Home Instructions

• It may take a few days to adjust to your new bite. If you notice any spots that feel too high or uncomfortable, call us so we can make an adjustment.
• Some hot and cold sensitivity is normal as your teeth and gums heal. Warm saltwater rinses (1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup of warm water, three times daily) can reduce soreness and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Ibuprofen can help with discomfort.
• You may notice changes in your speech or increased saliva at first. This will typically resolve within a week.
• Brush and floss daily to protect your new dental work. Consistent plaque removal and regular cleanings are key to long-term success.
• Avoid hard foods (ice, nuts, hard candy) and sticky sweets that could damage your restorations. Minimize foods and drinks that stain, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries.
• If you play sports, ask us about a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear your night guard.

• Crowns and bridges often take two or three visits to complete. Temporary restorations protect your teeth in between appointments—please avoid sticky or hard foods, and chew on the opposite side when possible.
• Brush gently but floss carefully around temporaries. Slide floss out to the side instead of pulling upward to avoid loosening them.
• Some sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal and should fade after the final crown or bridge is placed.
• If a temporary crown comes off, contact our office so we can re-cement it.
• Call us if your bite feels uneven, or if you experience persistent discomfort.

• To help a blood clot form, bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes after your procedure. If bleeding continues, replace with fresh gauze and bite firmly again.
• For the first 72 hours, avoid rinsing vigorously, drinking through straws, smoking, or drinking alcohol – these can disturb the clot and delay healing.
• Limit exercise for 24 hours to reduce bleeding and swelling.
• Apply an ice pack in 15-minute intervals for the first 48 hours to help with swelling.
• Take prescribed pain medication and antibiotics exactly as directed.
• Stick to soft foods and plenty of fluids the first day, then return to your normal diet as you feel comfortable.
• Resume normal brushing and flossing after 24 hours, being careful around the extraction site.
• Call us if you notice heavy bleeding, severe pain, persistent swelling, or any reaction to medications.

• If anesthetic was used, avoid chewing or drinking hot liquids until the numbness completely wears off to prevent injury.
• Mild soreness at the injection site and temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure are common. Over-the-counter pain relief should help.
• You may chew on your fillings as soon as the numbness wears off, since they are fully hardened before you leave the office.
• If your bite feels uneven or sensitivity worsens after several days, please contact us for an adjustment.

Tip: Good daily home care – brushing, flossing, and regular checkups – protects both your natural teeth and any dental work you’ve received.