image (704) 230 1470

Post Op Instructions and Aftercare Guides

image (704) 230 1470
image Contact Us
Check out pic

Clear, Easy Instructions for a Smooth and Comfortable Recovery

Your comfort and safety matter long after your appointment ends. The right aftercare helps you heal faster, reduce discomfort, and protect the long term success of your treatment. At River’s Edge Dental, we provide simple, step by step instructions to support you through every stage of recovery.

Patients trust us because we communicate clearly, offer ongoing support, and ensure you always know what to expect. These guidelines help you feel confident caring for your smile at home.

Aftercare Guides by Procedure

Below are instructions for the most common procedures. Each section includes clear expectations, what is normal, and when to call our office for help.
Extraction Aftercare

Day of the Procedure

  • image Keep gauze in place for 30 to 60 minutes
  • image Do not rinse vigorously
  • image Avoid smoking, straws, and spitting
  • image Use an ice pack in 20 minute intervals

Pain and Swelling

  • image Mild swelling is normal for 48 to 72 hours
  • image Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed

Food Recommendations

  • image Soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, or soup
  • image Avoid hot, crunchy, or spicy foods during the first 24 hours

Activities to Avoid

  • image Strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours
  • image Touching or disturbing the extraction site
Implant Aftercare

Immediate Care

  • image Avoid disturbing the implant area
  • image Use ice packs to reduce swelling
  • image Take medications as instructed

Oral Hygiene

  • image Gently rinse with warm salt water after the first 24 hours
  • image Avoid brushing directly on the implant site for the first few days

Diet

  • image Stick to soft foods to minimize pressure on the implant
  • image Slowly return to a normal diet as comfort allows

What Is Normal

  • image Mild oozing
  • image Tenderness
  • image Minor swelling for several days
Crown and Bridge Aftercare

If Temporaries Are Placed

  • image Avoid sticky or hard foods
  • image Chew on the opposite side
  • image Brush gently around the temporary

After the Permanent Crown or Bridge

  • image Some temperature sensitivity is normal
  • image Resume brushing and flossing normally
  • image Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if needed
Root Canal Therapy Aftercare

Comfort Expectations

  • image Mild tenderness for a few days
  • image Take recommended medications as needed

Chewing Guidelines

  • image Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is placed

Oral Hygiene

  • image Continue brushing and flossing as normal
  • image Be gentle near the treated area for the first 24 hours
Filling Aftercare

Sensitivity

  • image Mild temperature sensitivity is normal
  • image Should improve within a few days

Chewing

  • image Avoid chewing until numbness completely wears off
  • image If your bite feels uneven, call us for a quick adjustment
Whitening Aftercare

Right After Whitening

  • image Avoid dark colored foods and drinks for 24 hours
  • image Use a gentle toothpaste to reduce sensitivity

Foods to Avoid

  • image Coffee
  • image Tea
  • image Red wine
  • image Soy sauce
  • image Tomato based sauces
When to Call Our Office
When to Call Our Office
Contact us immediately if you experience:
  • image Fever
  • image Increasing swelling after 3 days
  • image Severe pain not relieved by medication
  • image Persistent bleeding
  • image Signs of infection
  • image A loose temporary or implant healing cap
We are here to support you through every stage of healing.
Return to Patient Resources