistry available today and are pleased that you are as committed to high quality dentistry, as we are. It’s our privilege to provide you this service. Please call if you have any questions.
Here are a few simple rules to promote healing and make yourself more comfortable; as your final restoration is being custom fabricated for you by our laboratory.

CARE OF THE INTERIM CROWN or BRIDGE:
• Avoid chewing anything sticky or very hard on your new temporary. Avoid bagels, crusty bread seeds and nuts etc.
• If the restoration seems to loosen or is dislodged, do not be alarmed. Call our office and we will arrange a time so things may be placed in their proper positions. Even if there is no discomfort involved, it is very important that we re-cement this restoration; so that the teeth don’t drift – making placement of your final restoration very difficult.
• If the temporary restoration breaks save any pieces which will assist us in creating a new temporary and call the office.

DISCOMFORT: After the tooth/teeth have been reshaped, you may experience some minor sensitivity. Aspirin or Ibuprofen usually works very well. Your gums may be irritated. If necessary rinse with Peroxyl which is available at your pharmacy, or a half/half mix of hydrogen peroxide and water; three times per day. This is an excellent method for soothing sore gums. We may recommend gentle finger massage, as well!
The jaw joints may be sensitive, as well. This can easily be soothed with the application of warm compresses on the jaw joint. We suggest a heating pad that is designed to be moistened. Place the moist heat on the jaw joint areas – open and close the mouth slightly during this application. The heat should be applied at 10 – 15 minute intervals with 15 minutes of rest between placement.

MEDICATION: We may prescribe medication to control discomfort. Please use only as directed. If this medication does not seem to work for you, do not increase the dosage; or mix with other pain medications. Call us! Medications work differently on each individual. It is common to change medications; and a new formulation may work very well. If the discomfort is prolonged; there is swelling, excessive bleeding or fever – again call us.

CLEANING: Proper care of your temporary restoration as well as the gum tissue in the area is a must! Brush with a gentle motion on the sides of the tooth – flexing the soft bristles at the gum line of the interim restoration. We would like you to use dental floss. However, place the floss gently between the teeth, clean the gum areas as usual, then release your inside finger and pull the floss through space, toward the cheek. Rinsing with Tooth and Gum Tonic or Listerine will also aid in maintaining healthy gums.

Pre-Treatment Instructions for Veneers

Congratulations!

You are on your way to receiving the most advanced, state-of-the-art cosmetic and structurally sound dental enhancement available today. We are excited by what Cosmetic Dentistry can do for you and yo and are pleased that you are as committed to high quality dentistry, as we are. It’s our privilege to provide you this service. Please call if you have any questions.

Here are a few simple rules to promote healing and make yourself more comfortable; as your final restoration is being custom fabricated for you by our laboratory.

First of all, the temporary veneers may be a very big change in your appearance and may take a short time for you and those around you, to adjust to the “new you”. Within a very short time you will begin to appreciate your new look. We DO want your feedback about the temporary veneers. Although they are plastic and have none of the true depth and subtlety of color, shine, or finish, they are a “template” for the final restoration in length, shape and form so your input will help us design the most pleasing smile possible for you.

CARE OF THE TEMPORARY VENEERS:
• DO NOT EAT ANYTHING THAT REQUIRES BITING ON THE TEMPORARY VENEERS! These temporary veneers are just “formed in place” and are not secured to the teeth by cement or any other adhesive. Biting on ANYTHING will break or dislodge them.
• Avoid chewing anything sticky in case it comes in contact with the temporary veneers.
• If the restoration seems to loosen or is dislodged, do not be alarmed. Call our office and we will arrange a time so things may be placed in their proper positions. Even if there is no discomfort involved, it is very important that we re-stabilize this restoration to avoid its breaking.
• If the temporary restoration breaks save any pieces which will assist us in creating a new temporary and call the office.

