Ask the Dental Experts

Friday, November 27, 2009

Houston Dentist Post-Op Guidelines for LPT

While LPT (LANAP) is much easier on mouth tissues than traditional surgery, it is still technically a form of surgery in the sense that it involves removing diseased tissue from healthy tissue. Healing generally occurs faster due to the sterilization effect the laser beam has on gum tissue, but infection is still a possibility after LPT unless certain steps are taken to give your mouth the best possible chance at healing.

Houston dentists recommend reduced activity for several hours following the surgery.

It is advisable to spit, rinse, and wash your mouth today. Rinse as directed with Peridex or Periogard in the morning and in the evening.

Houston dentists recommend rinsing gently every 3 hours with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoons of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water).

Do not chew on the side of your mouth where LANAP has been done.

Avoid tongue or cheek pressure to the area where LPT was performed.

Avoid hot and spicy foods.

Keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help the healing process. Brush, floss, and follow all home-care measures in all the areas of your mouth except for the area where LANAP was performed.

Do not be alarmed if you experience
Light bleeding
Slight swelling
Some soreness, tenderness, or tooth sensitivity

If a piece of surgical packing falls out, or if the entire pack loosens or falls out, do not be alarmed.

You may experience swelling. To minimize this, gently place an ice pack on the outside of your face for 20 minutes each hour until you retire for sleep that night. Do not use the ice bag beyond the day of periodontal surgery.

You may notice a slight oozing of blood. When the blood dissolves in saliva it will look much greatly exaggerated. Locate the oozing and apply pressure in this area. If you cannot locate it, rinse your mouth gently with iced water and apply a wet tea bag to the general area. Call your Houston dentist if you cannot get the bleeding to stop.

It is essential to maintain a healthy food and fluid intake. Eat soft and nutritious food such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc., until you can comfortably return to a normal diet.

Take all prescribed medication as directed by your Houston dentist.

Please call our office if you experience any of the following:

Prolonged or severe pain
Prolonged or excessive bleeding
Considerably elevated or persistent temperature

Do not be alarmed if teeth that were loose become sore and tender as the bone and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and firm. This is a sign of healing, but also can indicate the presence of a bite imbalance that may need adjusting.

Call your Houston dentist to be on the safe side.

Labels: LANAP, LPT, post operative dental care

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

What to do After Cosmetic Dentistry

Congratulations on getting investing in a brand new smile that is sure to pay off after many years of enjoyment and satisfaction. No matter procedures you have just have performed, be assured that you can expect improvements in the way your teeth look and work.

Remember you need time to adjust to the way your new bite feels. When your bite has been altered and the position of your teeth changed, it takes several days for your brain to accept the new position of your teeth and their thickness. If you sense any high spots or problems in your bite, call your dentist for an adjustment appointment.

It is normal to feel some sensitivity and cold after undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure. Your gums may also be sore for several days. Rinse three times a day with warm salt water; dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then rinse out your mouth to reduce pain and swelling.

If your dentist advises you to take mild pain medication may, do so. It will help you feel better after a cosmetic dentistry procedure. We recommend you check with us first before using any pain medication, though.

If you find it hard to speak clearly following your cosmetic dentistry procedure, do not be too concerned. It will take a few days for your tongue to adapt to new tooth surfaces. After that happens, you will be speaking normally again.

Many times people experience increased salivation after a cosmetic dentistry procedure. This is due to the fact that the brain senses a new size and shape to certain teeth.

It is important to remove plaque in order to ensure the long-term success of your dental work. It is very important that you maintain a regular oral hygiene program of daily brushing and flossing. You need to get regular cleanings as well from a dentist every six months. The Cosmetic Dentistry Center staff uses special tooth cleaning materials that are not available over the counter and that cannot be duplicated at home.

We also recommend that you change your habits to protect your new teeth. Anything that chips or damages them will also chip and damage cosmetic restorations. There are many things we all should just avoid chewing on. These things include hard candy, foreign objects, and ice. Try to avoid smoking and chewing tobacco too, because these things yellow teeth. If you suffer from teeth grinding, get fitted for a mouthpiece that will protect your cosmetic tooth restorations.

Labels: after cosmetic dentistry, post operative dental care