After Your Procedure,
Know What To Do.
Clear recovery instructions for extractions, bone grafts, root canals, fillings, crowns, dentures, infection drainage, anesthesia, and prescriptions. Know what is normal, what to avoid, and when to call us.
🚨 Trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, severe swelling spreading to the throat, or signs of a severe allergic reaction? Call 911 or go to the ER immediately.
Post-Op Instructions
By Treatment Type
Choose the procedure you had today. These instructions are general guidance and do not replace specific instructions given directly by your dentist.
Extraction & Bone Graft
Tooth removal and socket preservation — what to expect in the first 72 hours and beyond.
Bite firmly on gauze. Some bleeding and swelling is normal. Rest and keep your head elevated.
Swelling often peaks around 48 hours. Use ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Eat soft foods only.
Pain and swelling should gradually improve. Begin gentle warm salt water rinses after meals.
The socket continues healing. Avoid hard or crunchy foods. Follow up if symptoms worsen.
Do's & Don'ts
- Bite firmly on gauze for 45–60 minutes
- Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping
- Apply ice packs for swelling during the first 24–48 hours
- Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed
- Eat soft foods such as yogurt, soup, eggs, and mashed potatoes
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after the first day
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours
- Do not use a straw for at least 72 hours
- Do not smoke or vape because it can delay healing significantly
- Do not spit forcefully or rinse aggressively
- Do not eat hard, crunchy, or chewy foods
- Do not disturb the clot or socket with your tongue or fingers
- Do not skip medications, especially antibiotics if prescribed
- Do not ignore worsening pain after day 3
Bone Graft Notes
If a bone graft was placed:
- You may notice small white granules in your mouth. This can be normal graft material.
- Avoid touching or probing the graft site.
- The membrane or collagen plug, if placed, will dissolve or integrate as directed by the doctor.
- Follow all antibiotic instructions precisely to protect the graft.
Dry Socket — What To Know
Dry socket typically appears 3–5 days after extraction.
Signs include a sudden increase in pain radiating to the ear or jaw, an empty-looking socket, bad breath, or a bad taste. Call us immediately. It is treatable, and we can often see you the same day.
Medications & Pain Management
- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can often be alternated for stronger pain control when safe for you.
- If prescribed an antibiotic, finish the full course even if you feel better.
- Prescription pain medication, if given, should only be taken as directed. Do not drive while taking it.
- Avoid aspirin unless directed by your doctor, because it may increase bleeding.
Root Canal & Pulpal Debridement
What is normal after root canal therapy — and how to protect the tooth going forward.
Soreness and sensitivity are expected. Avoid chewing on the treated side. Take medication as prescribed.
Discomfort should gradually improve. Some inflammation around the root tip can be normal.
Most soreness improves. If a temporary filling was placed, avoid hard foods on that side.
Schedule your crown appointment. A root canal treated tooth without a crown can fracture.
Do's & Don'ts
- Take anti-inflammatory medication as directed
- Eat soft foods until soreness improves
- Brush and floss normally because the area still needs hygiene
- Schedule your crown as soon as possible if recommended
- Call us if pain is increasing instead of decreasing
- Do not chew hard food on the treated tooth
- Do not ignore a temporary filling that falls out
- Do not delay the crown if the doctor recommended one
- Do not be alarmed by mild soreness during the first few days
- Do not confuse normal tenderness with treatment failure
What's Normal vs. What's Not
Normal after root canal:
- Soreness or tenderness when biting for several days
- Mild jaw ache from holding your mouth open
- Slight swelling or tissue tenderness around the tooth
Call us if you experience:
- Pain that worsens significantly after the first 2 days
- Swelling that is spreading or getting larger
- Fever above 101°F
- A visible pimple or bump on the gum near the tooth
- A temporary filling that completely dislodges
Fillings, Crowns & Inlays/Onlays
Composite fillings and cemented restorations — what to expect and how to care for your new dental work.
Composite Fillings
Your bite may feel slightly off at first. This is common and fixable.
Composite fillings are hardened immediately with a curing light, so you can eat normally once the anesthesia wears off. Sensitivity to cold, heat, or pressure can be common for 1–4 weeks and often improves on its own.
- Wait until numbness is fully gone before eating
- Call us if your bite feels high or uneven
- Use sensitivity toothpaste if needed
- Resume normal brushing and flossing immediately
- Do not eat until numbness fully wears off
- Do not chew ice or very hard objects
- Do not ignore sensitivity lasting more than 4–6 weeks
- Do not ignore a bite that feels off
Crowns & Inlays/Onlays
Temporary crown in place? Important notes:
- Temporary crowns are held with softer cement, so avoid sticky or hard foods.
- If the temporary comes off, call us. Do not leave the tooth unprotected.
- Avoid pulling floss straight up around a temporary crown. Slide it out gently from the side.
