Post-treatment
Care

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Post-treatment care

At Dulwich Dental, our care extends beyond the time you spend in our clinic. Our staff are committed to providing you with the information and advice you need after your treatment. In many cases, our dentists may recommend some post-procedural check-ups to ensure that you are healing correctly and that your treatment is working effectively.

We’ll always provide you with detailed post-treatment advice after you undergo any procedure in our clinic. If you’d like some general tips, however, you can find post-treatment and post-operative advice for common procedures below.

Dental Implants

It’s important to follow these instructions to care for your oral health after we’ve replaced your tooth with an implant.

Generally, you should avoid eating hot food until the anaesthesia has worn off completely, and try not to touch the affected area with your mouth or finger during the first day. Do not participate in any exercise such as running or gym workouts in the first 48 hours.

There may be swelling and/or bruising following the treatment which usually peaks after 2-3 days. In most cases, this is normal and can be alleviated with ice packs. If the swelling doesn’t go down after about 3 days, please get in touch with us.

White fillings

Following the placement of white fillings, we find that patients often ask “When can I eat?” In many cases, you can start eating once the anaesthesia or numbing agent has worn off. Just be aware that your tooth (or teeth) may be sensitive to different temperatures and pressure. While this is often normal, contact your dentist if the sensitivity persists after a couple of weeks or causes you serious discomfort.

Root canal therapy

Some post-operative discomfort is not uncommon following the root canal treatment. Your tooth may feel slightly different or be more sensitive, however this is normal during the natural healing process. If needed, you can manage the discomfort with painkillers, however it is important you follow the instructions on how to take the medication.

Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored; however, you can and should brush and floss as usual.

If you experience a throbbing sensation, we advise keeping your head elevated as much as possible by placing extra pillows under your head when lying down. We also advise avoiding strenuous activity throughout this period.

If any antibiotic medication has been prescribed for you to take after your root canal treatment, it is essential you take the medication for the entirety of the prescribed time. Should you develop a significant swelling, an allergic reaction to the medication or feel that your bite may be uneven, contact your dentist.

Crowns and bridges

You may experience numbness of the lips, tongue and teeth after your visit. Avoid chewing until the numbness has passed. You can take over-the-counter pain medication in accordance with instructions and your GP’s advice. If the soreness persists after more than 1-2 days, please give us a call.

If you experience discomfort after your crown or bridge has been permanently seated, your bite may still need to be adjusted. We want your bite to be as comfortable as possible, so please call us for an adjustment if needed.

Teeth extraction

If you’ve had a tooth or teeth removed, we advise against rinsing the area or chewing for 24 hours in order to promote the correct formation of the blood clot so that the wound can heal.

Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours. In the case of some slight bleeding, use a gauze pad and apply pressure to the wound. Bite on the gauze for 15 minutes. Should the bleeding persist after 2 hours, contact your dentist.

You may experience some soreness after the surgery which you may be able to manage with a mild analgesic (pain relief medication). If your dentist prescribes medication such as an antibiotic, it is important to follow the instructions. To prevent or reduce swelling, an ice pack can be applied to the side of your face every 20 minutes.

Regular meals can be consumed immediately after surgery, but you may want to avoid food or drinks that are very hot or very cold. It is also important to remain hydrated.

Veneers

Regular oral hygiene is essential to maintain your veneers. You may experience some initial sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures and your teeth may feel a little strange, but this should subside once your teeth adjust to the veneers. If you know that you tend to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, be sure to inform your dentist beforehand as this can potentially cause wear and damage to your veneers.