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At Mansfield Dental Associates, it’s Mansfield dentists Dr. S. Blair Jones and Dr. D. Seth Harris’ goal to help his patients maintain healthy, functional, and attractive smiles for life. While Dr. Jones, Dr. Harris, and our dental team do everything in our power to provide you with premier dental care during your appointments, a large part of maintaining your dental work rests on your shoulders once you leave our Dallas/Fort Worth-area dentist office. To keep your dental work intact and your teeth healthy and sparkling for years to come, follow these home care instructions.

After Dental Filling Appointments

If anesthetic is used when Dr. Jones places your dental filling, your lips and tongue may remain numb for several hours following your appointment. Until the numbness wears off, refrain from chewing and drinking hot beverages, as it is very easy to burn or bite your tongue or lip while numb.

If you experience any sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure, as well as any pain at the site of the injection following your appointment, take a mild painkiller like Motrin, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin (one tablet every three to four hours) until the pain subsides. If the pressure or sensitivity increases or persists for more than two days, call our office at 817-473-6227.

To protect your new restoration, refrain from chewing on the side of your mouth with your new silver filling until the day following your appointment. Teeth filled with composite (tooth-colored) fillings can be used normally immediately following your appointment.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Generally, placement of dental crowns and bridges take two to three appointments to complete. At your first visit to our Arlington dentist office, your teeth will be prepared for your crown or bridge and a temporary prosthesis will be placed.

Occasionally, a temporary crown may come off. If this occurs, call our office at 817-473-6227, and bring the temporary restoration with you to your appointment. To preserve your temporary crown as much as possible, avoid eating sticky foods and chewing gum, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth as much as possible until your permanent restoration is placed.

Once your permanent restoration is placed, you may experience some temperature and pressure sensitivity. This sensitivity should subside within a few weeks after your final appointment. If it doesn’t, please call our office for further direction.

To reserve an appointment with Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris, call Mansfield Dental Associates or visit us online at mansfielddental.com.