DISCOMFORT: After the teeth have been reshaped, you may experience some minor sensitivity. Aspirin or Ibuprofen usually works very well. Your gums may be irritated. If necessary rinse with Peroxyl which is available at your pharmacy, or a half/half mix of hydrogen peroxide and water; three times per day. This is an excellent method for soothing sore gums. The jaw joints may be sensitive, as well. This can easily be soothed with the application of warm compresses on the jaw joint. We suggest a heating pad that is designed to be moistened. Place the moist heat on the jaw joint areas – open and close the mouth slightly during this application. The heat should be applied at 10 – 15 minute intervals with 15 minutes of rest between placement.

CLEANING: Proper care of your temporary restoration as well as the gum tissue in the area is a must! If you don’t have healthy gums we cannot bond the permanent veneers which may delay the entire process. Brush with a gentle motion on the sides of the tooth – flexing the soft bristles at the gum line of the interim restoration. Rinsing with Tooth and Gum Tonic or Listerine will also aid in maintaining healthy gums. You cannot floss temporary veneers since, unlike the final restorations, these are all connected as one piece.

AFTER DEEP CLEANING: We have now begun the ‘deep cleaning’ therapy sequence. The goal of this therapy is to ‘cleanse’ your oral tissues of bacterial toxins and debris and start the process toward gum and tissue healing. Thus, your gum and supporting structures can be the stable foundation we are seeking; to complete your dental treatment.
• What to expect!
– Immediately upon dismissal from our office – you may notice slight ‘oozing’ from the gums. This will decrease rapidly.
– Some sensitivity is expected following your ‘deep cleaning’ appointments. This may include:
• extreme hot and cold
• spicy foods
• acidic foods (citrus; as an example)
– Over the next few days and weeks, as your teeth and gums become healthier, the gum tissue will actually ‘shrink.’ More tooth may be exposed. Increased sensitivity can occur with these teeth – which is transient in nature. The best way to decrease this sensitivity is to keep the area as clean as possible [brushing, flossing and rinsing; as directed].
• How do I take care during therapy?

Every person is different; thus, all post operative instructions are ‘customized’ for you by our dental hygiene staff. However, basic rules do apply.
• Salt/Water rinses [1/2 tsp. to 1 tsp. salt w/8 oz. warm water]; three times per day – for 30 to 60 seconds
• Peroxide/Water rinses to assist with impacted debris
• Tooth and Gum Tonic or Prescription rinses to begin 24 – 48 hours after therapy; per your hygiene staff recommendation.
• Are any medications necessary?
Perhaps; however, not normally. In a vast majority of cases; should medications for sensitivity be necessary – over the counter anti-inflammatory formulations work very well. These include:
• Ibuprofen [600mg {3 tablets} – 3x/day]
• Aleve – Two Caplets followed by one caplet every 12 hours
An excellent method to reduce sensitivity post operatively is to take one of these medications one hour PRIOR to your appointment.
The success of your deep cleaning therapy is a team effort. Your commitment to proper care is essential for success!

Post-Op Instructions for Bonded Cosmetic Veneers

Congratulations!

You have just received the most advanced, state-of-the-art cosmetic and structurally sound restorative dentistry available today. We are excited by what Cosmetic Dentistry can do for you and your teeth, and are pleased that you are as committed to high quality dentistry, as we are. It’s our privilege to provide you this service. We care about you and want you to be as comfortable as possible so here are a few follow ups.

