Recommended Daily Care

 A good, consistent routine to care for your teeth between office visits will not only help maintain the health of your mouth, it is an essential part of taking care of yourself. Dr Miller recommends the following practices for home care. By following these practices, you reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

  • Brush your teeth for two minutes using a rechargeable electric brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste, such as Sensodyne Pronamel, Thersaol solution, or baking soda.
  • Use a Waterflosser, aiming it at the junction of the tooth and gum, to remove plaque from the gumline, where it is most likely to cause gum disease.
  • If you have tight teeth and normal gums, floss gently, wrapping the floss around the side of the tooth and avoiding the gums. If you have been diagnosed with receding gums, a small brush, such as ProxaBrush or SoftPik, should be used in between the teeth.
  • If you have minimal, or no, gum disease, you can use an over-the-counter mouthwash, such as Listerine to further reduce bacteria in your mouth. For individuals who have challenges controlling plaque, TheraSol solution is recommended. And for individuals who consistently develop new decay, a fluoride rinse is most appropriate. 
  • Clean your teeth following the above procedures twice daily, once, after breakfast, and again, before going to sleep at night.
  • NOTE: Bleaching the teeth may also assist in the reduction of plaque, and as an added benefit, the result is a whiter smile. Please call the office or ask at your next appointment to find out the most effective bleaching method for your mouth.

Product Recommendations

Toothbrush

Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush


Oral-B Braun Electric Toothbrush

Waterflosser

Waterpik Water Flosser


Philips Sonicare AirFloss

Floss

Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Floss


Johnson&Johnson Listerine Gentle Gum Care Floss

Mouthwash

Therasol

(Please Note:  Therasol can be purchased from Dr Miller when you are in the office.)

Hygiene

Ayr Saline Nasal Rinse Kit


GUM Soft-Picks Advanced

Post-Surgical Instructions

  

Dental surgery is like any other surgical procedure. It requires proper care after your surgery to achieve optimal results and reduce the risk of pain or complications. Please follow these instructions carefully after having any dental surgery.

  • Rest is essential to allowing the body to heal. After your procedure is complete, go home and relax!
  • Mild swelling and bruising is normal after a dental surgical procedure, and is not cause for alarm.
  • Take your pain medication as directed by the doctor and according to the instructions on the label whether it is a prescribed medication or an over-the-counter aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen.
  • If antibiotics were prescribed, take them as directed by the doctor and according to the instructions on the label. Remember, if you have been prescribed antibiotics, it is necessary to complete the entire prescription. Do NOT stop taking the antibiotics early, even if you are feeling better.
  • Ice should be applied to the face in the area of the surgery. The ice should be applied for a period of 15 minutes, followed by a 15 minute break, and then re-applied for 15 minutes at a time, repeating the cycle. This should be continued for the first four hours after arriving home. Frozen peas make a great ice pack—place them in a small plastic freezer bag for convenience.
  • Do NOT smoke, drink through a straw, rinse your mouth, or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
  • If you are bleeding when you get home, fold one of the provided gauze pads in quarters, place it at the surgical site, and bite down on it gently, but with enough pressure to hold it firmly in place, for a minimum of a half hour. If it continues to bleed, repeat. If you do not have gauze, a tea bag can be used, but you should extend the time period to an hour minimum. Some small amount of blood may be visible in your saliva after surgery; this is not cause for concern.
  • Eat soft foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese, or ice cream. Do NOT eat anything hot.
  • Salt water rinses should be used after the first 24 hours. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse gently three times a day to keep the surgical area clean. This will also help prevent pain.
  • A post-surgical exam should be conducted in the office a week after the surgery.
  • If you develop a fever, contact Dr Miller by calling (301) 468-9383.
  • If you have any concerns as you are recovering, please call the office at (301) 468-9383.

In Case of Emergency

In case of a dental emergency, please call the office at (301) 468-9383.