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Post-Operative Care Guide
Your complete guide to recovery after dental procedures. Follow these expert instructions from Best Dental to ensure optimal healing, minimize discomfort, and achieve the best possible results from your treatment.
Questions? Call (281) 215-3065After Tooth Extraction
Following a tooth extraction, proper post-operative care is crucial for preventing complications like dry socket and ensuring smooth healing. Most extractions heal within 7-14 days.
First 24 Hours
Bleeding Control
- Bite firmly on gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after extraction
- If bleeding continues, replace with fresh gauze and bite for another 30 minutes
- Some oozing is normal for 24-48 hours—blood mixed with saliva looks like more than it is
- Do NOT spit forcefully—this can dislodge the blood clot
- Avoid sucking through straws for 72 hours minimum
Pain Management
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed BEFORE anesthesia wears off
- Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) 600mg every 6 hours is highly effective for dental pain
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg every 6 hours can be alternated with ibuprofen
- Take pain medication with food to prevent nausea
- If prescribed narcotics, use only as needed and do not drive or operate machinery
Swelling Control
- Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
- Ice is most effective in the first 24 hours—after that, switch to warm compresses
- Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours then gradually subsides
- Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows
Diet
- Stick to soft, cool foods: yogurt, pudding, applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs
- Avoid hot liquids for 24 hours—they can dissolve the blood clot
- No crunchy, hard, or sticky foods for at least 3-5 days
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth
- Stay well-hydrated but avoid carbonated beverages
Days 2-7
Oral Hygiene
- DO NOT brush the extraction site for the first 24 hours
- After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz water) after meals and before bed
- Resume gentle brushing of other teeth, being very careful around the extraction site
- Do not use mouthwash containing alcohol for 7 days—it irritates the healing tissue
Activity Restrictions
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over for 72 hours
- No smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours (ideally 7-14 days)—dramatically increases dry socket risk
- No alcohol consumption for 48 hours, especially if taking pain medication
- Rest and allow your body to heal
⚠ Dry Socket Prevention
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site, exposing bone and nerves. It causes severe throbbing pain starting 3-5 days after extraction. Prevent it by:
- Following ALL post-op instructions carefully
- Avoiding smoking, vaping, or tobacco use
- Not using straws or spitting forcefully
- Not poking the extraction site with your tongue or fingers
If you develop severe pain 3-5 days post-extraction, call us immediately—dry socket is easily treated with a medicated dressing.
Healing Timeline
Days 1-3: Blood clot forms, initial healing begins, swelling peaks
Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, soft tissue begins closing over the socket
Weeks 2-3: Gum tissue nearly healed, socket filling with new bone
3-6 Months: Complete bone regeneration in the socket
After Dental Implant Placement
Dental implant surgery requires careful post-operative care to ensure successful osseointegration (fusion of implant to bone). Full healing takes 3-6 months, but initial recovery is typically 7-14 days.
First 48 Hours
Bleeding & Swelling
- Bite on gauze for 45-60 minutes after surgery
- Some oozing for 24-48 hours is normal
- Apply ice packs for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours
- Swelling is normal and peaks at 48-72 hours
- After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses to reduce swelling
Pain Management
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed
- Start medications BEFORE anesthesia wears off
- Ibuprofen 600mg every 6 hours is highly effective
- Do not take aspirin—it thins blood and increases bleeding
Diet
- Soft diet for 7-14 days: protein shakes, yogurt, eggs, fish, pasta, mashed vegetables
- Avoid chewing directly on the implant site
- No hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for 2 weeks minimum
- Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water
- Avoid extremely hot foods/beverages for 48 hours
Week 1-2: Critical Healing Period
Oral Hygiene
- DO NOT brush the implant site for the first 7 days
- Rinse gently with prescribed chlorhexidine mouthwash or warm salt water 2-3x daily
- Brush and floss other teeth normally, avoiding the surgical area
- After 7 days, you may GENTLY clean around the implant with a soft toothbrush
Activity Restrictions
- No strenuous exercise for 7-10 days
- Avoid bending over or heavy lifting—increases blood pressure and bleeding
- Sleep with head elevated for the first 3 nights
- Absolutely NO SMOKING for at least 2 weeks—smoking dramatically increases implant failure risk
Protecting Your Investment
- Implant success depends on osseointegration—bone growing around the titanium post
- This process takes 3-6 months and requires a stable, undisturbed healing environment
- Do NOT wiggle, touch, or apply pressure to the implant site
- If you have a temporary crown or healing abutment, be extremely gentle
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress
Implant Healing Timeline
Days 1-7: Initial soft tissue healing, swelling subsides
Weeks 2-4: Gum tissue heals, early bone integration begins
Months 2-3: Active osseointegration—bone fusing to implant
Months 3-6: Complete integration; ready for final crown placement
After Root Canal Treatment
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable they feel after a root canal. The procedure removes the infected nerve, so you should feel significantly BETTER than before treatment. Some tenderness is normal for 3-7 days.
