Home Care Instructions

At East Coast Dental Design in Raynham, MA, we want you to feel confident and comfortable after every visit. Whether you’ve just had a routine filling or a more involved procedure, taking care of your smile at home plays a big role in how well you heal and how long your results last. Below, you’ll find helpful tips designed to support your recovery and keep your smile feeling great.

What To Expect In The First Few Days

It’s completely normal to feel some sensitivity, discomfort, or changes in your bite after treatment. Your mouth just needs time to adjust to the new shape or position of your teeth. You might also notice extra saliva or slight speech changes, which typically fade within a few days. If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Ease discomfort: Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon in a cup of warm water) three times a day to soothe your gums.
Take OTC relief: Use Tylenol or Ibuprofen every few hours if needed to manage soreness or sensitivity.
Expect short-term changes: Extra saliva or minor speech changes are common and usually clear up within a week.
Call if needed: We’re always here if you have questions about your recovery.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy At Home

Good daily habits are one of the best ways to protect your dental work and your overall oral health. Whether you’ve had cosmetic, restorative, or orthodontic treatment, a little extra care at home can go a long way. It’s all about consistency and smart choices.

Brush and floss daily: Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent plaque, decay, and gum issues.
Avoid damaging foods: Hard snacks, ice, and sticky candy can break or loosen restoration.
Limit stain-causing items: Try to reduce coffee, tea, red wine, and berries that can dull your smile.
Use protection when needed: Wear a custom nightguard or sports mouthguard if recommended.

How To Care For Fillings, Crowns & More

Different treatments come with different care tips. Whether you’ve had a filling, crown, extraction, or retainer, following a few simple steps at home will help you heal comfortably and protect your results.

Fillings

After a filling, your lips and tongue might feel numb for a little while. Avoid chewing or sipping hot drinks until the feeling comes back fully to prevent injury. A little pressure or temperature sensitivity is also totally normal.

Use OTC medication: Take Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or aspirin as needed to relieve mild discomfort.
Check your bite: If something feels uneven or sensitivity lingers, let us know.
Chew with confidence: Once the numbness wears off, your filling is ready for use.

Crowns & Bridges

Crowns and bridges usually take two visits to complete. In the meantime, a temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect your tooth, and it’s important to take good care of it. You may also notice a little sensitivity for a few days, which is normal.

Avoid sticky or hard foods: Temporary crowns are more fragile, so avoid gum, nuts, or chewy candy.
Chew on the opposite side: This helps take pressure off the temporary restoration.
Floss carefully: Pull the floss out from the side to avoid dislodging the temporary.
Watch sensitivity: Let us know if it doesn’t improve within a few weeks.

Tooth Extractions

After an extraction, a blood clot forms to begin the healing process. Keeping that clot in place is essential. For the first 24 to 72 hours, take it easy, stay hydrated, and follow the instructions below.

Protect the clot: Avoid straws, smoking, alcohol, or brushing near the area for the first few days.
Use an ice pack: Apply it in short intervals to reduce swelling and manage discomfort.
Resume hygiene gently: Start brushing and flossing carefully the next day.
Reach out if needed: Let us know if bleeding or swelling lasts longer than expected.

Orthodontic Retainer Cases

Your retainer helps keep your teeth in place after orthodontic treatment. Wearing it regularly and keeping it clean are both key to maintaining your results. If it ever feels off or uncomfortable, we’re just a message away.

Stick to your schedule: Wear your retainer as prescribed to prevent your teeth from shifting.
Clean it regularly: Rinse daily and clean using only approved methods from your provider.
Store it safely: Always place your retainer in its protective case when not in use.
Let us know if it doesn’t fit right: We’re happy to check and make adjustments if needed.