- The permanent crown usually feels more natural than the temporary.
Sensitivity after a crown can be normal, but it has limits.
Mild sensitivity for a few weeks can occur. If you have severe, spontaneous, throbbing, or worsening pain, call us so we can evaluate the tooth.
Scaling & Root Planing
Recovery after deep cleaning for gum disease — what to expect and how to maintain your results.
Gums may be tender and may bleed slightly. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods.
Soreness may peak and then ease. Teeth may feel more sensitive, especially to cold.
Gums begin to firm up. Gentle brushing and flossing are important.
Gum tissue continues healing. You may notice teeth look longer as swelling reduces.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush near the gums
- Use any prescribed mouth rinse as directed
- Use warm salt water rinses 2–3 times daily for the first week
- Eat soft, cool, non-spicy foods for a few days
- Keep all recommended follow-up appointments
- Do not skip brushing and flossing
- Do not use alcohol-based mouthwash unless prescribed
- Do not eat hard, sharp, or spicy foods for 3–5 days
- Do not smoke because it directly impairs gum healing
- Do not skip your re-evaluation appointment
Why your follow-up appointment matters:
The re-evaluation after deep cleaning is important. The doctor or hygienist may measure gum pocket depths to assess healing and determine if additional care is needed.
Removable Partial & Full Dentures
Getting used to your new appliance — fitting, cleaning, sore spots, and adjustment expectations.
Adjusting to a new denture takes time. Be patient with yourself.
Soreness, minor speech changes, and the sensation of a foreign object in your mouth can be normal for the first few weeks. Many patients adjust within 4–8 weeks.
- Wear your denture as instructed to speed up adjustment
- Remove and clean it after meals
- Soak it in denture cleaner or water overnight
- Handle carefully because dentures can break if dropped
- Return for adjustments if sore spots develop
- Brush your gums and any remaining teeth daily
- Do not sleep in your denture unless told otherwise
- Do not use boiling water because it can warp acrylic
- Do not use regular toothpaste on the denture
- Do not force a denture that does not fit
- Do not tolerate sore spots without calling us
- Do not let the denture dry out when not wearing it
- If a sore spot develops, call us. A quick adjustment often resolves the issue.
- Denture adhesive can help stability, but if the fit changes, the denture may need adjustment or reline.
- If extractions were done at the same visit, the denture may need relining after healing.
Tori Surgery
Recovery after torus removal — this is oral surgery and requires careful post-op management.
Swelling and soreness are expected. Rest completely. Bite on gauze as instructed.
Swelling may peak. Ice therapy, head elevation, and prescribed medications are important.
Swelling gradually improves. Soft foods only. Sutures dissolve or are removed as directed.
Tissue continues healing. Full recovery may take 4–6 weeks depending on the surgery.
- Take all prescribed medications as directed
- Apply ice for the first 48 hours
- Keep your head elevated, including while sleeping
- Eat a liquid or soft diet for at least 7–10 days
- Rinse gently with prescribed rinse or warm salt water
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Do not eat hard, crunchy, or sharp foods for 2+ weeks
- Do not smoke because it impairs healing
- Do not use a straw for at least 72 hours
- Do not rinse vigorously during the first 24 hours
- Do not skip antibiotics if prescribed
- Do not ignore increasing swelling after day 4
Tori surgery involves larger wounds. Watch for these warning signs:
- Swelling or pain increasing after day 4 instead of improving
- Fever above 101°F
- Foul taste or unusual drainage
- Wound edges separating or opening
Nitrous Oxide & Local Anesthesia
After-effects of sedation and numbing — what is normal and how long it can last.
Local Anesthesia
Numbness typically lasts 2–4 hours after your appointment.
The duration depends on which anesthetic was used and where it was injected. Lower jaw injections can last longer than upper jaw injections. Do not eat until numbness is completely gone.
- Wait until numbness is fully gone before eating
- Drink carefully if thirsty
- Watch children closely because they may chew numb lips or cheeks
- Take recommended pain relief before numbness fully wears off
- Do not eat until completely un-numb
- Do not test numbness by biting yourself
- Do not drive if you had deeper sedation or feel woozy
- Do not panic if numbness lasts several hours
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous effects usually clear within minutes after stopping the gas.
You may receive oxygen at the end of your appointment to clear the nitrous from your system. Most patients feel normal within 5–10 minutes. If you feel dizzy, sit for a few more minutes before leaving.
- Mild nausea is rare but possible.
- Unlike IV sedation, nitrous usually does not require a driver, but listen to your body.
- Headache after nitrous is uncommon but possible.
- Let us know before your next visit if nitrous did not work well for you.
Abscess & Infection Drainage
What to expect after dental abscess treatment or incision and drainage.
Drainage can be a good sign. It means pressure is being released.
