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5665 Atlanta Hwy #107Alpharetta, GA 30004

Post-op instructions

What to do after your procedure.

Wait at least two hours after any procedure before eating, to give the anesthesia time to wear off — eating too soon risks biting or burning tissue you can’t fully feel. These are general guidelines; your dentist or dental assistant will give you specific instructions after your procedure.

Root Canal Therapy

  • Some soreness for a few days is normal.
  • Avoid chewing on the treated side until the temporary restoration has fully set.
  • Take any prescribed antibiotic as directed to clear the remaining infection.
  • Call us right away if pain increases, you notice a reaction to medication, or the temporary filling comes loose.

Crowns & Bridges

  • With a temporary in place: brush gently and avoid pulling up when flossing — it can dislodge. Skip sticky or chewy foods.
  • Some sensitivity after the temporary or permanent is placed is normal and settles as the tissue heals. A warm salt water rinse helps; Advil or Tylenol is fine if needed.
  • It can take up to a week for a new crown or bridge to feel completely natural. Let us know if your bite feels off in any way.
  • Care for it exactly like a natural tooth — regular brushing and flossing.

White Fillings (Bonding)

  • Sensitivity is common once the anesthesia wears off — avoid very hot or cold food and drink for a few days.
  • After that initial period, the tooth should feel completely normal.
  • Keep up your regular hygiene routine to help the filling last.

Scaling & Root Planing

  • Gums may be sore or irritated for a few days — rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt / 8 oz water) 2–3 times a day.
  • Keep brushing and flossing, but gently, so you don’t further irritate the area.
  • A cold compress and standard pain relief can help with any swelling or stiffness.
  • Avoid hard or chewy foods for 2–3 days. Call us if pain or swelling continues beyond that.

Veneers

  • With a temporary in place: brush gently and avoid pulling up when flossing. Skip sticky or chewy foods until the permanent is placed.
  • Some sensitivity is normal and settles as tissue heals — a warm salt water rinse helps.
  • It can take a few days for a new veneer to feel completely natural. Pay close attention to cleaning right at the gumline where the veneer meets the tooth.

Extractions

  • You’ll need a ride home — anesthesia makes driving unsafe.
  • Expect some bleeding; gauze is placed at the end of surgery and should be changed as it soaks through. Call us if bleeding continues past 24 hours.
  • Rest when you get home, but don’t lie flat — prop your head up on a pillow to help control bleeding.
  • Take pain medication as prescribed; an ice pack also helps.
  • Stick to soft foods for a few days — gelatin, pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, ice cream, and thin soups all work well.
  • No straws and no smoking — the sucking motion can dislodge the clot and slow healing.
  • Call us if you have prolonged pain, bleeding, or irritation, or the site doesn’t seem to be healing properly.

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