* Most issues need to be addressed by a dentistAfter Treatment / Sensitivity Gums
Tender gums feel sore and are irritated often bleeding easily. This is usually caused by a bacterial infection, but can also be caused by medication, hormones and mouth breathing. If you haven't seen your dentist lately, it may be time to go.
After Treatment / Coated Tongue
Medications can often affect the appearance and feel of your tongue. The use of hydrogen peroxide or other types of bleach can also alter the appearance. If you are not using any medication, see if brushing your tongue or using a tongue scraper makes a difference. If not, you could have an infection and should see the dentist.
After Treatment / Jaw Pain/Tightness
Tooth grinders and clinchers usually suffer from jaw tightness or limited opening. If you think you are grinding or clinching, having the dentist make you a guard will alleviate the symptoms and prevent further damage to the jaw joint and teeth.
After Treatment / Strange Taste
If you're not pregnant or taking any medication, a strange or metallic taste is most likely indicative of an infection. Your dentist will be able to evaluate the problem and hopefully restore the pleasure of tasting again.
After Treatment / Swelling
Refer to your dentist for any swelling of the gums or face. This is usually not a good sign no matter what.
After Treatment / Drifting or Mobile Teeth
Teeth can be a little mobile from time to time and this is normal. For moderate to severe mobility, bone loss is usually to blame. Getting routine cleanings can arrest or slow down the process of bone loss in most. Drifting teeth are the result of no adjacent teeth to keep them in place. A dentist can correct or halt this problem by placing a tooth implant or restoration in that area.
After Treatment / Dry Mouth
Medications, age, cancer treatments and open mouth breathing are usually the culprits. To alleviate the discomfort seek out products that help stimulate saliva or products that act as saliva substitutes. The company Biotene makes many of these products.
After Treatment / Sores
A sore in the mouth usually resolves in a couple of weeks. If you are experiencing a painful sore there are topical numbing ointments you can apply. Anything with benzocaine will do the trick. If you have a sore that will not heal, refer to your dentist.
After Treatment / Pus
Pus is a clear indicator of infection. It can be coming from your gums or coming from the root of the tooth. You need to see a dentist to treat the problem!
After Treatment / Pressure
I recommend seeing a dentist if you are having sensitivity upon pressure or chewing. It could be nothing or any of the following:
A cavity Thinning enamel A tooth fracture An infection at the root
After Treatment / Temperature
If your tooth is sensitive to hot, see a dentist. If your tooth is sensitive to cold and/or sweets try using a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne or Crest Pro-Health. If this doesn't help after a couple of weeks or the feeling lingers, see the dentist for a stronger desensitizer or to evaluate the area.
After Treatment / Pain
Refer to your dentist for any gum, jaw or tooth pain. This is usually not a good sign no matter what.
After Treatment / Odor
Odor can result from diet, stomach acids, the bacteria on your tongue or an oral infection. If you aren't seeing the dentist regularly it may be hard to determine where the odor is originating from.
After Treatment / Sensitivity Gums
Gums can feel tender or throb after treatment, this is normal, the tissue has been manipulated. Check with your dentist to see if warm salt water or ibuprofen can help get you through this uncomfortable time. If the symptoms haven't subsided in about 10 days contact your dentist.
Jaw pain or tightness can sometimes result from opening your mouth for an elongated amount of time, the injection site, or opening your mouth wider than normal. Dental proceedures can sometimes require this from patients. The pain and discomfort usually subsided after a week or two. When indicated ibuprophen my help settle things down or seeing the dentist for an evalution if the problem persists .
A strange or metallic taste is most likely indicative of an infection. Your dentist will be able to evaluate the problem and hopefully restore the pleasure of tasting again.
After an extraction procedure some swelling is expected. But after nonsurgical dental procedures, swelling is a concern. Minor swelling can be relived with ibuprophen, salt water or baking soda water mix. Refer to your dentist for any swelling of the gums or face.
Drifting teeth are the result of no adjacent teeth to keep them in place. A dentist can correct or halt this problem by placing a tooth implant or restoration in that area.
Traumatized tissue can result in a sore or sores. When tissue is manipulated it can ignite a viral outbreak if you have a history herpes or cold sores. This does not mean that all sores are viral; it can just be a sore. Either way, all sores should heal within a couple of weeks. If you have a history of herpes, taking an anti-viral will speed up the healing process. If you are experiencing a painful sore there are topical numbing ointments you can buy at the drug store. Anything with benzocaine will do the trick. If you have a sore that will not heal, refer to your dentist this may be something serious.
Pus is a clear indicator of infection. It can be coming from your gums or coming from the root of the tooth. You need to see a dentist to treat the problem.
It is normal to experience some hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Check with your dentist to see if ibuprofen can help get you through this uncomfortable time. If the symptoms haven't subsided in about 10 days contact your dentist, you may need an adjustment or further treatment.
After Treatment / Numbness
If the dentist numbed you for treatment and you are still numb do not panic. This is referred to a parathesia and is fairly common. Dentists aim for the nerve or nerve branch when giving an injection. If they get really close or hit it, the nerve can be traumatized resulting in prolonged numbness. It can last days to months, inform your dentist of the condition so you're on the same page.