1. First – SMILE – you now have a bonded restoration that looks great.
2. The cement is already set – and your bonded restoration is ready for immediate use.
3. If any minor discomfort occurs, it should diminish over a few days.
4. If anesthetic was used, please be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue. Also, do not eat or drink anything extremely hot or cold until all has worn off.
5. The bite should feel normal. If you find when the anesthetic has worn off that you are “hitting” any area when you speak or chew it is imperative that you come to the office the next business day. You can’t “wear it in” you can only break it. If sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure is present; it should not linger! Call us so we can check things out, even before any scheduled follow-up visit.
6. Chewing extremely hard or crunchy foods may affect your new bonded restoration. In particular, please refrain from chewing ice, tearing open packages with your teeth, and biting anything that may cause damage (such as fingernails, paper clips, etc.).
7. Proper care of your new bonded restoration is a must! Brushing and flossing can be accomplished nicely, as normal. There are no special precautions needed.
8. We recommend professional ‘recare’ evaluations at least twice per year. We then can evaluate the wear of your new bonded restoration; touch-up and polish where needed.

Pre-Treatment Instructions for Dental Implants

Stage one implant placement surgery
Congratulations! You have begun the process of enjoying the most sophisticated and reliable dental prosthetic ever devised. Dental implants allow us to replace your missing teeth with a prosthetic that will feel and function as close to the natural structures as possible.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
If you have any questions be sure to ask them of the doctor or his assistants.

Peridex Rinses: DO NOT DILUTE THE PERIDEX
• Rinse with _ oz. the evening before the implant surgery.
• Rinse with _ oz. the morning of the implant surgery
If the implant surgery is after 12 noon rinse _ oz. 1 hour prior to procedure.
• After implant surgery rinse with _ oz. twice a day for two weeks.

Antibiotics
Penicillin: Penn VK 500 mgs. 40 tablets.

Begin day before implant surgery after breakfast.
Take one tablet four times a day until they are all finished.
If you have any reaction to the medication stop taking them and call us otherwise you must finish the entire prescription.

If allergic to Penicillin: Cipro 500 mgs. 20 tablets.

Begin the day before the implant surgery after breakfast.
Take one tablet twice a day until they are all finished.
If you have any reaction to the medication stop taking them and call us otherwise you must finish the entire prescription

Pain medications:

Dolobid 500 mgs. 12 tablets.

Take one tablet every 8-10 hours as needed for pain.
DO NOT TAKE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

IF YOU TAKE A DAILY ASPIRIN and or VITAMIN E, PLEASE DISCONTINUE THREE DAYS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE.

Bleeding Control:
• Fold one or two pieces of the gauze that was provided into a dense pad that can be placed directly on the extraction site. It must be bulky enough to prevent the upper and lower teeth meeting when biting firmly. It is important that the pack be placed directly over the bleeding site and not over adjacent teeth. Bite down and keep firm pressure for 30 minutes. Remove the gauze and if there is no “active bleeding” which is more than oozing do nothing more.
• If there is active bleeding place a second gauze pad as above and bite down for 45 minutes.
• If there is “active bleeding” at the end of this time please call the office. Do not be concerned about temporary oozing of blood when the gauze is removed which is normal and will cease quickly.

To Minimize Swelling:
• Apply an ice pack to the face on the side of the surgery. 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 8 hours.
• After 48 hours hold a warm compress or heating pad (preferably with a moist pad) to the swollen area 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
• It is helpful to sleep with your head elevated on two pillows the first night after the surgery. You may also want to place a towel on your pillowcase, to avoid stains from any slight oozing.

Hygiene of the area:
It is important that the area be kept clean. In addition to the Peridex rinses after the first 24 hours always rinse your mouth every time you eat anything for the next 5 days. Rinses with _ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water will help reduce any swelling.

Nourishment:
Use liquid diet supplements or soft foods to insure proper nutrition during the healing process. Do not eat until the anesthetic wears off. For your own comfort avoid very hot or very spicy or acidic foods or beverages. Do not consume alcoholic beverages.

Smoking:
No smoking for 24 hours after the surgery and at least three days if possible. Smoking is one of the major factors in implant failure.

Call us immediately if there are any signs of infection such as:
• A fever above 101 F.
• Persistent pain not relieved by medication.
• A bad smell coming from the mouth.

