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Patient Resources

Post-operative instructions

Follow these guidelines to heal comfortably and quickly. If anything concerns you, call us — we would always rather hear from you.

After an extraction

  • Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–45 minutes to control bleeding.
  • Do not rinse, spit or use a straw for the first 24 hours.
  • Apply a cold compress for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, on the first day.
  • Eat soft, cool foods and keep the area clean with warm salt-water rinses from day two.

After dental implant surgery

  • Take prescribed medication exactly as directed and finish any antibiotics.
  • Avoid smoking — it significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
  • Keep the surgical site undisturbed; brush the other teeth normally.
  • Some swelling and bruising for two to three days is normal.

After crowns, bridges or veneers

  • Temporary restorations are fragile — avoid sticky and hard foods.
  • Slide floss out sideways rather than pulling up around a temporary.
  • Mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days is expected.
  • Call us if your bite feels high or uneven.

After fillings

  • Wait until numbness wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.
  • You may eat normally right away with composite fillings.
  • Mild sensitivity should settle within a couple of weeks.

Heavy bleeding, severe pain or increasing swelling after 72 hours needs attention. Call (904) 272-7277.