At PS Dental, we want to ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting results after your dental treatment. Follow these care instructions to promote healing and protect your dental work. If you have any concerns, contact our office.
Fillings
After a filling, your tooth may be sensitive for a few days. Proper care will help the filling set and reduce discomfort.
- Wait until the numbness wears off before eating or drinking.
- Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods for the first 24 hours.
- Brush and floss as usual, but be gentle around the treated area.
Extractions
Healing after a tooth extraction requires careful aftercare to prevent infection and complications like dry socket.
- Bite down on gauze for 30–45 minutes to control bleeding.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, straws, or smoking for 24 hours.
- Eat soft foods and avoid chewing near the extraction site.
- Use an ice pack in 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
- Take prescribed medication as directed.
Dental Cleanings
A professional cleaning leaves your teeth feeling fresh, but you may experience mild sensitivity.
- Sensitivity to cold or sweets is normal and temporary.
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking if fluoride was applied.
- Brush and floss normally, but be gentle if your gums feel tender.
- Avoid staining foods like coffee, tea, and red wine for a few hours.
Teeth Whitening
Whitening treatments can temporarily make your teeth more porous, increasing sensitivity and the risk of staining.
- Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks for at least 48 hours.
- Use sensitivity toothpaste if needed.
- Mild temperature sensitivity is normal and should improve within a few days.
- Maintain results with good oral hygiene and occasional touch-ups.
Veneers
Veneers enhance your smile but require proper care to protect them from damage.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods, especially with temporary veneers.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold is common and should subside.
- Use a soft toothbrush and avoid excessive pressure while brushing.
- Don’t bite directly into hard foods like ice or nuts.
Dental Crowns
Crowns restore and protect teeth, but you may experience mild discomfort after placement.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods if you have a temporary crown.
- Mild sensitivity is normal and should improve within a few days.
- Brush and floss carefully, pulling floss out from the side instead of up.
- Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth for 24 hours.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge replaces missing teeth and requires regular care to maintain its function and longevity.
- Mild soreness in the gums or jaw is normal.
- Use a floss threader or water flosser to clean under the bridge.
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods that could put pressure on the bridge.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to ensure long-term success.
If you experience prolonged pain, swelling, or unusual symptoms, contact our office right away. We are here to help ensure your recovery is smooth and comfortable.
Emergency Treatment
Dental emergencies require quick action to prevent further complications. Follow these steps to manage discomfort until you can see your dentist.
- If a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist by placing it in milk or back in the socket without touching the root.
- For a broken tooth, rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- If you have severe tooth pain, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
- Avoid chewing on the affected area until treatment is completed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants require special care during the healing period to ensure successful integration with the jawbone.
- Stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid chewing near the implant site.
- Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water, but avoid vigorous rinsing.
- Mild swelling or bruising is normal and can be managed with an ice pack.
- Avoid smoking, as it can slow healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
- Continue brushing and flossing gently around the implant site.
Root Canals
A root canal relieves pain and saves a damaged tooth, but some post-treatment discomfort is expected.
- Avoid eating until the numbness wears off to prevent accidental injury.
- Mild soreness or sensitivity is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
- If a temporary filling or crown is in place, avoid sticky or hard foods until the permanent restoration is placed.
- Maintain good oral hygiene, but be gentle around the treated tooth.
- If swelling or severe pain persists, contact our office immediately.
If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, call our office. We are here to help ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible.
