Proper care of your mouth following extractions can reduce complications and speed the healing of the surgical area.

Some gum soreness may last several days; tooth sensitivity may last several weeks.

Brush the area gently with a soft tooth brush, and rinse with warm salt water several times a day. If the tooth is achy, take ibuprophen (Motrin, Advil) to reduce minor discomfort (600 mg 3-4 times a day up to 2,400mg)

Floss down, but NOT up; or skip flossing for this short term. Avoid eating sticky foods, and avoid biting or chewing directly with the temporized tooth.

See the table below.

Problem	Why is this happening?	What should I do?	When should I call?	What if I can�t reach anyone?
Sore or swollen gums	Decay, old fillings, or cracks sometime extend below gum level. The filling or crown preparation must extend beyond these defects.	Take an over the counter painkiller, Ibuprophen (Motrin, Advil) is best. Brush the area gently. Rinse with warm salt water several times a day. The problem usually goes away after a few days.	If you have severe pain or swelling that extends beyond the area of the tooth (into the cheek, neck, tongue, etc) Office hours: 462-1540 9:00AM to 4:00PM - M 8:30AM to 4:30PM - T,W,TH 8:30AM to 1:00PM - F After hours: 462-7373 9:00am to 5:30pm (pharmacies close at 6:00pm)	Go to the emergency room.
Toothache or tooth sensitivity	Preparing the tooth for a filling or crown stresses the nerve within the tooth.	Take an over the counter painkiller. Ibuprophen (Motrin, Advil) is best. 600 mg, 4 times a day up to 2400 mg a day. The problem usually goes away after a few weeks.	If you have severe pain or swelling that extends beyond the area of the tooth (into the cheek, neck, tongue, etc.) After taking Ibuprophen (2400 mg in a day) Office hours: 462-1540 9:00AM to 4:00PM - M 8:30AM to 4:30PM - T,W,TH 8:30AM to 1:00PM - F After hours: 462-7373 9:00am to 5:30pm (pharmacies close at 6:00pm)	Go to the emergency room.
Temporary falls off	A weak cement is used to place the temporary, because the temporary must be removed in three weeks.	Place the temporary in warm water and attempt to replace it on the tooth. Replace the temporary with denture adhesive or temporary cement (available at any drug store) To replace temporary, swallow excess saliva, dry the tooth with tissue or gauze, mix the temporary cement and place a thin coat within the temporary crown, place the temporary on the tooth, bite to place with a Q-tip. Brush and floss gently.	Call the office during office hours only. Unless you are experiencing severe pain, a lost temporary is not an emergency. Office hours: 462-1540 9:00AM to 4:00PM - M 8:30AM to 4:30PM - T,W,TH 8:30AM to 1:00PM - F

Back