Existing Patients
Post-Visit Instructions
What to expect, and how to care for yourself, after common dental appointments at Wildwood Dental Clinic.
When in doubt, call us
The information below describes what is commonly experienced after routine dental procedures. If you experience unexpected swelling, severe pain, signs of infection (fever, spreading swelling), or anything that concerns you, call us at 306.374.7272. We'd always rather hear from you.
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After a Cleaning & Exam
- Some mild gum tenderness or sensitivity is normal for 1–2 days after a cleaning, particularly if it has been a while since your last appointment.
- Continue brushing and flossing as usual, gentle technique is fine. Avoiding flossing to spare sore gums can lead to continued irritation.
- If fluoride was applied during your appointment, avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward.
- Sensitivity to temperature or to sweet foods can occasionally occur for a short time after a cleaning. This typically resolves on its own within a few days.
After Freezing (Local Anesthetic)
- Numbness from local anesthetic typically wears off within 1–4 hours, depending on the type of anesthetic used and the area treated.
- While you're numb, avoid hot foods and drinks, you may not be able to judge temperature accurately and could burn yourself.
- Be careful not to bite your cheek, tongue, or lips while numb. This is a common (and painful) occurrence, especially in children.
- Wait until the sensation has fully returned before eating a meal.
After a Filling
- If you received local anesthetic, follow the instructions above regarding freezing while your numbness wears off.
- Some sensitivity to temperature, particularly cold, is normal for a few days to a few weeks after a filling. This is a common response as the tooth settles.
- If your bite feels off or uncomfortable when you bring your teeth together, call us. A small adjustment to the filling surface may be needed.
- If sensitivity persists for more than a week or increases rather than decreasing, please call us.
After a Temporary Crown
- Temporary crowns are not as secure as permanent ones. Avoid sticky or hard foods, toffee, gum, raw carrots, and similar items can dislodge the temporary.
- Be gentle when flossing around the temporary crown. Rather than pulling floss up and out, slide it out sideways to avoid lifting the crown.
- If the temporary crown comes off, call us as soon as possible. We'll do our best to re-cement it quickly so the tooth remains protected and doesn't shift.
- Once your permanent crown is placed, some sensitivity is normal for a week or two as the tooth adjusts.
After an Extraction
- Bite down gently on the gauze provided for 30–45 minutes after the extraction to help control bleeding and allow a clot to form.
- Some blood-tinged saliva is normal for the first 24 hours. This can look like more bleeding than it is. Excessive bright red bleeding that doesn't slow is not normal, call us.
- Do not smoke, use a straw, or rinse vigorously for 24 hours. Negative pressure (sucking) and rinsing can dislodge the blood clot, which is needed for healing.
- Stick to soft foods for the first 24–48 hours. Cold foods (like yogurt or ice cream) may be soothing.
- Take any prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Some discomfort in the first 2–3 days is normal.
- If severe pain increases after 2–3 days (rather than gradually improving), it may indicate a dry socket, a condition where the clot has been lost. Call us if this occurs.
- If swelling, fever, or spreading pain develop, call us promptly.
After Root Canal Treatment
- The tooth and surrounding area may feel tender or sore for a few days after root canal treatment. This is a normal response to the procedure.
- Over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) is usually adequate for managing discomfort. Take as directed on the packaging.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent restoration (such as a crown) has been placed. The tooth is more vulnerable until it is fully restored.
- If you experience severe pain, significant swelling, or a reaction to any medication, contact us.
After Teeth Whitening
- Some tooth sensitivity is common after whitening treatment. This usually resolves within 1–2 days.
- For the first 48 hours after whitening, avoid foods and drinks that can stain, coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, and dark sauces.
- If sensitivity is significant, toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth may help.
- Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks while sensitivity persists.
General guidance
These instructions are intended as general guidance. Your dentist or dental hygienist may have given you specific instructions at your appointment that take precedence over the general information on this page.
If your dentist prescribed medication following a procedure, take it as directed. If you experience an adverse reaction to any medication, seek appropriate care.
For any unexpected concern following a dental visit, please contact us at 306.374.7272. We are here to help.
Any questions after your visit?
Call us at 306.374.7272. We're always glad to hear from you.