Home Instructions

It may take a few days for your mouth and bite to feel completely normal after cosmetic or restorative treatment. Your brain needs time to adjust to the new shape and position of your teeth.

Mild sensitivity to hot or cold is common and should improve with time. You may also notice slight gum tenderness or changes in speech and saliva flow, all of which are temporary.

Helpful tips:

• Use warm salt water rinses (1 tsp salt in warm water) 2–3 times daily if gums feel sore
• Take over-the-counter pain relief (Tylenol or Ibuprofen) as needed
• Avoid very hard, sticky, or staining foods during early healing
• Maintain good brushing and flossing habits daily

If your bite feels uneven or something does not feel quite right, please contact our office for an adjustment.

Crowns and bridges are typically completed over two or more visits. Temporary restorations are placed while your final restoration is being made.

What to expect:

• Temporary numbness may last several hours—avoid eating or drinking hot liquids until it wears off
• Mild sensitivity is normal after treatment
• Temporaries may feel slightly different at first
• Care for temporary restorations:
• Avoid sticky or hard foods
• Chew on the opposite side when possible
• Brush normally but floss carefully, slide floss out rather than pulling upward

If a temporary crown comes off, please contact our office so we can replace it promptly.

Proper healing after an extraction depends on protecting the blood clot that forms in the socket.

First 24–72 hours:

• Bite on gauze as directed to control bleeding
• Avoid rinsing forcefully, using straws, smoking, or alcohol
• Limit physical activity to reduce bleeding
• Use ice packs to minimize swelling

Mild pain and swelling are normal and usually improve within a few days. Take medications as directed.

After 24 hours:

• Resume gentle brushing and flossing
• Eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of fluids
• Gradually return to normal activities as comfort allows

Contact our office if you experience severe pain, prolonged bleeding, or increasing swelling.

After a filling, it is normal to experience mild sensitivity to pressure, temperature, or biting for a short time.

Important guidelines:

• Avoid eating until numbness fully wears off to prevent injury
• Be careful with hot foods and drinks while numb
• Over-the-counter pain relief can help with minor soreness
• Fillings are ready to use once anesthesia wears off

If your bite feels uneven or sensitivity worsens after a few days, please contact our office.

Healing is different for everyone, and most symptoms improve quickly within a few days. If anything feels unusual or you have questions during recovery, our team is always here to help.

Call CORE Dental Care at 406-652-9100 anytime, you’re never alone in your care journey.