Keep scrolling down for your home care instructions!

Fillings

1. Numbness

  • Your mouth may be numb for 1–3 hours after the procedure. Avoid chewing, drinking hot liquids, or biting your lips, cheeks, or tongue until the numbness wears off. Supervise children closely to prevent accidental injury to soft tissues.

2. Eating & Drinking

  • You can eat once the numbness wears off. If you received a white (composite) filling, it is fully set when you leave the office, so you may eat normally once numbness is gone. If you received a silver (amalgam) filling, avoid chewing on that side for at least 24 hours to allow it to fully harden.

3. Sensitivity

  • Mild sensitivity to pressure, heat, cold, or sweets is normal for a few days to a couple of weeks. Use a desensitizing toothpaste (e.g., Sensodyne) if needed. If sensitivity worsens or lasts longer than 2 weeks, contact us.

4. Oral Hygiene

  • Brush and floss normally, but be gentle around the treated area for the first day.

5. Bite Issues

  • If your bite feels “off” or uneven once the numbness wears off, please return to the office for a simple adjustment. A high filling can cause discomfort or pain when biting and should be corrected.

6. Pain or Discomfort

  • Minor discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours.

7. When to Call Us - Contact the office if you experience:

  • Severe pain or pressure that doesn't improve

  • Prolonged sensitivity (more than 2 weeks)

  • Swelling, signs of infection, or fever

  • A filling that feels too high, rough, or falls out

Crown & Bridge

Temporary Crown or Bridge Care: If you received a temporary crown or bridge, it’s important to be careful until your permanent restoration is placed.

1. Chew on the Opposite Side

  • Do not eat sticky (gum, taffy, caramel) or hard (ice, nuts, crusty bread) foods. These can pull off or break the temporary. Use the opposite side of your mouth when eating if possible.

2. Flossing

  • Floss gently. Slide the floss out rather than pulling up, to avoid dislodging the temporary.

3. If Temporary Comes Off

  • Call the office so we can replace the temporary.

4. Sensitivity & Numbness

  • It's common to have sensitivity to temperature, pressure, or sweets after crown/bridge work. Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help. Your lips, teeth, and tongue may be numb for a few hours. Avoid chewing or drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off to prevent injury.

Permanent Crown or Bridge

Once your permanent crown or bridge is placed:

1. Bite Check

  • If your bite feels high or uneven after the numbness wears off, please call us. A simple adjustment can prevent discomfort or complications.

2. Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Brush and floss normally. For bridges, use:

    • Floss threaders

    • Interdental brushes

    • Or water flossers to clean under the bridge

  • Good oral hygiene is essential to protect the surrounding teeth and gums.

8. Avoid Damaging Habits

  • Don’t chew ice, bite fingernails, or use your teeth to open packages.

Root Canal

1. Numbness

  • Your mouth will remain numb for 1–3 hours after the procedure. Avoid chewing or drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off to prevent accidentally biting your lips, tongue, or cheeks.

2. Eating and Chewing

  • Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the numbness is gone. If a temporary filling or crown was placed, avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side to prevent dislodging it. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth if possible until your permanent restoration is placed.

3. Pain and Discomfort

  • Some soreness or tenderness in the area is normal for a few days, especially when chewing. Take over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed. Prescription medications may be provided if necessary. Avoid chewing hard foods on the affected side until discomfort subsides.

4. Oral Hygiene

  • Continue brushing and flossing as usual, being gentle around the treated area. Good hygiene helps prevent infection and supports healing.

5. What to Expect. It is normal to experience:

  • Mild swelling or tenderness around the tooth

  • Sensitivity to pressure

  • Slight discomfort for up to a week

6. Final Restoration Is Needed

  • A root canal-treated tooth becomes brittle and is at risk for fracture. A crown or permanent filling must be placed soon after treatment to protect and restore the tooth. Delaying this final step can result in tooth fracture or loss of the treated tooth.

7. Call Us If You Experience:

  • Severe pain or pressure that doesn’t improve with medication

  • Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth

  • Fever or chills

  • An allergic reaction to any medication

  • Loss of the temporary filling or crown

Deep Cleaning

1. What to Expect - It's normal to experience the following after your deep cleaning:

  • Mild tenderness or soreness in the gums

  • Slight bleeding when brushing or flossing

  • Temporary tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods

  • Swollen or tender gums for a day or two

These symptoms usually improve within a few days.

