Home Care Instructions

After Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction

It is normal for your bite and teeth to feel different after cosmetic dental treatment. As your teeth and bite adjust, it may take several days for your mouth to feel natural again. If your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable after a few days, please contact our office so we can schedule an adjustment if needed.

Some temporary hot and cold sensitivity is also common after treatment. Your teeth and gums may feel mildly sensitive or sore for a few days while healing. Warm salt water rinses may help reduce discomfort and swelling.

You may notice slight changes in speech or increased salivation initially as your mouth adjusts to the new shape and feel of your teeth. This typically improves within several days.

Daily brushing, flossing , and regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining the long-term health and appearance of your dental work.

Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, pens, fingernails, or hard candy, as these can damage restorations just like natural teeth. Limiting foods and beverages that stain — including coffee, tea, red wine, and berries — can also help maintain your results.

If you grind your teeth or participate in sports, we may recommend a custom night guard or mouthguard to help protect your dental restorations. If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please contact our office.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Dental crowns and dental bridges typically require two or more appointments to complete. During the initial visit, the teeth are prepared and impressions or digital scans are taken. Temporary restorations are then placed to protect the teeth while your final restoration is being fabricated.

Since local anesthetic was used, your lips, tongue, or cheeks may remain numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid chewing or drinking hot beverages until the numbness has fully worn off.

Temporary crowns or bridges can occasionally loosen or come off. If this occurs, please contact our office and bring the temporary restoration with you so it can be re-cemented.

To help protect your temporary restoration:

•  Avoid sticky or hard foods
•  Chew on the opposite side when possible
•  Brush normally, but floss carefully by sliding the floss out rather than pulling upward

Some temperature sensitivity or mild soreness is normal after treatment and should improve over time. If your bite feels uneven, or if you experience persistent discomfort or sensitivity, please contact our office.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it is important for a blood clot to form properly in order to promote healing and reduce bleeding. Bite firmly on the gauze provided for 30–45 minutes following your appointment. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and maintain gentle pressure as instructed.

To help protect the extraction site during the first 24–72 hours:

* Avoid drinking through straws

* Avoid smoking or vaping

* Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting

* Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours

Some swelling, soreness, and minor bleeding are normal after an extraction. Applying an ice pack intermittently during the first 24 hours may help minimize swelling. Take all prescribed or recommended medications as directed.

Soft foods and adequate hydration are encouraged during the healing process. You may gradually resume your normal diet as comfort allows.

After the first 24 hours, gently resume brushing and flossing while avoiding direct irritation to the extraction site.

Please contact our office if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, worsening swelling, fever, or any unusual reaction to medication.

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

If local anesthetic was used, your lips, cheeks, or tongue may remain numb for several hours following your appointment. Avoid chewing or drinking hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off to prevent accidental injury.

It is normal to experience mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure after a filling, particularly during the first few days. Minor soreness near the injection site may also occur.

Composite fillings are fully set when you leave the office, and you may resume eating once the numbness has resolved.

If your bite feels uneven, or if sensitivity or discomfort persists beyond several days, please contact our office so we can evaluate and adjust the restoration if necessary.

If your bite feels uneven, you have persistent pain, or you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office.