Home Instructions

What to Do After Each Procedure

Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction

• It’s normal for your bite and speech to feel different for a few days. Your brain needs time to adapt to the new position and shape of your teeth.
• Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold is common. Mild discomfort can usually be eased with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• If your gums feel sore, rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day.
• Brush and floss daily to keep your new restorations in great condition. Professional cleanings are also essential.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods, as well as staining beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine. Smoking can also discolor your restorations.
• If you play sports, ask about a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard provided to you.

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Crowns and Bridges

• Your teeth may feel numb for a few hours. Wait until the numbness wears off before eating or drinking hot beverages.
• If your temporary crown or bridge comes loose, call us promptly so it can be re-cemented. Keep it in place to prevent shifting.
• Avoid sticky foods, hard items, or chewing directly on your temporary crown.
• Brush as normal, but floss carefully by sliding the floss out rather than pulling up to avoid loosening the temporary.
• Some pressure or temperature sensitivity is expected, but this should ease within a few weeks of receiving your permanent crown or bridge.

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Tooth Extractions

• After the extraction, bite down on gauze for 30–45 minutes to help form a clot. Replace it with fresh gauze if needed.
• Don’t rinse forcefully, use straws, smoke, or brush near the site for the first 72 hours.
• Use an ice pack for the first 24–48 hours and take prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed.
• Stick to soft, nutritious foods and stay hydrated. Return to your normal diet once you feel comfortable.
• After 24 hours, gently resume brushing and flossing to support healing and cleanliness.
• Contact us if you notice severe pain, heavy bleeding, or swelling that continues for several days.

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Composite Fillings

• Wait until the anesthetic wears off before chewing or drinking hot beverages to avoid accidentally biting or burning yourself.
• Mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure is common for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this issue.
• Composite fillings are fully hardened by the time you leave the office, so you can chew once your numbness is gone.
• If your bite feels uneven or sensitivity worsens instead of improving, call our office for an adjustment.