As a general rule, wait until the anesthetic has fully worn off, usually about two hours, before eating so you do not bite your cheek, lip, or tongue. If you have any concern about how you are healing, call us at(724) 537-9870.
Extractions and oral surgery
- Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes. Replace it if bleeding continues; slight oozing for 24 hours is normal.
- Do not rinse, spit forcefully, use a straw, or smoke for 24 hours. These can dislodge the clot and cause a painful dry socket.
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face, 15 minutes on and 15 off, for the first day to limit swelling.
- Eat soft, cool foods for the first day and chew away from the site. Stay hydrated.
- Take pain medication as directed, starting before the numbness wears off.
- Beginning the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water (1 teaspoon in 8 ounces) after meals.
- Call if bleeding is heavy, pain increases after day three, or you notice fever or a bad taste.
Root canal therapy
- Expect soreness for a few days, especially when biting. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen usually manages it well.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown or filling is placed. The temporary is not as strong.
- Finish any antibiotic exactly as prescribed.
- Call if you have increasing pain or swelling, a reaction to medication, or the temporary filling comes out.
Crowns and bridges
- While a temporary is in place, avoid sticky or chewy foods and chew on the other side.
- Brush normally but floss carefully: slide the floss out sideways rather than pulling up, which can loosen the temporary.
- If the temporary comes off, save it and call us; it protects the prepared tooth.
- Some sensitivity to temperature after the permanent crown is placed is normal and fades. Warm salt water rinses help.
- Your bite should feel even. If it feels high or you notice a spot when biting, call for a quick adjustment.
Fillings and bonding
- Teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold for several days. This is normal.
- Composite fillings are fully hardened when you leave, so you can eat once the numbness wears off.
- Call if your bite feels uneven or sensitivity persists beyond two weeks.
Scaling and root planing
- Gums will be tender for a few days. Rinse with warm salt water two to three times a day.
- Continue brushing and flossing right away, but gently.
- Teeth may feel sensitive as the gums heal and tighten. A sensitivity toothpaste helps.
- Keep your periodontal maintenance appointments; they are what keep the disease from returning.
Veneers
- Veneers may feel slightly different for a few days while your mouth adjusts.
- Avoid biting hard objects, chewing ice, or using your teeth as tools.
- Brush and floss normally. Sensitivity to temperature is common at first and fades.
New dentures
- Wear your dentures as instructed, including overnight for the first day if told to.
- Sore spots are normal; note where they are and call for an adjustment rather than adjusting them yourself.
- Start with soft foods cut small and chew on both sides at once.
- Remove and clean dentures daily and soak them overnight in room-temperature water or cleaner.