Dental Aftercare Instructions

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Simple instructions for the days after common dental treatments. Follow any specific advice from your dentist first.

After a tooth extraction

• Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–45 minutes. If oozing continues, bite on a fresh folded gauze or a damp tea bag for another 30 minutes.
• For the first 24 hours: do not spit, rinse hard, use a straw or smoke; these can dislodge the clot.
• Use an ice pack on the cheek, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, for the first few hours.
• Eat soft, cool food on the other side. Avoid very hot food and drinks until the numbness wears off.
• From the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon in a glass) after meals.
• Brush the other teeth normally, gently around the area.
• Take painkillers and antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours.

After root canal treatment

• Mild tenderness on biting is normal for a few days.
• Avoid chewing hard food on that tooth until the final filling or crown is placed; a root-treated back tooth can crack.
• If the temporary filling falls out, call us to replace it.
• Get the crown done as advised, usually within a few weeks.

After dental implant surgery

• Follow the extraction advice above for the first days.
• Use the prescribed mouthwash (often chlorhexidine) as directed.
• Soft diet and no pressure on the implant site; do not wear a denture over it until your dentist says so.
• Do not smoke: smoking is a major cause of implant failure.
• Keep all review appointments; the final crown is usually fitted after 3–6 months of healing.

New dentures

• Expect a few days to get used to them; start with soft food cut into small pieces.
• Sore spots are common; do not adjust dentures yourself, come back for an easing.
• Take them out at night, clean with a soft brush and soak in water or denture solution.

After cleaning or whitening

• Some sensitivity to cold for a few days is normal; a sensitivity toothpaste helps.
• After whitening, avoid tea, coffee, colas, turmeric-heavy food and smoking for 48 hours.

Related: tooth extraction, root canal treatment, dental implants, dentures.