Aftercare advice
Simple, practical steps to help you heal comfortably after treatment — written in plain language for everyday recovery.
Healing well
Care that continues after you leave
Every treatment comes with personal guidance from our team. This page gathers the most common advice in one place so you can check details at home, day or night. It does not replace the written instructions we give you on the day — if anything differs, follow what your dentist advised for your specific case.
Good foundations
Four recovery essentials
Useful whatever treatment you have just had.
Rest & elevate comfort
Take it easy for the rest of the day after more involved treatment. A cool compress on the cheek can ease mild swelling.
Medicines as directed
Take pain relief or antibiotics exactly as advised. Do not exceed recommended doses, and tell us about any allergies.
Soft, nourishing foods
Yoghurt, soup, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, and smoothies are kind to a healing mouth in the first day or two.
Stay in touch
You are never a nuisance. If something feels wrong or you are unsure, call the practice — we would rather hear from you early.
By treatment
Find your guide
Open the section that matches your recent appointment for clear do’s and don’ts.
01 After an extraction + Protect the blood clot and give the socket time to heal.
- Bite on the gauze pad for 30–45 minutes so a stable clot can form.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the socket on the day of treatment.
- From the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water 3–4 times daily.
- Do not smoke — it raises the risk of dry socket and slows healing.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and stick to soft foods, chewing on the other side.
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed if you need pain relief.
- Contact us if pain worsens after 3–4 days rather than settling.
02 After a filling + Look after your new restoration so it lasts for years.
- Wait until numbness has fully worn off before eating, to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth every day.
- Avoid using teeth as tools — opening packets or biting nails can chip composite.
- If you grind at night, ask about a nightguard to protect fillings from extra stress.
- Mild sensitivity to hot or cold can settle over a few days; tell us if it persists.
- Attend regular check-ups so we can monitor wear or leakage early.
03 After root canal treatment + Gentle care while the tooth settles and is permanently restored.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods on the treated tooth until a permanent crown is fitted.
- Mild tenderness for a few days is normal — over-the-counter pain relief usually helps.
- Brush and floss as normal once soreness eases.
- Keep your follow-up appointment for the crown — this protects the tooth long term.
- Continue routine check-ups so we can monitor the treated tooth.
04 After a hygienist visit + Keep gums calm and build on your professional clean.
- Gums may feel slightly tender for a day or two after scaling — this usually settles quickly.
- Brush gently but thoroughly twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
- If a mouthwash is recommended, avoid using it straight after brushing so fluoride stays on the teeth.
- Book your next hygienist visit at the interval we suggest (often 3, 6 or 12 months).
05 After teeth whitening + Protect your brighter shade and manage any sensitivity.
- For 24–48 hours, limit staining drinks and foods such as coffee, red wine, curry, and berries.
- Avoid smoking while results settle — tobacco quickly re-stains enamel.
- Mild sensitivity is common; use a sensitive toothpaste if we recommend one.
- Wear home trays only as instructed — more gel does not mean better results.
- Ask us about top-up gel if you want to maintain brightness longer term.
06 Crowns, bridges & implants + Everyday habits that help restorations last.
- Clean carefully around the restoration — floss or interdental brushes keep edges free of plaque.
- Avoid biting very hard objects (ice, pens, hard sweets) that can chip porcelain.
- If you grind your teeth, a nightguard helps protect crowns and implant restorations.
- Report any looseness, roughness, or bite change promptly so we can adjust early.
- Keep regular reviews so we can check fit, gum health, and bone support over time.
Peace of mind
When to contact us
Most recovery is straightforward. Call the practice if something feels out of the ordinary — early advice often prevents a small concern becoming a larger one.
- ! Pain that is getting worse after several days instead of better
- ! Swelling that spreads, especially towards the eye or neck
- ! Fever, feeling unwell, or difficulty swallowing or breathing
- ! Bleeding that will not slow after firm pressure for 20–30 minutes
- ! A bad taste, foul smell, or discharge that does not settle
- ! A restoration that feels loose, high, or has come out
For severe swelling, breathing difficulty, or bleeding you cannot control, seek urgent medical help or A&E — do not wait for practice opening hours.
Questions
Frequently asked
How long does numbness last? +
Local anaesthetic usually wears off within 2–4 hours, though lips and tongue can stay numb a little longer. Avoid hot drinks and chewing until sensation returns fully.
When can I brush after treatment? +
For most treatments, brush gently the same evening, avoiding any stitches or a fresh extraction socket on day one. From the next day, resume careful cleaning around the area as comfort allows.
Can I exercise after a dental procedure? +
Light activity is usually fine, but skip heavy gym work, contact sport, or swimming for 24 hours after extractions or surgery so the area can settle.
What if I need advice out of hours? +
Call the practice number first for any recorded emergency instructions. For severe swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or breathing difficulty, seek urgent medical care or attend A&E.
Still unsure?
We’re here to help
Prefer to talk it through? Our team can clarify aftercare for your treatment or book a review if you need one.