Following the instructions provided by your dental team after treatment can help protect your dental work, reduce discomfort, and support proper healing.

The information below provides general guidance following several common dental procedures. Always follow the personalized instructions provided by your dentist, as recommendations may vary depending on your treatment and health history.

If you experience significant or worsening pain, swelling, bleeding, a medication reaction, or another concern following treatment, contact Clayton Dental Center at 919-553-5652.

After Cosmetic Dental Treatment

It may take several days to adjust to changes in the shape, position, or bite of newly restored teeth.

If your bite continues to feel uneven or you notice an area that feels unusually high when you bite down, contact our office so we can evaluate it.

Temporary sensitivity to hot or cold may occur following treatment. Your gums may also feel tender for a short period of time.

Continue brushing and flossing carefully as instructed. Good home care and regular professional cleanings are important for maintaining both your natural teeth and dental restorations.

Avoid biting extremely hard objects such as ice, hard candy, pens, or fingernails.

Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and other staining substances may discolor natural teeth and some dental materials over time.

If you participate in sports, ask us about a protective mouthguard. If you grind or clench your teeth, use a night guard if one has been recommended for you.

Contact our office if you experience persistent discomfort or have concerns about your dental work.

After Crown or Bridge Treatment

Crown and bridge treatment may require multiple appointments. A temporary restoration is often placed to protect the prepared tooth or teeth while your final restoration is being created.

If local anesthesia was used, avoid chewing and consuming very hot foods or beverages until normal sensation has returned.

If your temporary crown or bridge becomes loose or comes off, call 919-553-5652. Keep the restoration and bring it with you if possible.

While wearing a temporary restoration:

• Avoid sticky and extremely hard foods.

• Chew on the opposite side when possible.

• Brush normally but clean carefully around the temporary restoration.

• Follow any additional instructions provided by your dental team.

Some temperature or pressure sensitivity may occur after treatment.

Contact our office if your bite feels uneven, sensitivity becomes worse, discomfort persists, or you have another concern.

After a Tooth Extraction

After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the extraction site as part of the normal healing process. Protecting this area is important.

Bite on the gauze provided as instructed by your dental team. If bleeding continues, replace it with clean gauze and apply pressure as directed.

Follow your dentist’s specific instructions regarding:

• Rinsing your mouth

• Brushing around the extraction site

• Physical activity

• Drinking through straws

• Smoking or tobacco use

• Alcohol consumption

• Food and beverages

Swelling and discomfort can occur following an extraction. Take medications only as prescribed or recommended by your healthcare provider.

Drink plenty of fluids and choose soft, nutritious foods while the area is tender.

Resume normal oral hygiene as directed while taking care around the extraction site.

Contact Clayton Dental Center if you experience heavy or persistent bleeding, severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, signs of infection, a medication reaction, or anything else that concerns you.

After Composite Fillings

If local anesthesia was used during your appointment, your lips, cheeks, or tongue may remain numb for several hours.

Avoid chewing and very hot foods or beverages until normal sensation has returned. This can help prevent accidentally biting or burning your lip, cheek, or tongue.

Temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure may occur following a filling.

Composite fillings are hardened before you leave the office, but you should wait until the numbness has completely worn off before chewing.

If your bite feels uneven, pain persists, or sensitivity becomes worse instead of improving, contact Clayton Dental Center at 919-553-5652.