Post-Operative Dental Care in Wauwatosa, WI
What to Expect After Your Dental Procedure
At Firefly Family Dentistry, your comfort is our priority. If you’re ever experiencing pain or discomfort that feels unusual or more intense than expected, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help and happy to answer any questions you may have about your treatment or recovery.
Most dental treatments are painless and involve little to no discomfort afterward. However, it’s completely normal to experience some sensitivity or mild soreness, especially following procedures like oral surgery or more involved treatments.
After Fillings, Crowns, or Bridge Restorations
Please follow all instructions provided by the Firefly Family Dentistry team. In addition, here are some helpful guidelines:
Avoid chewing on the treated area until the numbness from anesthesia has fully worn off.
If possible, wait 24 hours before eating on any new restorations.
Brush and floss gently around the area for the first 72 hours.
If you notice sharp edges, discomfort, or changes in your bite, please contact us — we’re happy to make adjustments to ensure your comfort.
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil, may help with any mild discomfort but are typically only needed short-term.
Your care doesn’t end when you leave our office — we’re here if you have any questions or concerns!
After Oral Surgery
To support healing and help prevent complications, please follow these guidelines after oral surgery:
Do not eat on the surgical side until the anesthesia has completely worn off.
Stick to soft foods that can be mashed with a fork (e.g., yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, scrambled eggs).
Some bleeding or oozing is normal, especially within the first 24 hours.
If instructed, gently bite down on gauze to apply pressure and help control bleeding.
Swelling is common during the first 72 hours.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your jaw for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling.
Take all medications as prescribed by our team.
Post-Operative Instructions for a Crown
Post-Operative Instructions for a Bridge
Need Support During Recovery?
If you have any concerns about your post-operative care or recovery, we’re here to help. Call Firefly Family Dentistry at 414-348-4246 or check out our post-op care video for more information.