2. Pain Management

  • You may take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve discomfort.

3. Managing Sensitivity

  • Tooth sensitivity may last for a few days to a few weeks. Use a sensitivity toothpaste (like Sensodyne) and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid very hot, cold, acidic, or sweet foods until sensitivity subsides.

4. Oral Hygiene

  • Continue brushing and flossing as instructed — this is crucial for healing. Brush twice a day gently with a soft toothbrush. Floss daily, being extra gentle around the gumline. You may be advised to use:

    • Antibacterial mouthwash (e.g., chlorhexidine)

    • Saltwater rinses (1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water, 2–3 times/day)

5. Eating Guidelines

  • Wait until the numbness wears off before eating to avoid injury.

  • For the first 24 hours, eat soft foods and avoid:

    • Hard or crunchy foods (e.g., chips, nuts)

    • Sticky foods (e.g., caramel, chewing gum)

    • Spicy or acidic foods

6. Avoid Tobacco

  • Do not smoke or use tobacco for at least 48–72 hours. Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of infection and gum disease.

7. Follow-Up

  • A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to evaluate healing, monitor pocket depths, continue periodontal maintenance

Staying on a regular maintenance schedule (every 3–4 months) is critical to control gum disease.

LANAP

1. What to Expect After LANAP®:

  • Mild soreness or discomfort in the treated area(s)

  • Slight swelling or tenderness of the gums

  • Light bleeding or tissue discoloration (dark red, purple, or white tissue is normal)

  • Minor gum sensitivity

  • A temporary dull ache or throbbing

These symptoms are normal and should resolve within a few days.

2. Pain & Inflammation Management:

  • Take prescribed medications as directed (e.g., antibiotics, anti-inflammatories).

3. Swelling Control:

  • Apply a cold compress (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) on the outside of your face near the treated area during the first 24 hours, if swelling occurs.

4. DO NOT:

  • Disturb the healing gums with fingers, tongue, or objects.

  • Smoke or use tobacco for at least 7–10 days — it delays healing and increases risk of failure.

  • Use alcohol-based mouthwashes unless prescribed.

5. Oral Hygiene Instructions:

  • Use the prescribed antimicrobial rinse (e.g., chlorhexidine) twice daily to reduce bacteria and promote healing. Gently brush and floss untreated areas of the mouth as normal. After the initial healing phase (7–10 days), you’ll be guided on how to clean treated areas gently.

6. Diet Guidelines:

  • First 3 days: Stick to a liquid or soft diet only (e.g., smoothies, yogurt, soups, protein shakes).

  • Days 4–7: Continue with soft foods (e.g., scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta).

  • Avoid:

    • Crunchy or hard foods (chips, nuts, popcorn, raw vegetables)

    • Sticky foods (gum, taffy)

    • Hot or spicy foods

  • Chew on the opposite side of the treated area.

7. Activity:

  • Avoid vigorous exercise for the first 48–72 hours post-treatment to minimize bleeding or swelling.

📅 Follow-Up Appointments:

  • You will have several follow-up visits to monitor healing and progress. It is critical to attend these appointments to ensure success of the LANAP® procedure.

Extractions

1. Immediately After the Extraction

  • Bite firmly on the gauze pad placed over the extraction site for 30–60 minutes to help stop bleeding and form a blood clot.

  • Do not disturb the blood clot. This is essential for healing. Dislodging it can lead to dry socket, a painful condition that delays healing.

2. For the First 24 Hours:

Avoid the following:

  • 🚭 NO Smoking or using tobacco (for at least 72 hours)

  • 🥤 Drinking through a straw

  • 👅 Touching or rinsing the extraction site

  • 🏋️ Strenuous activity or heavy lifting

  • 🍺 Alcohol consumption

  • 🦷 Spitting forcefully or swishing liquids

3. Bleeding

  • Some bleeding or oozing is normal for the first day. If bleeding continues, place a clean gauze pad or a damp tea bag over the site and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. Keep your head elevated and rest. Avoid spitting or rinsing forcefully.

