Hygiene Appointment 

Hygiene appointments are routine dental visits that involve professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, helping prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. During these appointments, patients receive personalized advice on maintaining good oral hygiene, and dentists can spot potential problems early. The value of hygiene appointments lies in their ability to promote long-term dental health, reduce the need for costly treatments, and keep your smile bright and healthy. Regular visits play a vital role in both prevention and early intervention.

After your routine hygiene appointment, follow these simple instructions to maintain your oral health:

1. Oral Care: Continue brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
2. Sensitivity: You may experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods; this should subside within a few days.
3. Diet: Avoid consuming staining foods or drinks (like coffee or red wine) for the next 24 hours, as your teeth may be more susceptible to staining after cleaning.
4. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help rinse away any remaining plaque or tartar particles.
5. Follow-up: Be sure to schedule your next cleaning in six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

If you experience any discomfort beyond mild sensitivity, or have any concerns, please contact the Green Apple Dental team.

Dental Filling Procedure

A dental filling is a restorative treatment used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, or fractures. The procedure begins with the dentist removing the decayed portion of the tooth using specialized tools. Once the decay is removed, the area is cleaned thoroughly to prevent further infection. The dentist will then fill the cavity with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain, depending on the location of the tooth and patient preferences. The filling is shaped and polished to restore the tooth’s natural look and function.

Post-Treatment Instructions

1. Numbness: If local anesthesia was used, your mouth may feel numb for a few hours. Avoid chewing on the treated side until the numbness wears off to prevent accidental injury.
2. Sensitivity: It’s common to experience sensitivity to pressure, cold, or heat after the filling. This usually resolves within a few days. If it persists or worsens, contact your dentist.
3. Eating and Drinking: Avoid eating hard or sticky foods for at least 24 hours, especially if you have a silver (amalgam) filling. Composite fillings harden instantly, but it’s still best to avoid extreme temperatures.
4. Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss as normal. Good oral hygiene helps maintain the health of your filling and the surrounding teeth.
5. Follow-Up: If your bite feels uneven or if you experience persistent discomfort, contact your dentist to have the filling adjusted.

If you have any concerns after your procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Green Apple Dental team for guidance.

Dental extractions

Dental extractions are a common dental procedure performed when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or causing overcrowding. There are two main types: simple extractions, where a visible tooth is removed, and surgical extractions, which involve removing a tooth that hasn’t fully erupted or is impacted, such as wisdom teeth.

Before the extraction, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring the procedure is as painless as possible. For more complex cases, sedation may be used for additional comfort.

After the tooth is removed, the body forms a blood clot in the socket, which is essential for healing. It’s crucial to protect this clot to avoid complications like dry socket, a painful condition where the clot is dislodged. Avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or rinsing too vigorously in the first 24-48 hours to prevent this.

Post-extraction, mild discomfort, swelling, and slight bleeding are normal and can be managed with ice packs, prescribed pain medication, and rest. Eating soft foods and keeping the extraction site clean with gentle rinses can also aid in a smooth recovery.

Extractions, while sometimes necessary, are a routine procedure that can help preserve your overall oral health, prevent further complications, and prepare your mouth for restorative treatments like implants or orthodontics.

Post-Extraction Care Instructions for Dental Extractions

1. Bleeding: Bite firmly on the gauze for 30-45 minutes. Slight bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and bite down again.
2. Pain Relief: Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.
3. Swelling: Use an ice pack on your cheek for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
4. Oral Hygiene: Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw for the first 24 hours. Afterward, rinse gently with warm saltwater.
5. Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy items for the first few days. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
6. Physical Activity: Rest for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid strenuous activities to prevent increased bleeding.
7. Smoking/Alcohol: Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 72 hours, as they can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
8. Follow-up: Return to the clinic as scheduled or if you experience increased pain, swelling, prolonged bleeding, or fever.

If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Green Apple Dental team.

Dental implants

Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as a replacement for the tooth root. Over time, the implant integrates with the bone, creating a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.

The process usually involves multiple stages. First, the implant is placed in the jawbone, followed by a healing period of several months, allowing the bone to fuse with the implant. Once healed, an abutment is attached to the implant, serving as a connector for the final tooth restoration, such as a custom-made crown. The result is a natural-looking and fully functional tooth.

Dental implants offer several advantages over other tooth replacement options. They are durable, long-lasting, and feel like natural teeth. Unlike dentures, implants do not slip or require adhesives, and they help preserve the jawbone by preventing bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss. Implants also allow for easier chewing and speaking, enhancing overall oral health and confidence.

While the procedure may take several months, dental implants are a highly successful and permanent solution that can significantly improve your smile and quality of life.

Post Dental Implant Care Instructions

1. Bleeding: Slight bleeding or oozing is normal for the first 24 hours. Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes to control it. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze or try biting on a damp tea bag.
2. Swelling: Swelling is common after implant surgery. Apply an ice pack to your cheek in 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours. Keep your head elevated when resting to minimize swelling.
3. Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed or use over-the-counter pain relief. Avoid aspirin, as it may increase bleeding.
4. Oral Hygiene: Avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours. After that, gently rinse with warm saltwater (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water) 3-4 times a day, especially after meals. Continue brushing and flossing your teeth, but avoid the implant site.
5. Diet: Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid using straws, as the suction may interfere with healing.
6. Smoking & Alcohol: Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 72 hours, as these can hinder healing and increase the risk of complications.
7. Physical Activity: Rest for the first 48 hours and avoid strenuous activity to prevent increased bleeding or swelling.

If you experience unusual pain, swelling, prolonged bleeding, or any concerns, contact our office immediately.