At Palmetto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we aim to provide you with the highest quality care and ensure your comfort and satisfaction with every treatment. Dental onlays and inlays are excellent restorative solutions that help preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while restoring its shape, strength, and function.
Following your procedure, it’s essential to follow these comprehensive post-operative instructions to ensure the best outcome and longevity of your new onlay or inlay.
Immediate Aftercare
- Numbness: If local anesthesia was used, your mouth might remain numb for a few hours after the procedure. Make sure you don’t bite your tongue, face, or lips while the sensation is returning.
- Sensitivity: Your teeth may be hot-sensitive, cold, and under pressure for several days to weeks. This sensitivity is normal and should gradually decrease over time. If sensitivity persists or worsens, please get in touch with us.
- Chewing and Eating: While your tooth is numb, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. You can resume eating once the numbness subsides normally, but avoiding very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours is advisable.
Oral Hygiene
- Brushing and Flossing: Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine, being gentle around the new onlay or inlay. Good oral hygiene will help to prevent decay and extend the life of your restoration.
- Rinses: If recommended, use an antiseptic mouth rinse to help keep the area clean and aid in healing.
Pain Management
- Discomfort: It’s normal to experience discomfort or mild pain after the procedure. According to the package directions, you can take medications that are available without a prescription, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Please get in touch with our office if the pain persists beyond a few days or becomes severe.
Long-Term Care
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Although onlays and inlays are durable, excessive force can damage them. Avoid chewing on complex objects like ice, pens, or hard candy. Avoiding sticky foods is also important for preventing pulling on the restoration.
- Wear Protection: If you grind or clench your teeth at night, consider using a night guard to protect your onlays or inlays and your natural teeth from excessive wear.
- Regular Check-Ups: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Palmetto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are essential. These visits allow us to monitor the integrity of your restoration and your overall oral health.
Monitoring Your Restoration
- Fit and Bite: If your onlay or inlay feels high or if you notice any changes in your bite, please contact us for an adjustment. Having a correctly aligned bite is important for your comfort and the health of your tooth.
- Signs of Trouble: If you experience persistent pain or sensitivity, or if the onlay or inlay falls out, call our office immediately. These flaws are frequently fixable if identified early.addressed.
Protecting Your Investment
Your new dental onlay or inlay represents a major investment in smile health and beauty. By following these detailed post-operative instructions, you can ensure its success and longevity.
Should you have any questions or concerns about your dental onlay or inlay, or if you experience any unexpected issues, please do not hesitate to contact us at Palmetto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. We are here to support you in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile for years.