Post-Operative Instructions
Please follow these instructions carefully to support comfortable and safe healing after your dental treatment at iCare Family Dental. If you are ever unsure, it is always safest to call us and check.
If you experience any concerns, please call iCare Family Dental on (02) 8068 6828. Your comfort and recovery are our top priorities.
After Your Tooth Extraction
After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the socket and gentle care in the first few days is very important for healing.
Do’s
Bite firmly on the gauze for 10–15 minutes to help stop bleeding.
Take Panadol and Nurofen if needed for pain, following the directions on the label or your dentist’s advice.
Eat soft, cool foods and chew on the opposite side.
Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed.
Apply an ice pack on the cheek in 20-minute intervals if needed on the day of extraction.
Start gentle warm saltwater rinses after 24 hours, 2–3 times a day.
If:
Do not spit forcefully, use a straw, or rinse vigorously for the first 24 hours.
Do not smoke for at least 24 hours.
Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks for 48 hours.
Do not chew on the extraction site.
Avoid hot food or drinks for the first day.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24–48 hours.
Don’ts
Bleeding that does not slow down or stop after applying firm pressure.
Severe pain that is not relieved by pain medication and is not improving with time.
Swelling that continues to worsen after 2–3 days.
Fever, chills, or a bad taste or smell from the area.
After Dental Implants (Stage 1 – Placement)
The first stage of implant surgery is similar to an extraction wound, and gentle care helps the implant site heal cleanly and comfortably.
Do’s
Follow the same precautions as tooth extraction for the first 24 hours.
Stick to a soft diet for several days and chew on the opposite side.
Keep the surgical area as clean as possible without scrubbing it.
Use Savacol or other prescribed mouthrinse exactly as directed.
When to call us
Don’ts
Do not chew directly on the implant site.
Avoid very hot foods and drinks.
Avoid smoking and alcohol while the area is healing.
Do not disturb stitches or the area with your tongue or fingers.
A small amount of oozing is normal, but call us if you notice persistent or heavy bleeding.
Severe pain or swelling that is not improving.
Fever or any signs of infection around the area.
After Dental Implants (Stage 2 – Crown Placement)
Once the crown is placed on your implant, the tooth should feel comfortable and natural with gentle use in the first day or two.
Do’s
Chew carefully on the opposite side for the first 24 hours; mild tightness or discomfort is normal.
After 24 hours, resume normal brushing and flossing around the implant crown.
Attend your regular hygiene and review visits to protect the implant long term.
When to call us
The crown feels loose or moves when you bite.
Pain persists for more than a few days or gets worse.
Your bite feels uneven or “high” on the implant tooth.
Don’ts
Do not ignore ongoing pain, pressure, or loosening around the implant tooth.
After a Filling
After a filling, the tooth can be a little sensitive as it settles; this usually improves gradually.
Do’s
Wait until the numbness has completely worn off before chewing on that side.
Understand that some sensitivity to cold or heat is normal and can sometimes last up to 6–12 months.
Chew carefully at first and test your bite gently.
When to call us
Don’ts
Avoid biting lips, cheeks, or tongue while still numb.
Sensitivity that is worsening after 1–2 weeks instead of improving.
The tooth feels too high, or painful when biting or chewing.
After Permanent Crowns & Bridges
New crowns and bridges often need a short adjustment period, but they should feel comfortable and natural with proper care.
Do’s
Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal at first.
For the first 48 hours, floss carefully by sliding the floss out rather than snapping it up.
Maintain good oral hygiene and use dental floss every day around crowns and bridges.
When to Call Us
Persistent or worsening pain.
The crown or bridge feels loose or comes off.
Your bite feels uneven or uncomfortable.
Don’ts
Avoid very hard foods for the first 48 hours.
Do not ignore looseness, discomfort, or food repeatedly packing around the crown or bridge.