At a glance
These guides explain what to do after treatment at Richmond Dental Care: what is normal, what to avoid, and when to call us. Pick your treatment below. If something feels wrong during office hours, call (832) 612-2831 — we’re open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm. Same-day emergency visits are available during those hours when you call first.
Which aftercare guide do you need?
| Guide | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Tooth extraction | Gauze, the blood clot, dry socket, what to eat, and when the socket feels normal again. Includes wisdom teeth. |
| Root canal | Soreness in the first few days, caring for the temporary filling, and why the crown visit matters. |
| Dental implants | Caring for the implant site after surgery and protecting it during the months of healing. |
| Dental fillings | Numbness, cold sensitivity, and what to do if your bite feels high. |
| Deep cleaning | Tender gums and sensitivity after scaling and root planing, and keeping the results. |
| Teeth whitening | Sensitivity, foods to skip for the first 48 hours, and making results last. |
| Clear aligner care | Wear time, cleaning your aligners, and soreness with each new set. |
Each guide has a short list of steps, a timeline for the first day, the first week and full healing, and a clear list of signs that mean you should call. Print the one you need or keep it open on your phone.
What applies after almost any dental treatment?
- Wait until the numbness wears off before you eat hot food or chew. It is easy to bite your cheek, lip or tongue without feeling it.
- For pain, follow the directions on the package or from your dentist. If we prescribe something, take it exactly as directed and finish it if told to.
- Keep brushing and flossing the rest of your mouth. Clean teeth heal better. Be gentle near the treated area.
- Choose soft foods for the first day and avoid very hard, sticky or crunchy foods near the treated tooth.
- Drink plenty of water. Skip alcohol and tobacco while you heal — both slow healing.
- Keep your follow-up visit. Many treatments, such as root canals and implants, are only finished after a second step.
What is normal, and what is not?
| Usually normal | Call us |
|---|---|
| Mild soreness for a few days that slowly gets better | Pain that gets worse after day 2 or 3 instead of better |
| Some sensitivity to cold | Swelling that keeps growing after 48 hours |
| A little oozing or pink saliva after an extraction or deep cleaning | Bleeding that soaks gauze after 30–45 minutes of firm pressure |
| Jaw stiffness from holding your mouth open | Fever, a bad taste with pus, or a bite that feels high or uneven |
Not sure which side of the table you are on? Call and ask, or check our FAQ. A two-minute phone call is better than waiting and worrying. Our emergency dental care page explains how same-day visits work.
When to call us
Call (832) 612-2831 if pain or swelling gets worse instead of better, bleeding won’t stop, a temporary filling or crown comes out, or your bite feels off. We’re open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm. Outside office hours, go to the ER or call 911 for facial swelling that is spreading, trouble breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or bleeding that won’t slow down with firm pressure.
Frequently asked questions
We don’t have an after-hours line. Follow the steps in your aftercare guide and call when we open on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday at 9am. For spreading facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, high fever or bleeding that won’t stop, go to the ER or call 911.
We will tell you before you leave. For example, a root canal on a back tooth usually needs a crown, and an implant needs a later visit for the final tooth. You can book online or call us.
No. They cover standard care. If your dentist gave you different or extra instructions for your treatment, follow those first.
Many people do well with over-the-counter pain relievers. Follow the directions on the package or from your dentist, and ask us first if you take other medicines or have health conditions.