Office 835-0542. The answering service will contact Dr. Magid, DDS, FICD, if the office is closed or call Dr. Magid’s Cell 715-4110.

Post-Op Instructions for Implant Uncovering

2nd Stage Implant Uncovering

Congratulations! You now have the most sophisticated and reliable dental prosthetic ever devised. Dental implants allow us to replace your missing teeth with a prosthetic that will feel and function as close to the natural structures as possible.

Your implants have been uncovered and one or more healing screws have been placed while the gum tissues heals. For safety and comfort, please read the following information carefully. If you have any questions be sure to ask them of the doctor or his assistants.

Hygiene of the area:
It is important that the area be kept clean. After the first 24 hours always rinse your mouth every time you eat anything for the next 5 days. Rinses with half and half peroxide and water or Peroxyl will help keep the area clean.

Brush the implants or healing screws two to three times per day. Use a soft manual toothbrush and brush at least five strokes from side to side and five up and down, inside and out.

Nourishment:
Do not eat until the anesthetic wears off. Use liquid diet supplements or soft foods to insure proper nutrition during the healing process. For your own comfort avoid very hot or very spicy or acidic foods or beverages. Do not consume alcoholic beverages.

Smoking:
No smoking for 24 hours after the surgery and at least three days if possible. Smoking is one of the major factors in implant failure.

Call us immediately if there are any signs of infection such as:
• A fever above 101 F
• Persistent pain not relieved by medication.
• A bad smell coming from the mouth.

Post-Op Instructions for Restorations that are Bonded In

Congratulations!

You have just received the most advanced, state-of-the-art cosmetic and structurally sound restorative dentistry available today. We are excited by what Cosmetic Dentistry can do for you and are pleased that you are as committed to high quality dentistry, as we are. It’s our privilege to provide you this service. We care about you and want you to be as comfortable as possible

Care Instructions: Veneers, Bonding, Nonmetallic Fillings
You’ve received a beautiful – cosmetic – restoration. What Now??
1. First – SMILE – you now have a bonded restoration that looks great.
It also provides the ultimate in function; as well as strengthening the supporting tooth.
2. The cement is already set – and your bonded restoration is ready for immediate use.
3. If any minor discomfort occurs, it should diminish over a few days.
4. If anesthetic was used, please be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue. Also, do not eat or drink anything extremely hot or cold until all has worn off.
6. Sensitivity to temperature may result from the extensive treatment of the teeth but it should not linger. If you have any concerns call us so we can check things out, even before any scheduled follow-up visit.
7. Chewing extremely hard or crunchy foods may affect your new bonded restoration. In particular, please refrain from chewing ice, tearing open packages with your teeth, and biting anything that may cause damage (such as fingernails, paper clips, etc.).
8. Proper care of your new bonded restoration is a must! Brushing and flossing can be accomplished nicely, as normal. There are no special precautions needed. Correct care also includes rinsing. We may have suggested the use of “Tooth and Gum Tonic” or Listerine – a minimum of twice per day. This care will not only prolong the life of the restoration, but will also help to prevent problems elsewhere in the mouth.
9. We recommend professional ‘recare’ evaluations at least twice per year. We then can evaluate the wear of your new bonded restoration; touch-up and polish where needed.

Post-Op Oral Surgery Instructions

1. Swelling Control:
If directed by the doctor place an ice bag on the outside of the face that corresponds to the operative site. Alternate 15 minutes on and 10 minutes off for at least two to three hours.

2. Bleeding Control:
A) Fold one or two pieces of the gauze that was provided into a dense pad that can be placed directly on the extraction site. It must be bulky enough to prevent the upper and lower teeth meeting when biting firmly. It is important that the pack be placed directly over the bleeding site and not over adjacent teeth. Bite down and keep firm pressure for 30 minutes. Remove the gauze and if there is no “active bleeding” which is more than oozing do nothing more. If there is active bleeding place a second gauze pad as above and bite down for 45 minutes. If there is “active bleeding” at the end of this time please call the office. Do not be concerned about temporary oozing of blood when the gauze is removed which is normal and will cease quickly.
B) Do not rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours.
C) Do not drink from a straw for 24 hours.
D) Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 48 hours and preferably for two weeks.
E) Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours – and longer, if possible. Do not use chewing tobacco.
D) If bleeding still persists, place a moist tea bag over the surgical site, and apply firm biting pressure and call the office.

