Oral reconstruction spans a wide range of procedures performed to tackle serious conditions, such as tooth decay, missing teeth, collapsed bite or occlusion and dental trauma. It can be easy to neglect your continued oral health once your reconstruction is complete, but taking care of your smile afterward is key to maintaining long-term results.
With that in mind, here’s what you should know about the aftermath of your oral reconstruction treatment.
Protecting Your Smile During Recovery from Dental Restoration
The immediate recovery period after dental restoration and reconstruction is the first thing you must consider. You may experience symptoms such as swelling, discomfort, sensitivity, or minor bleeding, depending on the specific treatment you’ve received. Reach out to your dentist if these symptoms intensify instead of fading over several days.
There are several steps you can take to minimize the initial swelling and pain. You can ask your dentist about over-the-counter pain medications, for instance. A cold compress or ice pack is another excellent option; simply apply it to your cheek near the affected area.
You may need to change your diet for at least a few days after your treatment. Sticking to soft foods such as yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, or soup will prevent any strain derived from biting and chewing. From there, slowly introduce tougher foods back into your diet.
Perhaps most importantly, your dentist will give you specific instructions for aftercare, which might include medications or antibiotic mouthwashes to prevent infection. The specifics of your case will vary depending on your unique treatment, so you must follow these instructions carefully.
How to Maintain Long-Term Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is essential to maintaining any smile, but it is particularly important after oral reconstruction. Keeping up with an effective oral hygiene routine prevents future issues such as tooth decay and gum disease while also safeguarding any replacement teeth.
Brush twice each day, and make sure to do so for two minutes each time. Brushing harder and faster to save time will only harm your teeth, so choose a soft-bristled brush and go with a fluoride-based toothpaste for maximum protection.
Flossing is also essential. You should floss at least once a day, making sure you reach all of your teeth. That includes flossing around restorations such as dental crowns and bridges to prevent plaque accumulation on them and around the gum line.
You might also consider adding mouthwash to your routine. It can be highly effective in reaching the tightest nooks and crannies to deal with bacteria, but it can’t be your only line of defense. You’ll still need to keep brushing and flossing as well.
Why You Should Keep Up With Your Routine Dental Visits
Your dentist will lay out a schedule of checkups after your treatment to ensure proper healing. During these visits, they’ll evaluate your recovery and look for any signs of infection or other potential issues. As such, attending these checkups is essential to ensuring the long-term effectiveness of your treatment.
Even after your recovery period, you’ll still need to keep up with routine visits every six months (just as any individual should, for that matter). These will enable your dentist to identify potential issues in time for early treatment. Standard dental cleaning will also remove any challenging plaque and tartar deposits to ensure your smile is protected.
That is especially important if you’ve had restorations such as dental crowns, bridges, or implants done, as these artificial teeth face their own unique challenges. Your dentist will evaluate their condition to identify potential problems and implement solutions that will protect them for years to come.
Helpful Ways to Prevent Damage to Replacement Teeth
There are some specific considerations to keep in mind to prevent damage to any replacement teeth you might have. Dental crowns are among the most widely used oral reconstruction procedures, with 83 percent of dentists recommending them for fractures, cracks, and other cases.
Avoiding biting or chewing particularly hard foods or foreign objects will help prevent chips or cracks in your replacement teeth. You should avoid using your teeth, be they natural or replacements, as tools for tasks like opening packaging, as they can be cracked, chipped, or otherwise worn down.
Any patient who happens to have a history of grinding their teeth could also benefit from a night guard to protect their replacement teeth. Grinding and clenching are a major hazard for these types of dental restorations, and a night guard will provide a cushion between the upper and lower teeth, preventing damage so you can maintain your new smile.
The Best Care Before, During, and After Oral Reconstruction
Ensure the best for your smile by entrusting your oral reconstruction to Dr. Brett Langston at Dental Implant & Aesthetic Specialists. You’ll receive the personalized treatment plant, exceptional care, and ongoing support necessary to enjoy a strong, beautiful, and lasting smile. Schedule your appointment today to get started.
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