4. Swelling

  • Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) during the first 24 hours to minimize swelling. Swelling is usually greatest 48–72 hours after surgery and then begins to subside.

5. Pain Management

  • Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Do not take aspirin, as it may increase bleeding unless directed by your doctor.

  • Begin medications before numbness wears off to stay ahead of discomfort.

6. Diet

  • Stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first 24–48 hours: Yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, applesauce, soup (not hot)

  • Avoid:

    • Crunchy, spicy, or hard foods

    • Chewing near the extraction site

  • Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid straws.

7. Oral Hygiene

  • Do not rinse or brush near the extraction site on the first day.

  • Starting the next day, gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water) 2–3 times per day — especially after meals.

  • Continue to brush and floss other areas of the mouth normally, avoiding the surgical site.

8. Call Our Office If You Experience:

  • Severe or increasing pain after 3 days (possible dry socket)

  • Excessive or prolonged bleeding

  • Fever, chills, or signs of infection (pus, swelling that worsens)

  • Nausea, vomiting, or allergic reaction to medication

  • Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing

9. Healing Timeline (Typical)

Time frame: What to Expect Day 1Blood clot forms, mild bleeding/swelling Days 2–3Peak swelling and discomfort Days 4–7Swelling subsides, healing begins1–2 weeks Tissue healing, sutures may be removed (if placed)

Dentures and Partials

Caring for Your New Smile Starts Today!

Whether you’ve received a new denture or partial, proper care during the first few days is key to helping your mouth adjust and ensuring a comfortable fit.

What to Expect

  • Soreness & Pressure: Some discomfort is normal for the first few days. Your gums and tissues are adjusting to the new appliance.

  • Increased Saliva: Your mouth may produce more saliva than usual at first—this should decrease as you adjust.

  • Speaking & Chewing: It may feel a little awkward initially, but practice makes perfect! Reading out loud and starting with soft foods can help.

Cleaning & Care

  • Remove and rinse your dentures/partials after meals to keep them clean and free of debris.

  • Brush daily with a soft denture brush—avoid regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive.

  • Soak overnight in a denture cleanser or plain water (unless otherwise instructed).

  • Never use hot water—it an warp the appliance!

Nighttime Tips

  • Remove your dentures or partials before bed unless we’ve told you to wear them overnight for healing purposes.

  • This gives your gums time to rest and helps prevent irritation or infection.

Eating Tips

  • Start with soft foods and cut them into small pieces.

  • Chew slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth.

  • Avoid sticky or hard foods until you’re more comfortable.

Follow-Up Appointments

  • We may need to make adjustments as your mouth heals and settles. If you feel sore spots or rubbing, let us know—we’re happy to help make it right!

Night Guards

Protecting Your Smile—Even While You Sleep

You’ve just received your custom nightguard—great choice! Whether you’re protecting your teeth from grinding (bruxism), jaw tension, or clenching, proper care and consistent use are the keys to long-term comfort and success.

✅ Getting Started

  • Wear it nightly (or as directed). It may feel a little odd at first—that’s totally normal! Most people adjust within a few nights.

  • Speech may feel different at first—try reading out loud with your nightguard in to help your mouth adapt.

  • Drooling or tightness may happen during the adjustment period. This usually improves within a week.

🧼 Cleaning & Care

  • Rinse after each use with cool water.

  • Brush gently using a soft toothbrush (no toothpaste—it’s too abrasive).

  • Deep clean weekly by soaking it in a denture/retainer cleaner or a mix of water and mild soap.

  • Let it air dry completely before storing it in its case.

  • Keep it in its case when not in use—away from pets (they love to chew on them!) and heat.

🗓️ Ongoing Tips

  • Bring your night guard to dental checkups so we can make sure it still fits properly.

  • Check for signs of wear—if it feels loose, cracked, or rough, give us a call.

  • Avoid hot water and harsh cleaners like bleach or alcohol—they can damage the material.

🚨 Call Us If You Notice:

  • Discomfort or a poor fit after the first week

  • Cracks or tears in the guard

  • Jaw pain that doesn’t improve with use

  • Difficulty wearing it consistently


We’re always here to help keep your smile protected and your jaw feeling great!