Aftercare instructions
Heal well. We'll guide you every step.
A little care after your visit goes a long way. Find your treatment below for simple, gentle instructions. Something not feeling right? Don't wait — call us at (614) 834-1834.
After a filling
If you had numbing, avoid chewing until the feeling fully returns — usually 1–3 hours — so you don't bite your cheek or tongue. It's normal for the tooth to feel a little sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days.
- With a white (composite) filling, you can eat as soon as the numbness wears off.
- Mild sensitivity that fades over 1–2 weeks is normal. Sensitivity toothpaste helps.
- If your bite feels high or uneven after a day or two, call us for a quick, easy adjustment.
After a crown or bridge
If you're wearing a temporary crown while your permanent one is made, treat it gently. Some sensitivity and tender gums around the tooth are normal for a few days.
- Temporaries: avoid sticky or hard foods (gum, caramel, nuts) that could pull it loose. When flossing, slide the floss out sideways instead of lifting it up.
- Chew on the other side until your permanent crown is placed.
- Warm salt-water rinses soothe tender gums.
- If a temporary comes off, save it and call us — it's an easy fix.
After a tooth extraction
A blood clot needs to form and stay in place for good healing — protecting it is the most important thing you can do.
- First 24 hours: bite gently on gauze for 30–45 minutes. Rest, and keep your head slightly elevated.
- Do not rinse forcefully, spit, use a straw, or smoke for at least 72 hours — this can dislodge the clot (a painful "dry socket").
- Use an ice pack on the cheek (20 min on, 20 min off) for the first day to limit swelling.
- Eat soft, cool foods — yogurt, smoothies (spoon, no straw), eggs, soup once warm-not-hot.
- After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day.
- Take pain medication as directed. Some oozing the first day is normal.
After a root canal
The tooth may feel tender for a few days as the area heals, especially when biting. This settles quickly for most people.
- Avoid chewing on that tooth until any final restoration (usually a crown) is placed.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen work well — take as directed.
- Keep brushing and flossing normally.
- Call us if you have swelling, a return of severe pain, or the temporary filling falls out.
After dental implant surgery
Implants have a high success rate, and gentle care in the first days helps everything integrate beautifully.
- First 24–48 hours: don't disturb the site. Avoid rinsing, spitting, and touching the area with your tongue or fingers.
- Use ice packs on the cheek for the first day to manage swelling; some bruising is normal.
- Stick to soft, cool foods and chew away from the implant.
- Starting the day after surgery, rinse gently with warm salt water 2–3 times daily.
- Take all prescribed medications, including antibiotics if given, exactly as directed.
- No smoking — it significantly slows healing and implant success.
After a deep cleaning (scaling & root planing)
Deep cleaning treats gum disease below the gumline. Some tenderness and temporary sensitivity are expected as your gums heal and tighten.
- If you were numbed, wait until sensation returns before eating.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days to a couple weeks is normal — sensitivity toothpaste helps.
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe gums and reduce bacteria.
- Keep up gentle brushing and flossing — clean gums heal fastest.
- Stick to your recommended maintenance schedule to keep gum disease from returning.
After teeth whitening
Some temporary sensitivity is common and fades within a day or two. Your teeth are also more absorbent right after whitening.
- For 48 hours, avoid staining foods and drinks — coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries, tomato sauce, and tobacco (the "white diet").
- Use sensitivity toothpaste and lukewarm water if teeth feel zingy.
- Maintain results with good hygiene and periodic touch-ups.
Caring for Invisalign & aligners
Consistency is everything with clear aligners. A little pressure when you switch trays means they're working.
- Wear your aligners 20–22 hours a day — only remove them to eat, drink anything but water, and brush.
- Rinse and gently brush aligners with clear soap or cleaning crystals — never hot water, which warps them.
- Brush and floss before putting trays back in to avoid trapping food and bacteria.
- Keep aligners in their case (never a napkin) when out.
- Wear your retainer as directed once treatment ends — that's what keeps your new smile.
When to call us right away
A little discomfort is normal after treatment. But please call (614) 834-1834 promptly if you notice:
- Severe or worsening pain not relieved by medication
- Swelling that spreads or makes it hard to swallow or breathe
- Bleeding that won't slow after 30–45 minutes of gentle pressure
- A fever, or pus/discharge from the treatment area
- A crown, filling, or temporary that comes off
If you're having a medical emergency or trouble breathing, call 911.
Still have questions?
We'd rather you ask than wonder. Reach out anytime — we're here to help you heal comfortably.