3. Sutures:
If sutures were required the doctor may have instructed you to return in a few days so they may be removed. For your continued comfort and health it is important that you don’t miss this follow up appointment. If any of the sutures become loose prior to your follow up appointment do not be alarmed this is a normal event and requires no special care.

4.Comfort Control:
A) Take pain medication as prescribed.
B) Stay away from extremes in temperature and spices.
C) Keep to a softer diet for at least 24 hours.
4. Hygiene control:
A) Starting 24 hours after the surgery, begin salt & water
or peroxide and water rinses four times per day for one to two weeks.
B) Light brushing around the surgical site should be started at this time, as well. Brush more vigorously each day as comfort allows.
We ask that you follow the above instructions carefully. They will greatly assist you in having a smooth recovery from your surgical dental care.
Please do not hesitate to call us should there be any questions or excessive discomfort.

Post-Op Instructions for After Root Canal Therapy

After Therapy Instructions:
Your Root Canal treatment may take one or more visits to complete. During treatment, we will remove the diseased pulp (nerve), then clean, shape and fill the space where the pulp was (the nerve canal of the tooth; which is in the root). The filling material is specially designed for this purpose, to help prevent recontamination of the nerve chamber.

What to Expect During Treatment:
• Because cleaning the root canals may cause inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tooth, you may experience some discomfort for a day or so.
• Some initial minor swelling may also occur. If necessary place an ice bag on the outside of the face that corresponds to the site of the tooth. Alternate 15 minutes on and 10 minutes off for at least two to three hours. If the swelling should linger more than a few days, or increases, call us!
• Over-the-counter pain relievers usually assist with the discomfort. We will advise you as to which medicine to take. At times, a prescription pain medication will be suggested. If the discomfort continues for more than a few days, or if severe pain occurs, call us!
• Sometimes antibiotics will be prescribed to help control infection. It is very important that you take the medication as directed!
How To Take care of your mouth
• Between appointments, a temporary filling will be placed over the entry to the nerve space. Because temporary restorations may loosen, call us if there is significant loss of this filling.
• Teeth that are treated with root canal therapy are more likely to fracture, which can cause the loss of the tooth. Avoid chewing or biting with excessive force directly on the treated tooth until the root canal is completed and the tooth restored.
•Do not ignore brushing and flossing this tooth; as comfort allows.
Please Note:
Retreatment may occasionally be necessary. Even though the pulp of the tooth was removed, the tooth is still nourished from surrounding tissues. As with any living tissue, treatment is occasionally unsuccessful and retreatment, surgically treating the root end (apicoectomy), or even tooth removal may be indicated.

After Britesmile Whitening

First of all…SMILE! You now have the whiter teeth you’ve always wanted.

Some patients experience sensitivity to hot and cold for a period of time after whitening. This is normal and gradually disappears. If the sensitivity is intrusive call us and we will dispense a therapeutic level of fluoride or other medication to alleviate the discomfort.
You may also experience “zingers” of discomfort which last only a second. These will disappear within 24 hours.

24 Hour Restrictions – Staying White Restrictions
•Important: BriteSmile requires that you abstain from staining substances such as coffee, tobacco, wine, or other colored liquids and dark foods for 24-hour. Avoid anything that will stain a white shirt.

