Instructions for bleaching your teeth
Materials used:

• A custom bleaching tray, Opalescence Gel, and tray storage case.

Procedure

• The tray is usually worn while sleeping.
• Brush teeth well, dry teeth with a tissue
• Use 1/3 or ½ of the tube per night
• Only squirt gel on the side of the tray that is next to your cheek
• Seat the tray completely and firmly onto your teeth
• Your gums might sting a little -  this is normal
• Ideally, wear the tray all night with 10% or 15% solution, if 20% solution, wear only 1 ½ hours
• Very little or no gel should come out of the tray, wipe away any excess with a gauze
• You should see results by the third night
• Discontinue when your teeth reach desired shade
• When the tray is removed, clean it with cool water and place in the case, spit out and remaining gel and brush and rinse thoroughly

Whitening in General

• Teeth usually lighten less or more slowly next to the gums. A tooth’s natural color usually varies and is darker at the gum line and lighter farther from the gums
• If you experience sensitivity beyond mild discomfort from cold, your dentist may decide to have you bleach every second or third night or use Opalescence during the day for 1- 3 hours or uses a fluoride gel

Possible Side Effects

• Some patients will experience increased sensitivity to cold during treatment. Some have reported temporary discomfort during bleaching, some as gum or tooth sensitivity, tongue or lip soreness, throat irritation, or moderate, continuous teeth pain.
• If any of these symptoms occur and are more than mild or persist, or if you have any questions or concerns, call Dr. Joe or Dr. Jan. These side effects usually resolve within 1 –3 days after interruption or completion of treatment

Some old fillings may leave a dark silver stain color in  your bleaching tray; this is normal.

Simple Extraction Postoperative Instructions
Bleeding-normal oozing may occur for up to 24 hours following surgery and is controlled by firm biting pressure on several gauze pads placed over the tooth socket. Keep gauze in mouth for 45 minutes with constant pressure. Avoid spitting and drinking through a straw because it causes bleeding by drawing at the origin. If bleeding is brisk and fills the mouth quickly, call the telephone number listed below.

Swelling- Swelling and sometimes bruising is common after surgery. The maximum swelling, pain and jaw stiffness normally occurs 2 or 3 days after surgery. Apply ice packs fifteen minutes “on” then fifteen minutes “off” until bedtime the day of surgery. This will keep swelling to a minimum. Also keep your head elevated until bedtime. Moist heat after 36 hours may help jaw soreness.

Pain-The greatest amount of discomfort is in the first 6 to 8 hours after surgery. If you have been given a prescription, have it filled and take within 45-60 minutes after leaving the office, then take as directed on the package. If you should develop a rash, itching or swelling discontinue all medication IMMEDIATELY and contact the office. If difficulty in breathing develops discontinue all medication and go to the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital. WARNING: DO NOT DRIVE OR OPERATE MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AFTER TAKING PAIN MEDICATION.

Oral Hygiene-Do not rinse or smoke for 24 hours following surgery. Vigorous rinsing at this time may dislodge the blood clot and retard the normal course of healing. After 24 hours, the mouth may be rinsed gently with warm salt water solution after each meal and at bedtime. The teeth should be brushed and flossed as usual to help prevent possible infection from occurring.

Diet-A soft diet is recommended the day of surgery. Usually foods such as yogurt, applesauce, Popsicles, jello, pudding, etc. are best. Increase your fluid intake.

In case of any questions or concerns you may have, please contact our office at (805) 497-3726. We are available 24 hours a day.

Wearing a temporary crown
EATING: Avoid hard-to-chew foods such as peanuts, popcorn and sticky foods such as chewing gum and caramels, etc.

BRUSHING: Gums will most likely be tender for 3-5 days following your crown preparation. Be gentle  but thorough with your toothbrush; do NOT avoid brushing. Gums will toughen up and feel better faster if you keep them clean around your temporary. Warm salt-water rinses and aspirin or Advil will help.

FLOSSING: Continue to floss around temporary, but after getting between the teeth with the floss, let go of one end and pull the floss out to the side, not back up between the teeth.

If your temporary breaks or comes off, call us to come back in to repair or recement  it for you. If it hurts to bite or your tooth is very sensitive to cold, it may just need a simple adjustment, just call us to come in.