These are general guides only - always follow the personalised instructions we give you at your appointment, and call us on (03) 8669 0500 if anything doesn't feel right.
After composite bonding
- Brush and floss as normal - bonded teeth need no special routine, just a good one.
- Avoid biting hard objects (pens, ice, nails) - the same habits that chip natural teeth chip composite.
- Coffee, tea and red wine can gradually stain composite - enjoy in moderation, and your regular polish will refresh the lustre.
- Read more on the composite bonding page.
After teeth whitening
- For the first day or two, go easy on strong-coloured food and drink (coffee, tea, red wine, curries) while the enamel settles.
- A straw helps cold staining drinks bypass your front teeth.
- Mild sensitivity is normal and typically settles within a day or two.
- Top up with your take-home trays as advised. More on the whitening page.
After wisdom teeth removal
- No straws or smoking - suction can dislodge the healing clot and cause painful dry socket. This is the single most important rule.
- Rest and use cold packs in the first 24 hours; swelling typically peaks within the first couple of days, then settles.
- Soft foods first (soups, yoghurt, smoothies eaten with a spoon), building back up as comfort allows.
- Keep the area clean gently, following our rinsing guidance - no vigorous swishing early on.
- Take any medication as directed, and call us if pain worsens after day three rather than improving. Full guide on the wisdom teeth page.
After a crown, bridge or filling
- If you've had local anaesthetic, wait for the numbness to fade before chewing so you don't bite your cheek or tongue.
- Mild tenderness for a day or two is normal; tell us if your bite feels "high" - a tiny adjustment fixes it.
- Brush and floss normally, and avoid ice-crunching. A night guard protects your investment if you grind.
After gum contouring
- Expect mild tenderness for a few days - soft foods help initially.
- Keep the area clean following our guidance; healing is typically a matter of days.
New dentures
- Practice makes perfect: speaking and eating take a little adjustment in the first weeks - start with softer foods.
- Clean dentures daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner (never hot water, which can warp them).
- A well-fitted denture should never have to be "put up with" - call us for any adjustment.
Worried about anything after treatment? Call us on (03) 8669 0500 - if your concern is urgent, our team can assist over the phone right away.