Home Care Instructions
We want your recovery and adjustment to be as smooth as possible.
Below are simple guidelines to follow after common dental procedures. If you ever feel something isn’t right, please call us at (303) 470-0017 — we’re here to help.
After Cosmetic Dental Reconstruction
It's normal for your bite, speech, and gums to feel different for a short time after dental reconstruction. With good care, you'll adjust quickly and protect your new smile.
What to expect:
- Your bite may feel "off" for a few days as your brain adapts.
- Cold sensitivity and mild gum soreness are common.
- Temporary changes in speech or extra saliva usually resolve within a week.
How to care for your new teeth:
- Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water) 2–3 times daily.
- Use Tylenol or Ibuprofen if approved by your doctor.
- Brush and floss daily, and keep up with regular cleanings.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods (ice, nuts, sticky candy) and minimize stain-causing foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, berries).
- Wear your custom nightguard or mouthguard if one was provided.
📞 Call us if your bite feels uneven or you have ongoing discomfort.
After Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are often placed in stages, beginning with a temporary. Proper care helps your final restoration fit comfortably.
What to expect:
- Temporary crowns protect your teeth until your permanent restoration is ready.
- Numbness may last for several hours after your appointment.
- Some temperature or pressure sensitivity is normal.
How to care for your crown/bridge:
- Avoid chewing or drinking hot beverages until numbness wears off.
- If a temporary crown comes off, call us and bring it with you to be re-cemented.
- Protect temporaries by avoiding sticky or hard foods.
- Brush normally, but floss carefully (slide floss out from the side instead of pulling up).
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended if needed.
📞 Call us if your bite feels uneven, sensitivity does not improve, or a temporary comes loose.
After Tooth Extraction
Healing starts with a blood clot at the extraction site. Protecting the clot is key to a smooth recovery.
What to expect:
- Mild bleeding for several hours is normal.
- Swelling may occur and usually improves after 48 hours.
- Some soreness is expected and can be managed with pain relievers.
How to care after extraction:
- Bite firmly on gauze for 30–45 minutes; replace if bleeding continues.
- A wet tea bag can help if bleeding persists.
- For the first 72 hours, avoid smoking, drinking through straws, alcohol, vigorous rinsing, or brushing near the extraction site.
- Limit exercise for 24 hours.
- Apply an ice pack (15 minutes on/off) to reduce swelling.
- Take medications as prescribed; do not mix Tylenol with Vicodin.
- Eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids; return to normal brushing and flossing after 24 hours.
📞 Call us if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, swelling beyond 2–3 days, or a reaction to medication.
After Composite (White) Fillings
Fillings harden immediately, but your mouth may take a little time to adjust.
What to expect:
- Numbness may last several hours.
- Mild cold or pressure sensitivity is common for a few days.
- Injection sites may feel slightly sore.
How to care for your fillings:
- Avoid chewing or drinking hot beverages until numbness fully wears off.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or aspirin if approved by your doctor) if needed.
- Chew normally once numbness is gone — your filling is fully set before you leave the office.
📞 Call us if your bite feels uneven, sensitivity worsens, or discomfort persists.