Post Treatment

Below you will find post treatment instructions for various procedures you may have undergone in our office.  These instructions should serve as guidelines and help to answer any questions you may have.

Bleaching Instructions

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Each night brush your teeth and rinse. Express the material into the tray towards the front surface of the teeth. Put a small drop, approximately the size of a grain of rice, on the depth of the tray on each tooth and tease it up on the front (lip side) of each tooth. Small teeth may need less and larger teeth slightly more. When you put the tray in your mouth, lightly press on the front to make sure it is seated properly. Finally, gently wipe away the excess that comes out the top of the tray. Generally you do not bleach back past the first molar and do not place in the teeth that have crowns or veneers on them. Existing fillings will not change color like the tooth does.

Standard Bleaching Instructions

There are different ways to wear the trays. The most common way to wear the trays with 16% bleach is at night while sleeping. If excess sensitivity develops, wear the trays with 16% during the day for two hours. Rinse or brush teeth after removing the trays each time you bleach. Some slight sensitivity right after the trays are removed is not unusual. If excess sensitivity continues, stop bleaching and contact our office.

Power Bleaching Instructions

To speed the process, the trays can be worn with 16% two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. If 22% bleach is used, wear it the same but never at night. Again rinse or brush teeth after removing trays each time you bleach. Also again if you develop more than just slight sensitivity discontinue use and contact our office. Feel free to call our office anytime with any other questions.

Post Surgery Instructions

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The Day of Surgery:

1. Bite on a gauze for a half hour.  After twenty minutes replace the gauze with a fresh one. Repeat this as long as necessary. If bleeding begins later, bite on another gauze, wet with water.
2. Oozing from surgical site is normal.  Do not suck on the site or spit vigorously.  Do not suck through straws.  This could dislodge the blood clot necessary for healing.
3. Avoid alcoholic or carbonated beverages (coke, beer, etc.) for 24 hours.  Iced tea, water or juices are best.
4. Do not smoke or at least keep it to a minimum.
5. Eat and drink on the opposite side.
6. Keep head elevated as much as possible.
7. Keep pressure off of nose area.  If you sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open. If possible, avoid blowing your nose.

Succeeding Days:

1. If bleeding persists, call Dr. Stanley.
2. 3-4 days after surgery, begin rinsing gently with warm salt water at least 4 times a day for one week. (1 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of warm water.)
3. If antibiotics have been prescribed, take them as directed and be sure to take them all.
4. If instructed, take 2 Transmix day before procedure, 2 Transmix day of procedure, and 2 day after procedure. (helps with healing process).
5. If instructed, alternate Lortab and Advil every 2 hours (8AM – Advil; 10AM – Prescription; 12PM – Advil; 2PM – Prescription; 4PM – Advil; etc.)
   Taper back on Prescription first then taper back on Advil as discomfort decreases.

Note: Our doctors may give more specific, individualized instructions that differ from what is listed above.  Please follow their specific recommendations.