What Can I Eat After A Tooth Extraction?
Tooth Extractions in Stamford, CT
Tooth extractions can be painful, and it’s important to realize how to care for your extraction site afterward to promote healing. Knowing what to eat and what not to eat is a good place to start.
What to eat after a tooth extraction? Like any kind of dental procedure, you should stick to soft foods and liquids so as not to irritate the extraction site. Soft foods that are easy to consume should be eaten for the first 24 hours after your procedure. After 24 hours, you can ease into more of a normal diet, when you feel comfortable doing so.
What to Eat After a Tooth Extraction:
It’s important to try to stick with easy-to-chew foods for the first few days. Some examples include:
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Jell-O
- Ice cream
- Applesauce
After the first day, you can try a wider variety of foods:
- Mashed potatoes
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Pancakes
- Broth-based soups
What Not To Eat:
After having a tooth extracted, your body will need time to heal. You should avoid consuming alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours following the surgery. If you are taking any powerful pain medications, you should avoid consuming alcohol until you are no longer on the medications.
For about a week, it is advised to avoid eating hard, chewy, crunchy, or brittle foods. These could include chips, nuts, and popcorn.
How To Eat:
How you eat your food is equally as important as the types of foods you consume after an extraction. You should try to only chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the treated area. Since you’ll likely be consuming more liquids than solids following the procedure, it might be tempting to use a drinking straw. This is not advisable because the suction of the straw could dislodge the blood clot and lengthen your total healing time.
Having a tooth extracted is a common procedure that many people will go through in their lifetime. Knowing how to care for your extraction site can speed up the recovery process. If you have any questions about tooth extractions, please contact us immediately.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
Dental Veneers in Stamford, CT
If you’re considering getting dental veneers or have had them in the past, it’s important to know how long they will last. Depending on the type of veneers you receive will play a part in how long your dental veneers will last. Proper care of your veneers will help ensure you get the most out of them.
Taking Care of Your Dental Veneers
Once your procedure is done, your job is not over. Patients will need to follow proper oral health guidelines to make sure their dental veneers stay in good condition. If you want your new smile to last as long as possible, use the following list to stay on top of your oral health:
Daily Brushing + Flossing
You should already be brushing your teeth twice a day, but it’s always nice to have a reminder. Brushing your teeth should take around two minutes to ensure you are removing the plaque on your teeth. Patients should also be flossing their teeth once a day.
Limit Sweets
Limiting the number of sweets you consume is a good idea if you have dental veneers. You don’t have to completely stop eating sweets, but it’s important to be aware of how much you are consuming so you can be mindful of your oral health.
Regular Dental Checkups
Visiting our Stamford, CT office every 6 months is vital for making your veneers last as long as possible. During your visit, we will professionally clean your teeth to make sure they are free of any plaque and debris.
Composite vs Porcelain Dental Veneers
The lifespan of your dental veneers depends on the type you receive. Porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 12 years with the proper care. However, composite veneers usually only last between 4 and 8 years.
Some dental veneers can last up to 20 years if you take great care of them. Always ask your dentist if you have any questions about the timeline.
Know When It’s Time To Replace Them
Replacing your dental veneers is similar to the process of first getting them on. Your dentist will start by filing away and refining the bonding agent. Then, they will retake a mold of your teeth to ensure your new veneers fit just as well as your previous set. They will then create your new veneers and bond them back to your teeth.
You should always follow proper oral health guidelines to make sure your dental veneers last as long as possible. If you have been considering dental veneers, reach out to LoPresti Cosmetic and Family Dentistry to get your questions answered.
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What is Dental Technology?
High-End Dentistry in Stamford, CT
When you visit the dentist, you may notice them using certain technologies. These dental technologies can include anything from X-ray machines to CEREC machines. All of the dental technologies we use in-office helps streamline the process of visiting the dentist.
Types of Dental Technology
Digital X-rays
If you’ve ever visited a dentist before, you most likely have gotten x-rays taken. Digital X-rays are standard practice at most dental offices. These digital X-rays save time and are safe for any patient.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
CBCT scanning allows our team to create images of your teeth, face, and neck with just one scan. These images are high-quality and help us gather detailed information to best diagnose every patient. The CBCT machine rotates once around your head while you stand or sit. It is a quick, simple, and painless process!
CEREC®
CEREC® stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. For patients who are in need of crowns, CEREC® makes it possible to walk out of the office with a new tooth in just one visit! This dental technology has revolutionized ceramic restorations so there is no waiting period preparing the restoration and receiving the final product.
Intraoral Camera
Intraoral cameras give our team a detailed view of your mouth in pictures and videos. This dental technology is useful for putting specific problem areas on the screen so we can see in greater detail.
