Home Care

What to do after your visit.

Step-by-step recovery guidance for the most common procedures we perform — written in plain language.

If something doesn't feel right

Always trust your instincts. If pain is increasing rather than fading, if swelling is growing, or if you have a fever — call us first at 434-286-3326. During clinical hours we'll fit you in. After hours, leave a message and we'll call you back first thing the next morning.

After a filling or composite restoration

•Avoid eating until the numbness wears off — usually 1–3 hours — to prevent biting your cheek or tongue.
•Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days and should fade.
•Brush and floss as usual — the filling is fully bonded the moment you leave our office.
•If sharp pain persists past a week, call us at 434-286-3326. The bite may need a small adjustment.

After a tooth extraction

•Bite gently on the gauze for 30–45 minutes after you leave to help a clot form.
•Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw for the first 24 hours — this prevents dry socket.
•Eat soft foods, chew on the opposite side, and skip alcohol and tobacco for 72 hours.
•Some swelling and minor bleeding is normal. Heavy bleeding past several hours warrants a call.

After a root canal

•Mild tenderness when chewing on that tooth is normal for a few days as the tissue heals.
•Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed — ibuprofen works well unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
•Avoid hard or sticky foods until your permanent crown is placed.
•Call us right away if you notice swelling, fever, or pain that worsens after the first 2–3 days.

After a crown or bridge

•Avoid sticky, chewy, or very hard foods for 24 hours while the cement sets.
•Brush and floss as usual. For bridges, we'll show you how to clean underneath the restoration.
•Some sensitivity to temperature for a few weeks is normal.
•If the crown feels too tall or your bite feels off, call us — a small adjustment is quick.

After a dental implant

•Keep the surgical site clean with a gentle saltwater rinse starting the day after surgery (½ tsp salt in a cup of warm water).
•Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, smoking, or alcohol for at least 72 hours.
•Use ice in 20-minute intervals over the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
•Stick to soft foods on the opposite side of your mouth until your follow-up visit.
•Take medications exactly as prescribed.

After a periodontal cleaning (scaling and root planing)

•Gum tenderness and mild bleeding when brushing is normal for a few days.
•Rinse gently with warm salt water 2–3 times a day for the first week.
•Stick with soft foods if your gums feel sensitive.
•Keep up your normal home care — brushing twice daily and flossing once.

Have a question that isn't covered here?

We're happy to walk you through any aspect of your recovery.

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