New Patients · Home Care

Home care after your treatment.

What to expect, what is normal, and when to call. Reference this page any time after a visit.

Most dental procedures heal smoothly with simple at-home care. Below is a quick reference by treatment type. If anything ever feels worse than the guidance describes, do not wait — call us at 540-443-3002 during clinical hours.

After a routine cleaning

Some sensitivity to cold or hot for 24–48 hours is normal — it fades on its own.
Mild gum tenderness is also normal; warm salt-water rinses help.
Skip alcohol-based mouthwash for the first 24 hours.
Brush gently for the first day, then return to your normal routine.

After a filling

Numbness lasts 1–3 hours. Avoid chewing on the numb side until full sensation returns.
Mild cold or pressure sensitivity for a few days is normal as the tooth settles.
Brush and floss normally as soon as you feel comfortable.
Call us if pain sharpens, lasts beyond a week, or you feel the bite is uneven.

After a crown (temporary or permanent)

Temporary crown: avoid sticky foods (caramel, gum) and chew on the opposite side.
Floss carefully around a temporary — pull the floss out sideways rather than upward.
Permanent crown: normal eating once any anesthetic wears off.
Mild gum tenderness for 1–3 days is normal. Call us if it persists or the bite feels high.

After an extraction

Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–45 minutes after leaving the office.
No spitting, rinsing, or straws for 24 hours — it can dislodge the healing clot.
No smoking for at least 72 hours.
Soft foods only for the first 24–48 hours; cold foods can soothe the area.
Mild swelling and bruising for 2–3 days is normal. Ice on, ice off, 20 minutes at a time.
Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed. Call us if pain worsens after day 3.

After a root canal

Mild soreness for 2–4 days is normal as the surrounding tissue calms.
Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed.
Brush and floss as usual; the temporary filling can handle normal hygiene.
Take any prescribed anti-inflammatory medication on schedule, not as needed.
Schedule your follow-up to place the permanent restoration within 2–4 weeks.

After deep cleaning (scaling & root planing)

Gum tenderness and mild bleeding for 2–3 days is expected.
Salt-water rinses 2–3 times daily help with healing.
Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for the first 24–48 hours.
Continue brushing carefully and resume gentle flossing once tenderness subsides.
We will schedule periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months to keep your gums healthy.

When to call us.

Severe pain, swelling that gets worse after day 3, fever, or anything that feels seriously off. We are here.

Call 540-443-3002 Emergency care info