Braces—Your New Braces
Congratulations on having your braces fitted! Your new smile is on its way. Until then, proper care is essential to ensure smooth progress.
Care Instructions:
Diet—what to avoid:
- Hard foods—lollies, popcorn kernels, ice, pretzels
- Sticky foods—chewing gum, caramel, lollies
- Meat – cut off the bone rather than chewing
- Soft drinks—high sugar/acid content
Oral hygiene: Brush carefully for at least three minutes after every meal. Rinse thoroughly to remove plaque or food debris. Poor brushing can cause white spots or cavities.
- Sensitive teeth: Discomfort and wobbliness are normal. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed.
- Mouth ulcers: Use wax provided for any sharp spots irritating lips or cheeks.
- Fluoride: Use a fluoride mouthwash or tooth mousse to prevent decay.
- Appointments: Attend all scheduled visits; broken appointments can extend treatment time.
- Appliance use: Wear rubber bands, headgear, or other devices exactly as prescribed.
Aftercare:
Your teeth will move towards their ideal position with consistent care and cooperation. If you encounter any issues, discomfort, or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Fillings—After Your Filling
Sensitivity is normal, especially with deeper fillings.
Care Instructions:
- Temperature sensitivity (cold/hot) usually improves within a couple of weeks.
- Bite sensitivity may occur if the filling is high; call us for adjustment if needed.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed.
Aftercare:
Follow your dentist’s advice to ensure proper healing. Contact us if discomfort persists or you notice unusual symptoms.
After a Large Filling
Significant decay or old fillings were removed and replaced.
Care Instructions:
- Avoid biting while numb.
- Expect sensitivity to hot, cold, and pressure for several weeks.
- Bite adjustments may be necessary.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent further decay.
Aftercare:
Your tooth may feel different initially, but sensitivity usually subsides. Contact us if prolonged discomfort occurs.
After a Deep Filling
Deep decay close to the nerve was restored.
Care Instructions:
- Avoid biting while numb.
- Sensitivity and tenderness may last several weeks.
- Pain relief: Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
- Bite adjustments may be required.
Monitor for ongoing pain; a root canal or extraction may be needed if the nerve dies.
Aftercare:
We aim to preserve your tooth as long as possible. Contact us promptly if pain persists or unusual symptoms appear.
Crowns & Bridges
After Preparation
Your tooth/teeth was/were prepared, and a temporary crown/bridge was placed.
Care Instructions:
- Avoid chewing on treated teeth; temporary is fragile.
- Expect temperature sensitivity; the bite may feel uneven.
- Pain relief: Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
- Call for dislodged temporary or bite adjustments.
Aftercare:
Temporary restorations protect your teeth until the permanent crown/bridge is cemented. Contact us for any issues or discomfort.
After Cementing
Your new crown/bridge has been placed.
Care Instructions:
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure may linger.
- The bite may feel uneven; call for adjustments.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene; use floss or interdental brushes.
Aftercare:
Proper care ensures long-lasting function and comfort. Contact us if sensitivity persists.
Root Canal Therapy
Cleaning Stage
Your tooth’s infected nerve has been cleaned and medicated.
Care Instructions:
- Avoid biting while numb.
- Pain and tenderness are normal; take paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed.
- Avoid hard foods; temporary filling is weaker.
- Call if discomfort persists or the temporary comes out.
Aftercare:
Multiple appointments may be needed. Contact us if pain does not improve or unusual symptoms arise.
Final Stage
Roots have been filled to prevent reinfection.
Care Instructions:
- Avoid biting while numb.
- Pain may last a few days; take pain relief as needed.
- The tooth is weaker and may require a crown in 3–6 months.
Aftercare:
Follow your dentist’s instructions to protect the treated tooth. Contact us if unexpected pain or discomfort occurs.
Implants
After Placement
Implant(s) have been anchored into your jawbone.
Care Instructions:
- Avoid biting while numb.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity today.
- Rinse after meals as instructed; avoid brushing the surgical site for 3 days.
- Eat soft foods and take pain relief as needed.
Aftercare:
Proper care supports healing and implant success. Contact us if you experience unusual pain or swelling.
Implant Crown/Bridge
Your implant prosthesis has been placed.
Care Instructions:
- Avoid biting while numb.
- Sensitivity may last a few days; the mouth may take a week to adapt.
- Maintain oral hygiene around the prosthesis.
- Prostheses may require minor adjustments over time.
- Attend 6-monthly scale & polish appointments.
Aftercare:
Follow instructions for comfort and longevity. Contact us if the prosthesis feels loose or uncomfortable.
Tooth Extractions
Your tooth/teeth has been removed.
Care Instructions:
- Bite on gauze for at least 30 minutes; repeat if bleeding persists.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, straws, smoking, and alcohol for several days.
- Take pain relief as instructed.
Aftercare:
Proper care promotes healing and prevents complications. Contact us if pain or bleeding continues.
Dentures & Plates—Your New Teeth
Congratulations on your new teeth!
Care Instructions:
- Remove dentures/plates at night and soak in cleaning solution.
- Clean with denture-specific brushes or hands under running water; avoid toothpaste.
- Expect initial ulcers or gum irritation; adjustments may be required.
- Maintain natural teeth for proper fit.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods; cut food into small pieces.
- Relining or implants may be needed if dentures become loose.
Aftercare:
With careful maintenance, your dentures/plates will remain comfortable and functional. Contact us if you experience soreness or difficulty adjusting.
Need advice on your dental recovery?
Call Amber Dental on 06 929 1614 for personalised aftercare support.
