Home Care Instructions

Thank you for trusting us with your smile! As you heal, it’s completely normal to experience some mild tenderness, sensitivity, swelling, or temporary numbness depending on the treatment you received. We’ve put together these simple home care instructions to help you recover comfortably, protect your new smile, and know what to expect over the next few days. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, our Smile Experts are always here to help!

After Cosmetic Reconstruction

Your bite may feel different at first. It can take a few days for your mouth to adjust. If your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable, please call our office (Arcadia or Temple City) for an adjustment.
Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is normal and should improve over time.
Your gums may feel sore for a few days. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day. Take Tylenol or Ibuprofen as directed if needed for discomfort.
Temporary changes in speech or extra saliva are normal and usually resolve within a week.
Brush and floss daily to protect your new smile.
Avoid hard foods (ice, nuts, sticky candies) and alcoholic beverages that can damage your restorations.
Limit coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and smoking, as they can stain your teeth.
Wear your night guard if you grind your teeth and ask us about a custom sports mouth guard if you play sports.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Takes two to three appointments to complete. Temporary crowns or bridges are placed to protect the teeth while the custom restoration is being made.
Tongue, lips and roof of the mouth may be numb. Avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off.
Temporary crowns are important. If one comes off, call our office and bring it with you.
Avoid sticky and hard foods, and chew on the opposite side when possible.
Brush normally and floss gently by sliding the floss out from the side. Don’t pull up on the floss.
Some sensitivity to temperature or pressure is normal and should improve. Mild pain medications may be used.
If your bite feels uneven or you have persistent pain, please contact us.

After Tooth Extraction

Bite on the gauze for 30-45 minutes to help form a blood clot. Replace the gauze if bleeding continues.
Do not rinse vigorously, use straws, smoke, or drink alcohol for 72 hours.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
Swelling and discomfort are normal. Apply an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours and take medications as prescribed.
If antibiotics are prescribed, finish the full course, even if infection signs and symptoms has subsided.
Drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods until you feel comfortable.
Resume gentle brushing and flossing after 24 hours, avoiding the extraction area.
Contact us if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or swelling that worsens after 2-3 days.

After Composite (white) Fillings

Lips and tongue may be numb several hours after appointment. Wait until the numbness wears off before eating or drinking hot beverages.
Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days. Pain medication may be taken to alleviate tenderness around injection sites.
You may chew normally once the numbness has completely worn off.
If sensitivity worsens or your bite feels uneven, please call our office.