Home Care Instructions

Dental Implant & Reconstructive Center, Duluth MN

The instructions below provide general guidance following common procedures performed in our office. Your individual instructions may vary depending on your treatment. Always follow any specific instructions provided by Dr. Esguerra and our clinical team.

Daily Home Care

Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining your natural teeth and dental restorations. Brush thoroughly and clean between the teeth daily using floss or other recommended aids. Professional dental cleanings are generally recommended every 3–6 months, based on the recommendation of your primary dental provider and your individual needs.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Temporary crowns and bridges are held in place with temporary cement and require some extra care. Avoid sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods and foods that require biting firmly with the front teeth. If a temporary comes loose, call our office for instructions and scheduling.

Some temperature or pressure sensitivity is common after a tooth has been prepared. Ibuprofen is generally our first choice for discomfort when you are able to take it; acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used as an alternative. Follow the package directions unless you have been given different instructions. Please call if sensitivity is severe, prolonged, or increasing.

After Composite Fillings

If local anesthetic was used, avoid chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. Composite fillings are fully set when you leave the office and may be used normally once the anesthetic has worn off.

Mild temperature or pressure sensitivity can occur temporarily. If your bite feels uneven or sensitivity is persistent or increasing, please contact our office. Ibuprofen may be used for discomfort when appropriate; acetaminophen is an alternative if you cannot take ibuprofen.

After Tooth Extraction

Some bleeding, swelling, and soreness are expected following an extraction. If bleeding persists, place folded gauze over the site and maintain firm pressure for approximately 20–30 minutes. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, drinking through a straw, or anything else that may disturb the blood clot.

Eat soft foods and continue brushing and flossing your other teeth while avoiding direct trauma to the surgical site. Avoid vigorous physical activity for 7–10 days. Smoking cessation is strongly advised following tooth extraction because smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.

After Bone Grafting

Protect the grafted area while it heals. Do not pull at the sutures or membrane or disturb the surgical site with your tongue, fingers, toothbrush, or other objects. Small bone particles may occasionally be noticed in the mouth during the first several days.

Take prescribed medications as directed and follow the oral-hygiene and dietary instructions provided by our clinical team. Contact us if you have increasing pain or swelling, persistent bleeding, or concerns about the grafted area.

After Dental Implant Placement

The tissues surrounding a newly placed dental implant need time to heal. Keep the remainder of your mouth clean while following the specific instructions you were given for cleaning around the surgical site. Choose soft foods and avoid chewing directly over the surgical area when instructed.

Swelling, bruising, and mild bleeding may occur after surgery. Avoid vigorous physical activity for 7–10 days, and do not manipulate the implant or surgical site. Smoking cessation is strongly advised to support healing.

After Immediate Temporary Removable Prosthesis Placement

An immediate temporary denture is placed at the time teeth are removed and serves as a temporary prosthesis while the tissues heal. Follow our instructions regarding when to remove the denture, particularly during the first days after surgery.

As swelling decreases and the tissues heal, the fit of the temporary denture will change. Sore spots, adjustments, and soft relines are a normal part of this healing period. Follow the diet, cleaning, and wearing instructions provided at your appointment, and contact us rather than attempting to adjust the denture yourself.

After Immediate Implant-Supported Fixed Prosthesis Placement

Your immediate implant-supported fixed prosthesis allows you to leave with fixed teeth while the implants and surrounding tissues heal. The prosthesis is fixed, but the implants underneath it are still healing.

Follow the soft-diet instructions provided by our clinical team and avoid foods or activities that place excessive force on the prosthesis during healing. Clean the prosthesis and surrounding tissues as instructed. This immediate prosthesis is part of the healing phase of treatment; your definitive prosthesis will be made after the appropriate healing and restorative phases are complete.

When Should I Call?

Please call our office at 218-722-8118 if you experience persistent bleeding, severe or worsening pain, increasing swelling, a loose or damaged temporary restoration or prosthesis, or anything following treatment that concerns you.

For an after-hours emergency, call the office and follow the instructions provided on our voicemail.

If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at Dental Implant & Reconstructive Center office Phone Number 218-722-8118.