After your visit

Post-op instructions

Follow the section for today's treatment. We're here if you have questions.

(817) 237-9701

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For every procedure.

  • Take medicines as prescribed.
  • No smoking or alcohol for 48 to 72 hours.

Extractions

  • Bleeding: Bite on gauze 30 to 45 minutes. No spitting, straws or rinsing for 24 hours.
  • Pain and swelling: Ice 20 minutes on, 20 off.
  • Cleaning: No rinsing or brushing the area for 24 hours; then gentle warm salt-water rinses.
  • Food: Soft foods; nothing hot, spicy or hard.
  • Rest: Avoid hard exercise for 24 hours.

About this treatment: Extractions

Fillings

  • Numbness: Don't chew until it wears off.
  • Sensitivity: Normal for a few days.

About this treatment: Fillings

Deep cleaning

  • Sensitivity is normal for a few days.
  • Brush and floss gently; warm salt-water rinses help.
  • Soft foods for 1 to 2 days.

About this treatment: Deep cleaning

Crowns and bridges

  • Temporary: Avoid sticky or hard foods.
  • Final: Mild sensitivity is normal. Bite feel uneven? Call us.

About this treatment: Crowns and bridges

Implants

  • First 24 hours: No rinsing, spitting or straws. Ice as needed.
  • Cleaning: Gentle brushing after 24 hours; use the rinse as directed.
  • Food: Soft foods for 1 week; chew on the other side.

About this treatment: Implants

Gum surgery

  • Don't disturb or brush the area.
  • Ice 20 minutes on, 20 off for swelling.
  • Soft foods; avoid hot and spicy foods.
  • No smoking.

About this treatment: Gum surgery

Apicoectomy

  • Ice 20 minutes on, 20 off.
  • Warm salt-water rinses after 24 hours; don't brush the area for 3 days.
  • Soft foods only.

Dentures

  • Wear as directed and remove at night.
  • Brush daily and soak overnight.
  • Call us about sore spots.

About this treatment: Dentures

Call us if you have:

  • Severe pain or swelling after 3 days
  • Bleeding that won't stop
  • A fever or chills

Had a deep cleaning? See the full gum therapy post-op guide. Gum therapy post-op

Had a root canal? See the root canal post-op guide. Root canal post-op

Questions or concerns?

Call us and we'll help.

(817) 237-9701
6717 Telephone Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76135
Email: office@bemisfamilydental.com

Last updated October 2026. These are general instructions; if your doctor gave you different directions, follow those.

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