Recommendations to follow after receiving a crown or a bridge

From Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Melançon, and the staff!

Although a crown or bridge covers most of the visible part of the tooth, a boundary remains in which a cavity can form if plaque accumulates. For that reason, we recommend the following:

1. A rigorous hygiene regime that includes daily brushing and flossing.
2. Using Superfloss under the bridge every day.
3. A thorough annual exam.
4. If the crown or bridge is at the front of your mouth, please avoid food that is difficult to bite into (like crusty bread) and habits like chewing on pencils or biting nails that can damage the porcelain and esthetics. And we advise wearing a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
5. Please note that teeth whitening will not work on a crown or bridge. Porcelain cannot be whitened!
6. If the dentist recommends it, wear a night guard to prevent damaging the porcelain while you sleep.

Recommendations to follow after an extraction

From Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Melançon, and the staff!

• Apply constant pressure by biting firmly on gauze for 20 minutes. A little bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours.
• If the bleeding intensifies, again bite on gauze for 20 minutes. If you don’t have gauze, use a tea bag that has been soaked in water.
• Avoid spitting or vigorously rinsing on the first day.
• Avoid drinking with a straw on the first day.
• Do not smoke for 48 hours.
• Do not exercise on the first day. You must rest.
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated.
• Eat soft food at a lukewarm temperature (i.e., yogurt, soup, chicken, or meal substitutes).
• The day after the surgery and for the next seven days, rinse with salt and water (1/2 tsp. of salt in a glass of lukewarm water) after every meal and before going to bed.
• Brush your teeth carefully the day after the surgery, or avoid the extraction area if you brush your teeth the same day. Remember not to spit – simply let the water run out of your mouth.
• Swelling or skin discoloration is normal in the first days after the extraction, especially if it was a complex procedure. Apply ice on the area in a bag wrapped in a towel for 15 minutes per hour for 24 to 48 hours. If your jaw muscles are sore, you can apply damp heat after 48 to 72 hours. You can also open and close your mouth a few times.
• If pain medication is prescribed to you, carefully follow its recommendations.

1. The pain increases after three days.
2. Swelling persists or appears suddenly.
3. You get a rash or other reaction after taking medication.

Recommendations to follow after receiving an implant

From Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Melançon, and the staff!

Although dental implants are considered one of the most durable dental treatments, still, we recommend the following:

1. A rigorous hygiene regime that includes daily brushing and flossing.
2. Using Superfloss every day if you have a bridge.
3. A thorough annual exam.
4. If the implant is situated at the front of your mouth, please avoid food that is difficult to bite into (like crusty bread) and habits such as chewing on pencils or biting nails that can damage the porcelain and esthetics. We advise wearing a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
5. Please note that tooth whitening will not work on an implant. Porcelain cannot be whitened!
6. If the dentist recommends it, wear a night guard to prevent damaging the implant by putting pressure on it or chipping the porcelain in your sleep.
7. If you detect any movement of the implant, please contact us immediately for an assessment.

Recommendations for oral hygiene (Once a day)

From Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Melançon, and the staff!

Proxabrush (to clean the spaces between your teeth).

• We recommend tips 614 and 618.
• You should change the tip every three or four days.

• We recommend non-waxed dental floss since it doesn’t leave any plaque or build up.

• This brush has two tips. We recommend using the “outside” tip, since it’s easier to handle.
• You should change the tips every three or four months (as with your toothbrush).

• When using this toothbrush, the coloured part of the bristles should disappear under your gum at a 45-degree angle, in a vibrating motion.

Recommendations to follow after a root canal

From Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Melançon, and the staff!

• It is normal to experience some pain after going through the first step of a root canal procedure because the area surrounding the tooth will be inflamed. This is especially true if you had pain before the treatment or if you had swelling or an infection. If the pain is unbearable, contact us.
• Swelling may appear between the two appointments or following the root canal. This is because bacteria that were already present have reactivated. If this happens to you, contact us immediately.
• A temporary filling is applied to stop bacteria and food from entering the canal. If it becomes dislodged, please contact us as soon as possible, to prevent infection.
• If the dentist needs to see you again for the second step of the root canal treatment it is very important that you keep your appointment. A root canal is not finished until the canal is filled and the final restoration is completed. Failing to complete a root canal could put you at serious risk of infection, pain, and the decay and loss of the tooth.
• If you receive a prescription for pain or for an infection, please carefully follow its recommendations.
• A crown (with or without a post) is often recommended for a tooth that had a root canal to avoid the fracturing and loss of the tooth.

1. You have acute pain.
2. You have swelling that persists or appears.
3. You react to medication.
4. You lose the temporary filling.

Recommendations for tooth whitening

From Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Melançon, and the staff!

1. Avoid using a big drop, to prevent overflowing. Wipe any excess from your gums.
2. Use a maximum of 1/3 of the syringe per night.
3. Clean the tray with a soft-bristle brush and cold water in the morning.
4. Use sensitive teeth toothpaste, such as Sensodyne F or PreviDent 5000.
5. Shield the product from natural or direct light and keep it away from heat.
6. Do not swallow the product.
7. The tray can stay in your mouth for up to 8 to 10 hours, but after 2 hours, the product’s efficiency drops to 50%, and after 4 hours, it drops to 35%.
8. Avoid coloured food (red wine, dark chocolate, tea, coffee, etc.) during the treatment and for a week after it ends. Using tobacco is strictly prohibited.
9. Avoid acidic food to limit teeth sensitivity.
10. You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment after 7 to 14 days.