Dental Home Care Instructions After Treatment

At 525 Dental in London, Ontario, we want you to feel comfortable and confident caring for your teeth after a dental procedure. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions can help support healing, protect your dental work, and reduce the risk of complications.

Your recovery will depend on the treatment you received and your individual oral health. The guidance below provides general information. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your dentist, particularly if they differ from the advice on this page.

If you have questions or concerns after treatment, contact 525 Dental at (519) 672-1190.

After Cosmetic Dental Treatment or Smile Reconstruction

After cosmetic dental treatment, including veneers or other restorative procedures, your teeth and mouth may need time to adjust to changes in the shape, position, or feel of your teeth.

Sensitivity and discomfort

Some temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, mild gum tenderness, or discomfort may occur after treatment. The duration varies depending on the procedure and the condition of your teeth before treatment.

If your sensitivity worsens, persists longer than your dentist advised, or is accompanied by significant pain, contact our office for an assessment.

Adjusting to your new bite

Your bite may feel different initially as you adjust to your new restorations. However, a bite that feels persistently uneven or high should not be ignored. Contact us to arrange an assessment or adjustment if needed.

Speech and saliva changes

Changes to the shape or thickness of your teeth may temporarily affect speech or saliva production. These changes often improve as you adjust. Contact your dentist if they persist or interfere with normal activities.

Protecting your new restorations

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth daily using floss or another method recommended by your dental professional.
• Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, and other objects that could chip or damage teeth or restorations.
• Limit sticky foods that could place excessive stress on certain restorations.
• If you grind or clench your teeth, use your prescribed night guard as directed.
• If you participate in contact sports, ask about a suitable protective mouthguard.
• Attend recommended dental examinations and professional cleaning appointments.

Some restorations may be affected by staining foods and drinks, depending on the material used. Ask your dentist about the best way to maintain the appearance of your specific dental work.

After Crown and Bridge Appointments

Dental crowns and bridges may require more than one appointment, particularly when a temporary restoration is placed while your final restoration is being made.

After your appointment

If local anaesthetic was used, your lips, tongue, and surrounding tissues may remain numb for several hours. Avoid chewing and hot foods or drinks until normal sensation returns to reduce the risk of biting or burning your mouth.

Some mild sensitivity or gum tenderness may occur after treatment. Follow your dentist’s instructions and contact our office if discomfort is severe, worsening, or not improving as expected.

Caring for a temporary crown or bridge

If you have a temporary crown or bridge:

• Avoid sticky foods that may pull it loose.
• Be cautious with hard foods and try to chew on the opposite side when practical.
• Brush gently around the temporary restoration.
• Clean between your teeth carefully. When flossing near a temporary restoration, follow your dentist’s instructions to avoid dislodging it.

If your temporary crown or bridge comes loose or falls out, contact 525 Dental promptly for advice. Keep the restoration and bring it to your appointment if possible. Do not attempt to secure it with household glue.

When should you call us?

Contact our office if your bite feels uneven, your temporary restoration becomes loose, you experience significant or persistent pain, or you notice swelling. Prompt assessment can help determine whether an adjustment or additional treatment is needed.

Learn more about dental crowns and dental bridges.

After a Tooth Extraction

Following a tooth extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket and helps protect the area while it heals. Protecting this clot is important for recovery.

Your dentist may provide different instructions depending on the complexity of the extraction and your medical history. Follow those instructions carefully.

Controlling bleeding

Bite firmly on the gauze provided by your dental team for the recommended period, often around 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, replace it with fresh gauze as instructed and maintain firm, continuous pressure.

A small amount of blood-tinged saliva may occur initially. If bleeding is heavy, does not settle with firm pressure, or you feel faint or unwell, seek prompt dental advice. If bleeding is severe or you feel in immediate danger, seek emergency medical care.

Protecting the extraction site

During the first 24 hours, unless your dentist advises otherwise:

• Avoid vigorous rinsing, forceful spitting, and disturbing the socket with your tongue or fingers.
• Avoid using straws or creating suction in your mouth.
• Avoid smoking or vaping, which can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Rest and avoid strenuous physical activity.
• Do not brush directly over the extraction site.

After the first 24 hours, gentle warm salt-water rinses may be recommended, especially after meals. Use them gently rather than swishing forcefully. Continue brushing your other teeth carefully while avoiding trauma to the healing area.

Smoking or vaping should be avoided for as long as possible during healing; ask your dentist for advice about the recommended period for your procedure.

Swelling, pain, and eating

Some pain and swelling are expected after an extraction. Swelling may increase during the first two to three days before gradually improving.

• Apply a cold pack to the outside of your face in short intervals during the first day, following your dentist’s instructions.
• Choose soft, nutritious foods and drink fluids. Avoid very hot foods and drinks while your mouth is numb.
• Resume your usual diet gradually as comfort permits, avoiding foods that could irritate the socket.
• Take pain medication only as directed by your dentist, pharmacist, or the product label, taking account of your health conditions and other medications.

Do not exceed recommended medication doses. If you have questions about whether a pain reliever is suitable for you, ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional.

If antibiotics have been prescribed, follow the specific instructions provided with the prescription. Contact your prescriber or pharmacist if you experience a possible medication reaction or have questions about how to take it.

When should you contact your dentist?

Contact 525 Dental if you experience worsening pain, increasing swelling, fever, pus, or a bad taste or odour accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Severe pain that develops or increases a few days after extraction may require assessment for a complication such as dry socket.

Seek emergency medical care if you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading swelling involving your face or neck.

After Composite Fillings (White Fillings)

Composite fillings are tooth-coloured restorations used to repair teeth affected by decay or damage.

Immediately after treatment

If local anaesthetic was used, avoid chewing and hot foods or drinks until the numbness has completely worn off. This helps prevent accidental injury to your lips, cheeks, or tongue.

Composite fillings are generally set when you leave the dental office, but follow any specific instructions your dentist provides about eating and chewing.

Sensitivity after a filling

Some temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, pressure, or chewing may occur after a filling. The level and duration of sensitivity vary.

Contact our office if sensitivity is increasing, pain is persistent or severe, or discomfort when biting does not improve. An uneven bite may need to be assessed and adjusted.

Caring for your filling

Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily. Avoid chewing very hard objects, including ice, and contact your dentist if the filling feels loose, cracks, or breaks.

Learn more about dental fillings at 525 Dental.

General Dental Aftercare Tips

Regardless of the procedure you have received, these habits support ongoing oral health:

• Follow the instructions given by your dentist or dental hygienist.
• Maintain daily brushing and interdental cleaning as advised for your treatment.
• Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
• Take prescribed medication only as directed.
• Attend follow-up appointments when recommended.
• Contact your dental office if your recovery is not progressing as expected.

For more guidance, visit our oral hygiene page.

Contact 525 Dental in London, Ontario

If you have questions about recovery after a dental procedure or are concerned about your symptoms, please contact our team. We can help determine whether you need an appointment or further assessment.

525 Dental
525 Oxford Street East
London, Ontario N5Y 3H8
Phone: (519) 672-1190
Email: info@525dental.com

Contact 525 Dental to reach our office.

These instructions are for general educational purposes and do not replace individualized advice from your dentist. Aftercare may vary by procedure and patient. If you are concerned about your recovery, contact your dental team.