Home Instructions
Heal comfortably, and know when to call.
Heal comfortably, and know when to call.
These are general guidelines. The specific instructions your dentist gives you always come first. If anything worries you, call (725) 250-2840.
After a tooth extraction or oral surgery
Bite gently on the gauze for 30–45 minutes to stop bleeding
For 24 hours: no straws, no smoking, no hard rinsing or spitting. This protects the clot
Rest with your head up. Use a cold compress for swelling
Soft foods only, and take medication as directed
After a dental implant
Follow the same clot-protecting steps as surgery. Eat soft foods and keep the rest of your mouth clean. Mild swelling and tenderness for a few days is normal.
After a root canal
Tenderness for a few days is normal. Don't chew on that tooth until the soreness settles and your crown is placed.
After a deep cleaning or gum treatment
Your gums may feel sore and your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold for a few days. Keep brushing gently and rinse with warm salt water if it helps. See deep cleaning.
After a filling or crown
If you were numbed, avoid chewing until the numbness wears off so you don't bite your cheek or tongue. Some temperature sensitivity is normal at first. If your bite feels high or uneven after the numbness fades, call us for a quick adjustment.
After teeth whitening
Some temporary sensitivity is common. For the first day or two, go easy on very hot or cold foods and on staining drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. See teeth whitening.
When to call us
Call (725) 250-2840 if you have heavy or ongoing bleeding, swelling that worsens after a few days, a fever, severe or increasing pain, or a reaction to a medication. We're here to help, and it's always better to ask.
Questions?
Here's everything you need to know before you reach out.
How long will I be sore after an extraction or implant?
Mild soreness and swelling for a few days is normal. Call us if pain or swelling gets worse instead of better.
Can I rinse my mouth after surgery?
Not forcefully for the first 24 hours. Gentle warm salt water rinses can start the next day.
My bite feels off after a filling. Is that normal?
If it still feels high after the numbness wears off, call us for a quick, easy adjustment.