What Dental Technology is Offered at LoPresti Cosmetic and Family Dentistry?
At LoPresti Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we offer dental technologies to streamline our dental process as much as possible. We use the following technologies in our practice:
If you have any questions about dental technology, or what we use at our practice, please give us a call using the button below.
Call LoPresti Cosmetic and Family DentistryBad Breath Tips During The Holiday Season
Treating Halitosis in Stamford, CT
Bad breath and the holidays don’t go well together. LoPresti Cosmetic and Family Dentistry offers halitosis treatment for patients in Stamford, CT so you can feel confident in your smile this holiday season. If you suffer from halitosis – you are not alone. Below are some tips for treating bad breath during the holidays!
Hydrate Your Mouth
Water is a great help to wash away any bacteria in your mouth, which can help combat bad breath. Here are some tips to avoid dry mouth this holiday season:
- Remember to drink water during your holiday feasts. This will help you stay hydrated as well as avoid dry mouth and bad breath.
- Limit your coffee and alcohol intake – keyword: LIMIT. We know the holidays are for having fun and celebrating with your family and friends, but both coffee and alcohol encourage you to use the bathroom which can leave you feeling dry as a result. Limiting these drinks can help control the symptoms of dry mouth.
- Avoid that holiday cigar. Smoking cigars can dry out your mouth, so if a holiday cigar is a tradition of yours, try avoiding it this year.
Don’t Pass Up The Veggie Tray
There is always a vegetable tray at every holiday party – don’t skip on those snacks! The crunchy vegetables stimulate the production of saliva, which can wash away the bacteria in your mouth. When you attend your next holiday celebration, eat crunchy vegetables like carrots, peppers, and broccoli. Fruits also have the same effect, so eat as many apple slices as you want!
Skip The Eggnog
The number one holiday treat that causes bad breath is eggnog. Since the two main ingredients are dairy and sugar, and many people add alcohol to this holiday treat, it is a perfect recipe for bad breath.
Opt For Sugarless Gum
We know that reaching for a stick of gum is what most people grab first when they want to fight their bad breath. Chewing gum is still a good way of avoiding bad breath, but we suggest opting for sugarless gum this holiday season. When selecting a sugarless gum, look for brands that have the ADA seal on them.
Don’t Forget Your Gifts, And Don’t Forget To Brush!
The holiday season is hectic, but it’s important that you continue to brush your teeth on a routine schedule. Your hygiene routine is likely to be disrupted if you are enjoying late nights with friends and early mornings with family. Brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day will always be a great way to combat bad breath.
No Date This Holiday Season? No Problem!
We know that not having a date during the holidays can be lonely, but LoPresti Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is always here for you to schedule an appointment. We’re more reliable than a holiday date anyway!
Don’t Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Holidays
If you implement these tips we’ve outlined above, you are sure to have perfect breath for all of your holiday get-togethers! If you have any questions about halitosis, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (203) 883-9986.
Happy holidays from LoPresti Cosmetic and Family Dentistry!
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Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Teeth Whitening Procedures
Teeth Whitening has been around for decades and millions of people use whitening products – including plenty of dentists. According to dental professionals, they haven’t seen an increase in problems like cavity risk or tooth fractures after teeth whitening procedures. LoPresti Cosmetic and Family Dentistry works to provide safe teeth whitening services for our patients.
Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
- Teeth Sensitivity: Your teeth may become more sensitive after getting them whitened. You may experience this after your first or second treatment, and it can diminish with time. Ask your doctor if they can recommend products for treating sensitivity at your next appointment.
- Irritated Gums: You may also experience gingival irritation, which happens when your gums become irritated. If the whitening products touch your gums, then they may become irritated, but LoPresti Cosmetic and Family Dentistry takes precautions to eliminate this risk.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
- Safety: The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that hydrogen peroxide whiteners are safe and effective. At LoPresti Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we care for our patients like they are our family. The side effects of teeth whitening stated above usually only occur with at-home teeth whitening products. At our office, we work to minimize the side effects as much as possible.
- Quick Process: Our whitening process is quick and effective. You can walk away with whitened teeth in just one session rather than waiting months for at-home products to take into effect.
- No Recurring Appointments: You won’t have to keep coming into our office for additional appointments because whitening your teeth too frequently can actually damage your teeth. With just a couple of sessions of professional whitening, you can achieve the bright, white smile that you desire.
If you are worried about your upcoming teeth whitening procedure or worried about an at-home product you are using, you can always ask your doctor if the product is safe. LoPresti Cosmetic and Family Dentistry offers professional teeth whitening that is safe and effective. If you would like to schedule a teeth whitening appointment, use the button below to schedule online, or learn more about teeth whitening at our office.
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