If you would like to fill out our forms in advance, please use the links below to download the pages and bring them to your upcoming appointment.
Thank you for choosing Bruce P. Mitchell, D.M.D., P.C. as your dental care provider. We are committed to your treatment being successful.
How to care for your mouth after tooth removal
GUAZE/COTTON- Keep biting pressure on the cotton/gauze provided for the length of time
specified by the Assistant.
EATING- Do not eat or drink anything hot for 72 hrs. Warm foods and
drinks are ok if you let them cool more than normal. Heat irritates the area.
SUCTION- Do not use straws, spit or swish for 72 hrs following surgery.
This can create suction in your mouth and can cause the blood clot to come loose, and bleeding to occur.
SMOKING- Do not smoke for 72 hrs.
EXERCISE- Do not let your heart rate get too high for the next 24 hrs or it may
cause the area to want to bleed again. Exercise is not recommended.
BLEEDING- If bleeding starts or is not slowing, you may wet a Lipton tea bag
(black tea) and bite on it. The tannic acid in the tea is a natural clotting agent.
PAIN- For pain we recommend ibuprofen (Advil) if you are able to take it.
SWELLING- For any swelling you may use an ice pack on the area for 10 min on and
10 min off as needed.
BONE FRAGMENTS- On occasion small sharp bony fragments may work through the gum tissue.
This is normal, if they are bothersome please call our office.
STITCHES- If you have dissolving stitches, please do not pull on them. They will
dissolve in the next 7-10 days depending on the chemistry of your mouth. If you
have any concerns with your surgery site or extreme pain, please call our office immediately.
Whitening Instructions
~Lightly brush your teeth prior to whitening to remove and plaque or debris from the teeth. Plaque may
lessen the effectiveness of the whitening gel. Do not floss before whitening as it may make the gum
tissue more sensitive to the gel.
~Gel placement in trays- Hold your trays like a horseshoe with the ends towards you, this way you are
looking at the front or smile side of the teeth. Place a small drop of gel in each tooth, wiping the tip on
the trays each time. Use a drop the size of a ball point pen tip.
~Place the trays on your teeth by looking in a mirror and lining them up. Lightly press on each tooth to
make sure the gel has reached the gum line. Don’t press too hard or you’ll push all of the gel out of the
trays.
~Trays may be worn for 30-90 minutes depending on your sensitivity level. If you tend to have sensitive
teeth, start with a short amount of time your first few times and see how you do. You may whiten up to
twice a day (ie morning and night) if you wish. If significant sensitivity pain occurs during wear, take
your trays out and contact us. We may be able to trade you for a gel of a lower strength that may have
cause less sensitivity. During use, if you notice gum tissue spots turning white, remove the trays and try
again another day. The white spots are an irritation of the tissue and will pink back up in a few hours.
Do not eat or drink while wearing your trays.
~When you are finished whitening, remove the trays and place them on the side of your sink and use a
tooth brush and water to remove all of the gel from your teeth. The gel is thick and will not swish off
with water, you will need to use a toothbrush. After your teeth are clean, brush out your trays with
cool water. Store in a manner so that they may dry out between uses. If your trays have water droplets
in them when you go to use them, dab it out with a Q-tip.
~Do not eat or drink anything colored for 30 minutes after removing your trays. Your teeth are
rehydrating and will want to absorb anything you put in your mouth. Anything clear or white is ok to eat
or drink immediately afterward.
~You’ve whitened several times, and you’re happy with the color of your teeth. What now? You will
begin the touch up phase. Depending on the amount of staining foods and drinks you consume will
dictate how often you will need to touch up. Most people will do one or two 30-90min whitening
sessions every couple of months to keep them white. You will be the judge of when you will need to
whiten again. The same whitening gel is used for touching up and can be purchased from us at any
time. No appointment is needed, just stop by.