Post-Op Instructions

Post-Operative Instructions

Thank you for choosing Hill Family Dental for your dental care. To help ensure a comfortable and successful recovery after your procedure, please review the following post-operative instructions tailored to each type of treatment.

Teeth Cleaning (Deep Cleaning):

After a deep cleaning, you might notice some sensitivity to hot and cold, especially if you’ve had anesthesia—avoid eating until the numbness wears off. Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine. It’s normal to experience minor bleeding for a day or two, but if the bleeding becomes excessive or you experience pain, please call our office.

Fillings:

For dental fillings, refrain from chewing until the anesthesia wears off to prevent biting your numb lips or tongue, which can cause injury. If possible, take 600 mg of Ibuprofen every six hours for two days to help minimize discomfort and reduce inflammation. For silver fillings, avoid eating for one hour and stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours. With white fillings, if your bite feels “high” or off, contact us immediately for an adjustment, as unresolved issues can lead to further discomfort. Temperature sensitivity is common and should decrease within a few weeks, but if pain persists for more than a few days, please reach out to our office.

Extraction:

After an extraction, firmly press a gauze pad over the extraction site for about one hour. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and apply pressure for an additional 45 minutes. If you’re supervising a child, remind them not to bite their numb lips or tongue to avoid injury. On the day of your extraction, avoid hot foods and drinks, do not rinse your mouth, use a straw, spit, or consume carbonated beverages—these precautions help prevent a dry socket. Avoid brushing on the day of the procedure and resume gently the following day. Use ice packs and take any prescribed medication to manage pain, bruising, or swelling, and stick to a diet of soft foods and liquids for the first 2-3 days. Refrain from eating small, hard foods like nuts or chips for one week. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or significant swelling, call our office immediately, and for emergencies, dial 911.

Crowns and Bridges (Also Inlays and Onlays):

These restorations typically require two appointments. During the first visit, your tooth is prepared, impressions are taken, and a temporary crown is fitted. It’s common to experience sensitivity, gum soreness, or slight discomfort until your permanent crown is placed. Avoid chewing until the numbness subsides if anesthesia was used. Since temporary crowns are made of plastic-based material, they can break or come off if subjected to too much pressure—if this happens, save the crown and call our office right away. Avoid sticky or hard foods, and be gentle when flossing around the temporary crown. After receiving your permanent restoration, you may feel slight pressure or notice a different bite for a few days; if these symptoms persist beyond 2-3 days, contact us immediately for an adjustment.

Root Canal Treatment:

Post-treatment, moderate pain, sensitivity to pressure, and gum soreness may occur and should gradually improve over several days. Follow the prescribed medication instructions carefully. A temporary filling is often placed, so avoid chewing on that side until the numbness subsides and a permanent restoration is applied. Maintain your regular oral hygiene routine and be sure to attend your follow-up appointment, as delaying the permanent restoration can lead to complications. If you experience severe pain or swelling, please call our office.

Denture Delivery:

New dentures may cause discomfort initially and require several adjustments for an optimal fit. Remove your dentures each night and store them in a clean container with water or a denture cleaning solution to allow your gums to rest. Clean your dentures thoroughly with a brush and water before reinserting them. Adjusting to new dentures can temporarily affect speech; practicing by reading aloud can help your tongue and facial muscles adapt. If you experience ongoing pain or discomfort, please contact our office for assistance.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these post-operative instructions, please don’t hesitate to call Hill Family Dental. Your comfort and a smooth recovery are our top priorities.