After an abscess is drained or treated, some continued oozing or a salty/metallic taste may be normal for the first 24–48 hours. Relief often begins quickly, but full improvement can take several days.
Some drainage and swelling may continue. Take medications as prescribed and rest.
Swelling may still be present but should not rapidly increase. Begin warm salt water rinses if directed.
Swelling and pain should noticeably improve. Continue the full antibiotic course if prescribed.
Most swelling improves. Definitive treatment may still be needed to prevent recurrence.
Do's & Don'ts
- Start antibiotics immediately if prescribed
- Finish the entire antibiotic course
- Rinse gently with warm salt water if directed
- Use warm compresses on the outside of the face if recommended
- Stay hydrated and eat soft foods
- Follow up for definitive treatment if advised
- Do not stop antibiotics early because you feel better
- Do not delay definitive treatment if recommended
- Do not ignore swelling that increases after day 2
- Do not poke, squeeze, or press on the area
- Do not smoke because it can impair healing
Drainage is not always a permanent cure.
Draining an abscess can relieve pressure and pain, but the source of infection may still need treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, this may involve root canal treatment, extraction, or other care.
Warning signs — call us or go to the ER:
- Swelling moving toward the eye, jaw, or neck
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Fever above 101°F that is not improving
- Feeling very unwell, chills, or rapid heartbeat
Your Prescriptions
Understanding common medications prescribed at Prime Emergency Dental and how to take them safely.
Always take medications exactly as prescribed.
Your prescription label always takes priority. Follow the instructions on your bottle. If you have questions about drug interactions, allergies, or side effects, call us or contact your pharmacist.
Ibuprofen 600mg — Pain & Inflammation
What it is:
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, also called an NSAID. It targets pain and inflammation after dental procedures.
- Typical dosing: 600mg every 6–8 hours as needed, unless your doctor instructed otherwise.
- Always take with food to protect your stomach.
- Do not take if you have been told to avoid NSAIDs, have kidney disease, active stomach ulcers, or are on certain blood thinners unless cleared by your physician.
- Do not combine with other NSAIDs such as naproxen or aspirin unless instructed.
Ibuprofen and Tylenol can often be alternated for better pain control.
For many adults, alternating ibuprofen with acetaminophen can provide stronger pain relief than either alone. Only do this if it is safe for you and you have no medical contraindications.
Methylprednisolone — Swelling & Inflammation
What it is:
Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid that reduces swelling and inflammation. It may be prescribed after oral surgery, extractions, or significant infection.
- Follow the tapering schedule exactly as written on the package.
- Take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
- Do not skip doses or stop early unless instructed.
- If you are diabetic, monitor blood sugar carefully because steroids may temporarily raise blood sugar.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
Amoxicillin — Antibiotic
What it is:
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic commonly prescribed for dental infections when clinically appropriate.
- Typical dosing: 500mg three times daily unless your prescription says otherwise.
- Complete the full course even if you feel better.
- Take with food if it causes stomach upset.
- Do not take if you are allergic to penicillin or amoxicillin.
- If you develop rash, hives, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing, stop taking it and seek emergency care immediately.
Antibiotics are not a substitute for definitive dental treatment.
Antibiotics may help control infection, but they often do not eliminate the source. A tooth infection may still require drainage, root canal treatment, extraction, or other dental care.
Azithromycin — Alternative Antibiotic
What it is:
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic sometimes prescribed when amoxicillin is not appropriate, such as in certain penicillin-allergy situations.
- Typical Z-Pack dosing: 500mg on day 1, then 250mg once daily for 4 more days, unless prescribed differently.
- Complete the full course even though it is shorter.
- Tell us if you have a history of irregular heartbeat, QT prolongation, or take medications affecting heart rhythm.
- If rash, hives, or difficulty breathing occurs, stop and seek emergency care immediately.
General Medication Guidelines
- Take medications at consistent, evenly spaced intervals
- Set phone reminders so you do not miss doses
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed
- Tell us about all other medications you are taking
- Call us if a medication does not seem to be working
- Store medications as directed on the label
- Do not stop antibiotics early because you feel better
- Do not double up doses if you miss one
- Do not take ibuprofen on an empty stomach
- Do not mix alcohol with steroids or strong pain medication
- Do not share prescriptions with anyone else
- Do not ignore signs of an allergic reaction
Signs of an allergic reaction — call 911 immediately.
Rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness after taking medication can be signs of a serious allergic reaction. Stop the medication and seek emergency care immediately.
🚨 Red Flag Symptoms — Act Immediately
These symptoms require immediate attention. Call us at (425) 864-7600 or go to the ER. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment.
Questions About
Your Recovery?
We're open 7 days a week, 9AM–8PM. No question is too small. Call us and we will help you decide what to do next.
Prime Emergency Dental · 22315 Highway 99, Suite G, Edmonds, WA 98026 · Open 9AM–8PM, 7 Days