Every treatment comes with a little recovery time. Whether you had a tooth pulled or just got a filling, how you care for yourself afterward can make a big difference. Here’s what to know once you leave the chair.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
- Bleeding? Bite down on the gauze we gave you for 30 minutes. Still bleeding? Switch it out — or use a damp tea bag. It really helps.
- Don’t mess with the area. No rinsing, no smoking, no alcohol, no straws for the first 72 hours. And don’t brush near the site for 24 hours.
- Swollen? Totally normal. Use an ice pack — 20 minutes on, 20 off — for the first two days. After that, switch to a warm cloth if it still feels puffy.
- What can I eat? Cool, soft foods are best. Think yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes. Skip anything spicy or crunchy.
- Pain? Take what we gave you — or over-the-counter meds if we said it was okay. If it gets worse instead of better, call us.
- Something feels off? Call right away if you notice heavy bleeding, intense pain, swelling that gets worse, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth.
Dental Filling Aftercare
- Still numb? Wait until the numbness goes away before eating or drinking hot stuff — you don’t want to bite your cheek or tongue.
- Feeling sensitive? That’s pretty common for a few days. If it lingers or gets worse, let us know.
- Bite doesn’t feel right? Come back in. We might just need to smooth it out a little.
Dental Implant Aftercare
- Bleeding after surgery? Use gauze and bite down gently. Change it out every 30–45 minutes if needed. A tea bag can help too.
- Swelling or bruising? Also normal. Ice it for the first 48 hours, then use a warm compress if needed.
- Pain relief? Take your meds before the numbness wears off. It’s easier to stay ahead of the pain that way. And don’t take anything on an empty stomach.
- What to eat? Stick to soft foods — smoothies, soups, yogurt, scrambled eggs. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy stuff. Chew away from the implant area.
- Brushing and rinsing? Skip rinsing for 24 hours. After that, rinse gently with salt water a few times a day. Brush gently, avoiding the area.
- Rest. Take it easy for a few days. No workouts, no heavy lifting. Prop your head up when you sleep to keep swelling down.
- Antibiotics? If we gave you any, finish the whole prescription — even if you feel fine.
Dental Crown Aftercare
- Temporary crown? Be gentle. No gum, sticky candy, or hard foods. When flossing, slide the floss out — don’t yank up.
- A little sensitive? You might feel it with hot or cold drinks. It usually fades in a few days.
- Bite feels weird? Let us know. We can fix that quickly.
- Still brushing and flossing? Yes, just be careful around the crown, especially if it’s temporary.
Dental Braces or Clear Aligners Aftercare
- Teeth feel sore? Totally normal, especially after adjustments. Tylenol or ibuprofen should help.
- What can I eat? Go soft for a few days — mashed potatoes, pasta, smoothies. Avoid anything hard or sticky that could mess with your wires or brackets.
- How do I clean them? Brush after every meal, floss carefully, and use any rinses or tools we recommended.
- Something broke? Call us. Don’t try to fix a bracket or poking wire on your own.
- Wearing aligners? Keep them in for the full recommended time. Clean them every day, and switch trays when it’s time.
Not Sure About Something?
If you’re not feeling right, or you’re unsure what to do — call our clinic. We’ll talk it through or get you in to take a look. There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your recovery.