Post-operative advice
Taking good care of your mouth after treatment
After dental treatment, a few precautions are important to support good healing and avoid complications.
At Boca Dental Clinic, we provide simple, clear recommendations suited to each type of treatment. This advice will help you recover more comfortably and get the best results from your treatment.
At Boca Dental Clinic in Laval, time slots are set aside every day to give you quick access to dental care in an emergency.
General recommendations
After many treatments, it’s normal to feel some sensitivity or temporary discomfort.
Keep in mind:
- Anesthesia can last 3 to 4 hours — wait before eating
- Sensitivity to cold, heat or sweets may persist for a few weeks
- Pain medication can be taken as needed
- Avoid chewing on a sensitive tooth
Composite fillings harden immediately, while amalgam fillings take about 24 hours to fully set.
If pain while chewing persists, an adjustment may be needed.
Surgery and tooth extraction
After an extraction or surgical procedure, a few precautions are essential.
Do:
- Bite down on gauze for 30 minutes
- Apply ice during the first 24 hours
- Stick to cold, soft foods at first
- Rinse with warm salt water starting the next day (4 to 5 times a day for 10 days)
Avoid:
- Spitting or using a straw on the day of the procedure
- Smoking or drinking alcohol for 2 weeks
- Strenuous physical activity
Slight bleeding, swelling or sensitivity is normal. Contact us if bleeding is significant or persists.
Root canal treatment
Following a root canal:
- Sensitivity while chewing may last 10 to 14 days
- It’s recommended to take pain medication before the anesthesia wears off
- Avoid eating on a temporarily restored tooth
Temporary discomfort is normal. If swelling or significant pain occurs, contact us promptly.
Crowns and bridges
Temporary crown
- Avoid eating on the restored tooth
- It may feel slightly different (shape or texture)
- If it comes off, contact us right away
Final restoration
- Avoid eating on the tooth for 24 hours
- Temporary sensitivity may occur
- Contact us if discomfort persists
Gum treatment (periodontics)
Following gum treatment:
- Sensitivity to cold may occur
- Use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth
- Maintain thorough oral hygiene
Recommendations:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- Use the prescribed mouthwash (as directed)
Regular follow-up is important to maintain results.
Teeth whitening
To get the most out of your whitening results:
- Avoid staining foods and drinks for 48 hours
- Don’t smoke immediately after treatment
- Follow the usage instructions
Possible effects:
- Temporary sensitivity
- Gum irritation
These effects are usually temporary.
Orthodontics (aligners)
To ensure your treatment is effective:
- Wear your aligners as recommended
- Remove them to eat
- Drink only water while wearing them
- Clean them regularly
- Brush your teeth after every meal
Good maintenance helps prevent cavities and staining on your teeth.
Occlusal splint (bruxism)
- Wear the splint as recommended (usually at night)
- Clean it with warm water
- Store it in its case
- Avoid hot water (risk of warping)
An adjustment period is normal during the first few days.
Dentures
After getting a denture fitted:
- Wear it continuously at first (as recommended)
- Remove it at night after the adjustment period
- Clean it after every meal
An adjustment period is normal (chewing, speech). Adjustments may be needed.
When to contact us
Contact us if you notice:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Significant bleeding
- Swelling that increases after 48 hours
- Difficulty chewing that persists
Support at every step
This advice is general and may vary depending on your treatment.
Our team is always available to support you, answer your questions, and make sure your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
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