Patient Resources
Your recovery is an important part of your treatment. Following the right steps after your procedure helps reduce discomfort, protect the treatment area, and support proper healing.
These instructions are meant to give you a clear starting point. Always follow the specific directions given to you at your appointment first.
Some soreness, swelling, mild bleeding, or tenderness can be normal after dental surgery. Most patients notice the first day or two is the most sensitive, with improvement as the area begins to heal.
You may also feel numb for a few hours after your visit if local anesthesia was used. Avoid chewing while your mouth is still numb so you do not accidentally bite your cheek, lip, or tongue.
Rest as much as possible after your procedure. Keep your head elevated, avoid strenuous activity, and give your body time to recover.
If gauze was placed, bite down gently as directed. Some light bleeding or pink saliva can be normal, especially shortly after treatment. Replace gauze only as needed and avoid constantly checking the area, since this can interrupt healing.
Avoid rinsing, spitting forcefully, drinking through a straw, smoking, or disturbing the surgical site. The goal is to protect the blood clot and allow the area to begin healing naturally.
Stick with soft foods for the first few days. Good options include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies without a straw, soup that is not too hot, and other easy-to-chew foods.
Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, sticky, or very hot foods until the area feels better. If you had an implant, bone graft, extraction, or surgery on one side of your mouth, try to chew on the opposite side unless your dentist tells you otherwise.
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol while healing, especially if you are taking prescribed medication.
Swelling is common after many dental procedures. An ice pack can be used on the outside of the face during the first day to help keep swelling down. Use it in short intervals and take breaks in between.
Take any medication exactly as directed. If your dentist prescribed antibiotics or pain medication, follow the full instructions and do not stop early unless your dentist tells you to.
Good oral hygiene is still important, but be gentle around the treated area. Brush and floss the rest of your mouth as normal, while avoiding direct pressure on the surgical site.
If your dentist recommends rinsing, do so gently. Do not swish aggressively. A gentle rinse can help keep the area clean without disrupting healing.
The following guidance applies to specific types of procedures.
After an extraction, protecting the blood clot is the priority. Avoid straws, smoking, forceful spitting, and heavy rinsing. These can slow healing and may increase the risk of dry socket.
Avoid chewing directly on the implant or graft area until your dentist clears you. Soft foods, rest, and gentle cleaning are important while the bone and tissue begin to heal.
If your procedure involved the upper jaw or sinus area, avoid blowing your nose unless your dentist says it is okay. Sneeze with your mouth open and follow any sinus-related instructions given by the office.
Mild sensitivity can happen after restorative or cosmetic treatment. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated teeth until the numbness wears off and your bite feels normal. If your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable after a day or two, contact the office.
Your gums may feel tender after a deep cleaning. Stick with softer foods if needed, brush gently, and keep up with the home care instructions recommended by your hygienist.
Please contact Ridge Road Family Dentistry if you experience any of the following:
If you are unsure whether something is normal, it is always better to call and ask.
Our team wants your recovery to feel as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you have questions after your appointment, give us a call.