What to do
when you get home.

After fillings or routine work

Numbness lasts about two to four hours. Avoid chewing until feeling returns to prevent biting your cheek or tongue. Some short-term sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days. If your bite feels off after the numbness fades — like a high spot — call us for a quick adjustment.

After a crown or bridge

Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods for the first 24 hours (especially if you have a temporary). Some sensitivity is common while gums settle. Floss carefully — pull the floss out sideways rather than up to avoid pulling on a temporary. If your final crown feels uneven, call for a quick bite adjustment.

After an extraction

• Bite gently on gauze for 30–60 minutes to allow a clot to form.
• Soft foods only for 24–48 hours: yogurt, soup (not too hot), mashed potatoes, eggs.
• No straws, no smoking, and no spitting forcefully for 48 hours — these can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.
• Starting 24 hours after, rinse gently with warm salt water (a teaspoon in a cup) three times a day.
• Take any prescribed medications as directed. Cold compresses help with swelling for the first day.
• Call us if pain worsens after day three, swelling increases, or you have a fever.

After a root canal

Some tenderness for a few days is normal as the area heals. Avoid chewing on that side until your final crown is placed. Continue normal brushing and flossing. Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen handles most discomfort. Call if severe pain returns or swelling develops.

After a deep cleaning or ARESTIN

Avoid hard or sharp foods (chips, nuts, popcorn) for the rest of the day. After ARESTIN therapy, avoid touching the treated area, brushing aggressively for 12 hours, or flossing the treated teeth for 10 days. Mild gum tenderness is normal.

For new dentures

The first few weeks take adjustment — your tongue and cheeks need time to learn the new shape. Sore spots are common and easily relieved with a small adjustment, so call us as soon as one develops. Eat soft foods initially and graduate to a regular diet at your own pace. Take dentures out at night to let your gums rest.

When to call us right away

• Severe pain that isn’t improving with medication
• Swelling that worsens after 48–72 hours
• Fever or feeling generally unwell
• Bleeding that won’t stop after 30 minutes of pressure
• A bite that feels significantly off after numbness fades
• A crown, filling, or temporary that comes loose

During office hours, call 540-418-0825. After hours, leave a message and we’ll respond as quickly as possible.