First 24 Hours
What to Expect
- Numbness will wear off in 2-4 hours—avoid chewing until sensation returns
- Mild to moderate tenderness when biting down is normal for several days
- The tooth may feel "different" or slightly raised—this resolves as inflammation subsides
- Some jaw soreness from holding your mouth open is common
Pain Management
- Take ibuprofen 600mg every 6 hours for the first 24-48 hours (even if you feel fine—prevents inflammation)
- If needed, alternate ibuprofen with acetaminophen 500-1000mg for better pain control
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until permanent restoration is placed
Diet
- Wait until numbness wears off completely before eating—you could bite your cheek or tongue
- Soft foods for 24-48 hours
- Chew on the opposite side until your permanent crown is placed
- The temporary filling or crown is durable but not as strong as the permanent restoration
Days 2-7
Care Instructions
- Brush and floss normally—keeping the area clean promotes healing
- Be gentle around the temporary restoration but do clean the area
- Tenderness should gradually decrease each day
- If you had a temporary filling placed, avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge it
Important: Complete Your Treatment
- A root canal removes infection but leaves the tooth hollow and brittle
- You MUST return for a permanent crown to protect the tooth from fracture
- Delay in crown placement significantly increases the risk of tooth fracture
- If your temporary crown or filling falls out, call us immediately
- Schedule your crown appointment within 2-3 weeks of root canal completion
Call Us If You Experience:
- Severe pain that worsens after the third day or doesn't respond to medication
- Swelling inside or outside the mouth
- Visible swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum
- Allergic reaction to medications (rash, difficulty breathing, severe itching)
- Temporary filling or crown comes loose or falls out
- Your bite feels uneven or the tooth feels too high when you bite down
After Crown or Bridge Placement
Whether you received a temporary or permanent crown or bridge, proper care ensures longevity and comfort. Permanent restorations can last 10-15+ years with good care.
Temporary Crown/Bridge Care
Purpose: Temporary restorations protect your tooth while the permanent restoration is being fabricated (typically 2-3 weeks).
Critical Do's and Don'ts
- DO: Brush gently around the temporary—keeping it clean is important
- DO: Chew on the opposite side of your mouth when possible
- DO NOT: Eat sticky foods (gum, caramel, taffy)—these can pull the temporary off
- DO NOT: Eat hard foods (ice, nuts, hard candy) on the temporary side
- DO NOT: Floss by pulling up and out—slide floss out sideways to avoid dislodging the temp
If Your Temporary Comes Off
- Call us immediately to have it re-cemented
- Keep the temporary crown—do not throw it away
- You can temporarily re-seat it using denture adhesive or toothpaste (NOT super glue!)
