Home care instructions.

After fillings: avoid eating until the numbness wears off (usually 1-3 hours) so you don’t bite your tongue or cheek accidentally. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days is normal. Resume normal eating and brushing once the numbness is gone.

After extractions: keep gauze in for the first hour, then change as needed if bleeding continues. Avoid spitting, rinsing forcefully, drinking through a straw, or smoking for the first 24 hours — these can dislodge the blood clot. Eat soft foods for a couple of days. Mild swelling and discomfort are normal; ibuprofen usually handles it.

After root canals: the tooth may be tender for a few days, especially when biting. Stick with softer foods on that side until your permanent crown is placed. Mild discomfort responds to ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

After crowns or onlays: avoid hard or sticky foods for 24 hours while the cement fully sets. Sensitivity to cold for a few weeks is normal. Floss carefully around the new restoration; we’ll show you the technique.

After deep cleanings (scaling and root planing): mild gum tenderness is normal for a few days. Continue brushing and flossing gently — some bleeding may occur as inflamed tissue heals. Warm salt-water rinses help.

Always: call us if you have severe pain, prolonged bleeding, fever, or anything that doesn’t feel right. We’d rather hear from you early than have you tough it out at home.