Post-Op Instructions What to Expect After Your Visit

Your Guide to a Smooth Recovery

Proper care after your procedure plays an important role in healing, comfort, and long-term results. The information below outlines what to expect and how to care for your mouth following common dental treatments. Please review these instructions carefully and follow them as directed to support a smooth recovery. If you have any questions or experience anything unusual during the healing process, our team is always here to help.

• Tooth Colored Fillings

  Following your filling appointment, if an anesthetic has been used, your lips, tongue, and cheek may be numb for several hours. Avoid chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off, as it is easy to bite or burn your mouth while numb.

  It is normal to experience hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity after your appointment. Injection sites may also be sore. Over-the-counter ibuprofen or Tylenol may be taken as needed for discomfort. Once the numbness has worn off, contact our office if the filled teeth touch before the rest of your bite. Composite fillings are fully set when you leave the office and can be chewed on once numbness subsides.

• Temporary Crowns or Bridges

  You have received a temporary crown designed to protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being made. Temporary crowns do not match the final crown in color, shape, or size and may cause some sensitivity.

  1. Do not chew for 30 minutes to allow the temporary cement to set.
  2. Avoid sticky foods such as gum or candy.
  3. If the crown comes off, contact our office immediately or temporarily reattach it with denture adhesive.
  4. Do not leave the temporary crown out, as teeth can shift.
  5. Brush and floss gently around the area.
  6. Return for your permanent crown as scheduled to avoid re-treatment.

• Extraction

  Proper care of the extraction site is essential for healing.

  1. Bite on gauze for 30 minutes to control bleeding.
  2. Avoid smoking, straws, alcohol, hot liquids, and spitting for 24 hours.
  3. Maintain a soft diet for the rest of the day.
  4. Call the office if pain, bleeding, or swelling worsens.
  5. Take prescribed medications as directed.
  6. Begin warm saltwater rinses the following morning.
  7. Contact the office with any concerns.

• Deep Cleaning

  Scaling and root planing is performed in sections with local anesthesia. Sensitivity, soreness, and bleeding are normal afterward. In some cases, antibiotic placement may be recommended.

  Patients should avoid brushing for 12 hours, refrain from flossing for 10 days if antibiotics are placed, and avoid hard or sticky foods for one week. Ongoing home care and follow-up visits every 3–4 months are critical to maintaining gum health.

• Immediate Dentures

  Immediate dentures are placed immediately after extractions to control bleeding and protect healing tissues. Do not remove them for the first 24 hours.

  As healing occurs, dentures will loosen and require adjustments. Speaking and eating will take practice, and increased saliva is normal initially.

  Dentures should be removed for at least 8 hours daily, cleaned thoroughly, and soaked overnight. Regular dental visits are important to maintain fit, comfort, and oral health.