- The underlying tooth is vulnerable without the temporary—do not delay calling
Permanent Crown/Bridge Care
First 24 Hours
- Avoid chewing for 1-2 hours to allow the cement to fully set
- Avoid sticky or hard foods for the first 24 hours
- Some sensitivity to hot and cold is normal for 1-2 weeks and gradually resolves
- If your bite feels "high" or uneven, call us—an adjustment takes only minutes
Long-Term Care
- Brush twice daily and floss once daily—crowns don't get cavities, but the underlying tooth can
- Pay special attention to where the crown meets the gum line
- Use a water flosser for bridges to clean underneath the pontic (fake tooth)
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or using your teeth as tools
- If you grind your teeth at night, wear a nightguard to protect your crown
- Attend regular dental cleanings every 6 months
Sensitivity After Crown Placement
- Sensitivity to temperature, pressure, or sweet foods is common for 1-2 weeks
- This typically resolves as the tooth adjusts to the restoration
- Use desensitizing toothpaste (Sensodyne) if needed
- Persistent or worsening sensitivity beyond 2 weeks should be evaluated
After Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures and require minimal post-operative care. Most patients experience no discomfort at all.
Composite (White) Fillings
Immediate Care
- You can eat immediately—composite fillings harden instantly under the curing light
- Wait until numbness wears off (2-3 hours) to avoid biting your cheek or tongue
- Some cold sensitivity is normal for 1-2 weeks as the tooth adjusts
- If your bite feels uneven, call us for a quick adjustment
Long-Term Care
- Brush and floss normally
- Avoid staining foods/beverages (coffee, red wine, berries) for 48 hours if you want to minimize staining
- Composite fillings can last 7-10+ years with good care
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
Immediate Care
- Wait 24 hours before chewing on the filling—amalgam takes time to fully harden
- Eat soft foods and chew on the opposite side for the first day
- Sensitivity to temperature is common for 1-2 weeks
Long-Term Care
- Amalgam fillings are extremely durable and can last 10-15+ years
- Brush and floss normally once fully hardened
- Avoid chewing ice or hard objects to prevent cracking
Call Us If:
- Sensitivity worsens instead of improving after 2 weeks
- Sharp pain when biting down persists beyond a few days
- The filling feels rough or sharp against your tongue
- Your bite feels uneven when you close your mouth
After Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Deep cleaning treats gum disease by removing tartar and bacteria from below the gum line. Some tenderness and sensitivity are normal for 3-7 days.
First 24 Hours
What to Expect
- Gums may be tender and slightly swollen
- Minor bleeding when brushing or flossing is normal for 2-3 days
- Teeth may feel sensitive to temperature and touch
- Numbness from anesthesia wears off in 2-4 hours
Immediate Care
- Wait until numbness wears off before eating
- Avoid very hot or cold foods/beverages for 24-48 hours
- Take ibuprofen 400-600mg if gums are sore
- Eat soft foods for the first 24 hours
Days 2-7
Oral Hygiene (Critical!)
- Brush gently but thoroughly twice daily—do not skip brushing due to tenderness
- Floss daily, even if gums bleed slightly—this will improve within days
- Rinse with prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash (chlorhexidine) if provided
- Or rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz water) 2-3 times daily
Sensitivity Management
- Use desensitizing toothpaste (Sensodyne) for 2-4 weeks
- Sensitivity usually resolves within 1-2 weeks as gums heal
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages that can worsen sensitivity
Why Deep Cleaning Causes Sensitivity
- Tartar buildup was covering sensitive root surfaces
- Removing it exposes these surfaces temporarily until gums heal and reattach
- As gums heal and inflammation decreases, sensitivity improves
- Consistent brushing and flossing speeds healing
Preventing Gum Disease Recurrence
- Brush twice daily for 2 minutes with a soft-bristled brush
- Floss once daily—this is non-negotiable for gum health
- Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash
- Return for regular cleanings every 3-6 months (your dentist will recommend frequency)
- Don't smoke—smoking is the #1 risk factor for gum disease progression
General Post-Operative Care Tips
These guidelines apply to most dental procedures and promote optimal healing:
Universal Do's
- Take all prescribed medications as directed
- Keep your head elevated when sleeping for the first 2-3 nights
- Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water
- Eat a nutritious soft diet to support healing
- Get adequate rest—your body heals faster when rested
- Apply ice for swelling in the first 24 hours, then switch to warm compresses
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Maintain oral hygiene—a clean mouth heals faster
Universal Don'ts
- Don't smoke or use tobacco products—dramatically delays healing
- Don't drink alcohol for 48 hours (longer if taking pain medication)
- Don't use straws for 72 hours after extractions or surgery
- Don't spit forcefully or rinse vigorously for the first 24 hours
- Don't engage in strenuous exercise for 3-7 days (depending on procedure)
- Don't skip follow-up appointments
- Don't ignore warning signs—call if something doesn't feel right
Pain Management Strategies
- Start pain medication BEFORE anesthesia wears off
- Alternate ibuprofen and acetaminophen for better control
- Take medication with food to prevent nausea
- Ice reduces both pain and swelling in the first 24 hours
- Elevating your head reduces throbbing pain
- Distraction helps—watch movies, read, listen to music
Soft Foods for Recovery
- Protein shakes and smoothies (no straws!)
