Just had dental work done? Here’s how to take care of your mouth at home.

At Cowra Dental, we want to make sure you’re feeling comfortable and confident after your appointment. Whether you’ve had a filling, extraction, root canal or other treatment, following the right aftercare advice is important for healing and long-term results.

Below are general guidelines, but if you’re unsure or something doesn’t feel right, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

What should I do after a filling?

• Avoid eating until the numbness wears off completely — this helps prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
• Stick to soft foods for the rest of the day.
• It’s normal for the tooth to feel slightly sensitive for a few days.
• If you experience sharp pain or the bite feels off, give us a call — we may need to adjust the filling.

What should I do after a tooth extraction?

• Bite down gently on the gauze for 30–45 minutes to help stop bleeding.
• Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw for the first 24 hours — this protects the clot forming in the socket.
• Stick to soft, cool foods for a couple of days.
• Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 hours.
• If you experience swelling, apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek in 10-minute intervals.
• Keep the area clean by gently rinsing with warm salty water from day two onwards (but don’t swish too hard).
• Avoid smoking and alcohol while healing.
• Mild discomfort is normal — if needed, use over-the-counter pain relief as directed.

What should I do after root canal treatment?

• Your tooth may feel tender for a few days. This is normal and can usually be managed with mild pain relief.
• Avoid chewing on the treated side until the final restoration (usually a crown) is placed.
• Keep brushing and flossing as normal — just go gently around the area.
• Let us know if you have prolonged pain, swelling, or if something doesn’t feel quite right.

What should I do after a crown or bridge appointment?

After the first appointment (temporary crown/bridge):

• Avoid sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the temporary.
• Be gentle when brushing and flossing around the temporary — slide the floss out rather than pulling up.
• If the temporary comes off, call us so we can reattach it.

After the final crown or bridge fitting:

• Some sensitivity is normal for a few days.
• Keep up good oral hygiene — especially around the edges of the new crown or bridge.
• Let us know if the bite feels high or anything feels uncomfortable.

What should I do after denture fittings or adjustments?

• If you’ve just received new dentures, give your mouth time to adjust.
• Wear them as directed and follow the break-in schedule we give you.
• Minor soreness or pressure spots can happen — if so, book in for an adjustment.
• Clean your dentures daily and remove them overnight unless told otherwise.

Not sure if something’s normal?

If you’re unsure about your symptoms or recovery, it’s always better to check in. Our team is here to support you — no question is too small.

Post Treatment Support for Cowra and Surrounding Areas

At Cowra Dental, we care for patients from Cowra, Grenfell, Canowindra, Gooloogong, Eugowra, Boorowa, Cudal, and beyond. Whether you’ve just had treatment or you’re preparing for your next visit, our dentists are here to help make the process smooth and stress-free.

If you need follow-up support or something doesn’t feel right after your appointment, please call us — we’re here for you.