Your personalized instructions come first
The guidance below is general. Always follow the instructions provided for your specific procedure and call the office if you are concerned about your recovery.
After a tooth extraction
- Bite firmly on the gauze for 30โ45 minutes.
- Avoid rinsing, forceful spitting, and straws for 24 hours.
- Use an ice pack in 20-minute intervals and take medication as directed.
- Choose soft foods and avoid tobacco for at least 72 hours.
After a root canal
- Avoid chewing on the tooth until it is permanently restored.
- Mild sensitivity for a few days can be normal.
- Brush and floss gently, and arrange the crown appointment promptly.
- Call for severe pain, swelling, or returning symptoms.
After a crown or bridge
- Avoid sticky or hard foods for 24 hours with a temporary restoration.
- Call immediately if a temporary comes off.
- Floss by sliding out sideways around a temporary.
- Contact us if your bite feels uneven after numbness fades.
After teeth whitening
- Avoid dark foods, beverages, and tobacco for 48 hours.
- Temporary sensitivity may be managed with sensitivity toothpaste.
- Brush twice daily and follow take-home tray instructions.
After implant surgery
- Use gauze as directed and ice the area during the first 24 hours.
- Choose soft foods and avoid chewing near the surgical site.
- After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Take prescribed medication and avoid smoking.
After a filling
- Do not chew until numbness has completely worn off.
- Short-term temperature or pressure sensitivity can be normal.
- Call if the bite feels high or uneven.
- Continue normal brushing and flossing.