- Yogurt, pudding, applesauce, ice cream
- Scrambled eggs, oatmeal, cream of wheat
- Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, mashed avocado
- Soups and broths (lukewarm, not hot)
- Soft fish, ground meat, tofu
- Well-cooked pasta, rice, quinoa
- Soft fruits: bananas, melons, canned peaches
When to Call Best Dental
While most recovery is smooth and uneventful, certain symptoms require prompt attention. Don't hesitate to call—we're here to help.
🚨 Call Immediately If You Experience:
- Heavy bleeding that doesn't stop after 20-30 minutes of firm pressure
- Severe pain that worsens instead of improving after 3-4 days
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- Increasing swelling after the third day, especially if spreading to neck or face
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Severe allergic reaction to medication (rash, hives, difficulty breathing)
- Numbness or tingling that persists beyond expected duration
Call During Business Hours For:
- Mild to moderate pain not controlled by prescribed medication
- Sensitivity that worsens instead of improving after 2 weeks
- Temporary crown or filling that falls out or feels loose
- Sutures that fall out earlier than expected
- Your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable
- Persistent bad taste or odor from the surgical site
- Any concerns or questions about your recovery
What's Normal vs. What's Not
Normal Recovery Signs:
- Mild to moderate pain that gradually improves each day
- Swelling that peaks at 48-72 hours then gradually subsides
- Minor oozing or blood-tinged saliva for 24-48 hours
- Bruising around the surgical site (looks worse than it feels)
- Jaw soreness from holding your mouth open
- Slight temperature sensitivity for 1-2 weeks
- Temporary changes in taste
Warning Signs (Call Us):
- Pain that intensifies after day 3-4
- Swelling that increases after day 3
- Heavy bleeding, pus, or foul drainage
- Fever or chills
- Numbness persisting beyond normal duration
- Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
Contact Information
Best Dental Richmond, TX
Phone: (281) 215-3065
Address: 22377 Bellaire Blvd, Suite 400, Richmond, TX 77469
After-Hours Emergencies:
Call our main number—you'll be connected to our on-call dentist. For life-threatening emergencies (difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, severe facial swelling), call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
📋 Key Recovery Principles
- Follow all post-operative instructions carefully for optimal healing
- Start pain medication before anesthesia wears off
- Apply ice for the first 24 hours, then switch to warm compresses
- Stick to soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene—clean mouth heals faster
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and strenuous activity during initial healing
- Rest, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious foods to support healing
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Call us immediately if you experience warning signs
- Most procedures heal within 7-14 days with proper care
Questions About Your Recovery?
The team at Best Dental is here to support you through every step of your recovery. If you have any concerns, questions, or unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out. We're committed to ensuring your comfort and successful healing. Serving Richmond, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and all of Fort Bend County.
Call Us: (281) 215-3065
