Care at Home
Home Instruction
What happens between visits matters more than what happens in the chair. Here's how to take great care of your smile at home — and recover well after treatment.
Reviewed by Dr. Mini Nair, DDS — Updated 2026
Daily care (for everyone)
- Brush twice a day for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day — it's the only way to clean between teeth where brushes can't reach.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or sooner if bristles are frayed.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals.
- Drink plenty of water, especially after meals.
- See us every six months for a cleaning and exam — or as we've recommended for your specific case.
After a cleaning
You can eat and drink normally right away. If we provided fluoride treatment, we'll tell you if you should wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
After a filling
- Numbness usually wears off in 1–3 hours — be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue.
- Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days.
- If your bite feels “off” after the numbness wears off, call us — we'll adjust it.
After a crown or bridge
- If you have a temporary crown, avoid sticky foods (gum, caramel) that could pull it off.
- Chew on the opposite side for the first 24 hours with a permanent crown.
- Mild sensitivity is normal for several days. Call us if it persists or worsens.
After an extraction
- Bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes to stop bleeding.
- No smoking, spitting, or drinking through a straw for 24 hours — these can cause dry socket.
- Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day.
- Rinse gently with warm salt water starting the day after (not same day).
- Take any pain medication as directed.
- Call us if pain worsens after 2–3 days, or if you develop fever or swelling.
After endodontic treatment (root canal)
- If you were referred to a specialist for root canal therapy, follow their instructions first — they know the specifics of your case.
- Some soreness for a few days is normal — use over-the-counter pain relief as needed.
- Avoid chewing on that tooth until Dr. Nair places the final restoration here at Shenandoah Dental Center.
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and flossing.
When to call us
Uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, swelling, or fever aren't things to “wait out.” Call us at 540-902-0205— we'll figure out what's going on and take care of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does numbness last after a dental procedure?+
Numbness typically wears off in 1 to 3 hours, depending on the type of anesthesia used. Be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue while you're still numb, and avoid hot foods and drinks until feeling returns.
What should I eat after a tooth extraction?+
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day, such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies (without a straw), or mashed potatoes. Avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or very hot until the area begins to heal.
How do I prevent dry socket after an extraction?+
Avoid smoking, spitting, and drinking through a straw for at least 24 hours after your extraction. These actions create suction that can dislodge the blood clot your body needs to heal properly.
When should I call the dentist after a procedure?+
Call Shenandoah Dental Center right away if you experience uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain that worsens after 2 to 3 days, swelling, or fever. These are not things to wait out.
How often should I replace my toothbrush?+
Every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush doesn't clean as well. This applies to manual toothbrush heads and electric toothbrush replacement heads alike.
Is it normal for a new filling or crown to feel sensitive?+
Yes. Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days is completely normal after a filling or crown. If the sensitivity lasts more than a couple of weeks or your bite feels off, give us a call and we'll make a quick adjustment.
Ready When You Are
Let's write the next chapter
of your smile's story.
Schedule an appointment online, or give us a call. We're accepting new patients of every age — and we'll walk you through every step.