How can I maintain my new white teeth?
All bleached teeth will darken over time, some more quickly than others depending upon the original shade family. We recommend the following to maintain your new BriteSmile:
• Use the BriteSmile-To-Go brushes or BriteSmile trays that were dispensed at your bleaching appointment. When you need more of either material please let us know so you can continue maintaining your BriteSmile.
•Use the BriteSmile Whitening Toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush
•Visit us for regular cleanings and checkups (minimum: every 6 months)

The long-term results depend primarily on the individual. Certain habits, such as the use of tobacco products, drinking a lot of coffee, tea, dark soft drinks, and infrequent visits to the dentist for regular cleanings, etc., can work against the results. Regular dental visits and use of the BriteSmile Professional Whitening System will help maintain the BriteSmile for at least 2 years but some people may prefer to do the BriteSmile whitening treatment more frequently.

After NiteWhite Smile Whitening

At-Home Use Instructions

Congratulations – you are beginning the treatment process that will most definitely improve your appearance. The amount of whitening that you obtain during the tooth whitening process is dependent on three factors:
a) The length of time the appliance is worn
b) The number of times the appliance is worn
c) The susceptibility of your teeth and it’s internal contaminants to the whitening agent.
Procedure
1) Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth prior to applying the whitening gel
2) Load the appliance, as demonstrated, by gently depressing the syringe cap – expressing the material only on the front 8-10 teeth – the surfaces that face toward the lip.
3) Place the appliance completely and firmly onto the teeth, but gently. Excessive pressure will express too much material out of the appliance.
4) Gently wipe off excess gel with a toothbrush or Q-tip.
5) Expectorate any excess material.
6) Wear for a minimum of 2-4 hours/day. This can be accomplished during ‘sleep time’ or during waking hours. The thin tray is very comfortable and can be worn easily while accomplishing other tasks.
7) When the appliance is removed brush teeth and gums thoroughly. The ‘tray’ should be rinsed thoroughly and placed in the appliance case – ready for the next application.
Possible Side Effects
Occasionally patients will experience sensitivity to cold with some minor gum irritation during treatment. This difficulty normally resolves on its own in 1-3 days after interruption or completion of the whitening treatment. We also have the option of supplying a fluoride gel that can be placed in the appliance in place of the whitening agent. Alternating the fluoride therapy with the whitening therapy is of great assistance, should sensitivity persist. Simply waiting a day or two after sensitivity occurs before restarting the whitening process is another method to alleviate symptoms.

Precautions:
Please keep the whitening carriers out of heat and/or direct sunlight at all times. The whitening agent will break down and become ineffective, should this occur. It is best to store the material in a refrigerator. Never attempt to use any household or commercial bleaching agents in your mouth. Only use the teeth whitening agents that we prescribe for you – those that have been tested and approved for intraoral use. Over-the-counter whitening agents normally have a very high acid content – which can dissolve your teeth, permanently ruining your smile.

Please Note:
Normal tooth whitening starts at the biting edges of the teeth and works its way up. Normal color of teeth is darker toward the gum line. We have never had one patient experience any irreversible effects to the teeth from the whitening process!
Contact our office with any questions or problems.
Store Whitening Gel in the refrigerator to maintain shelf life.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN — KEEP OUT OF HEAT & SUNLIGHT

Desensitizing After Any Treatments

Many of these products do clean teeth well. However, as a desensitizing tool, we recommend you increase the effectiveness of the desensitizing chemicals incorporated within them — that is by the process of…

Smash, Massage and Brush.

Step 1: Put a ‘dab’ of the paste/gel on the end of a cotton swab, or fingertip, and “smash” on the tooth at the gum line where the sensitivity is occurring.
Step 2: “Massage” this paste onto the tooth surface. Keep the product on the same surface for at least 5 – 10 seconds.
Step 3: Put another dab of the paste on your regular toothbrush and gently “brush” all your teeth.
An additional benefit can be obtained, just before bed, by placing another dab of paste on your teeth in the sensitive areas, “massaging” it in, and leaving it there, as you sleep!