General Dental Treatment Aftercare
At Martlesham Heath Dental Practice, we want you to feel confident and comfortable after your treatment. Whether you've had a check-up, a filling, a scale and polish, or general dental work, this guide will help you recover smoothly and keep your smile healthy.
What to Expect After Treatment
Depending on the treatment you’ve had, you may experience:
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Mild sensitivity to hot or cold
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Temporary soreness around the treated area
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Slight bleeding from the gums (especially after a deep clean)
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Numbness from local anaesthetic that can last a few hours
These are all normal and should settle within a day or two.
Follow Your Dentist’s Specific Instructions
This general guide is here to support you, but it’s important to remember that every patient and every treatment is different.
Your dentist may give you specific instructions based on your individual needs or the procedure you’ve had.
Always follow the personalised aftercare advice given to you at your appointment, as it may differ slightly from the guidance above. If you're ever unsure, please don’t hesitate to contact us for clarification.
General Aftercare Tips
🛑Avoid eating until the numbness wears off
This will help you avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
🥤 Avoid hot drinks or alcohol for a few hours
Especially if you've had anaesthetic, as you might not feel heat properly.
🍽️Eat soft foods for the rest of the day
Soups, pasta and scrambled eggs are all good choices.
🦷 Continue brushing and flossing as normal
Just be gentle around the treated area, especially if your gums feel tender.
🧊 For sensitivity or discomfort
Try using a sensitive toothpaste like Sensodyne® and avoid very cold or hot food and drink for 24–48 hours.
Pain Relief
You shouldn't need any painkillers after general dental treatment, but if you feel sore or uncomfortable, over-the-counter options like paracetamol or ibuprofen are fine (unless your GP has advised otherwise).
When to Contact Us
Please get in touch with us if you notice:
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Pain that worsens after 48 hours
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Swelling or pus from the treated area
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Prolonged bleeding that doesn’t stop with light pressure
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Numbness that lasts beyond 4–5 hours
☎️ Call us on 01473 62 62 88
Next Steps
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We may recommend a follow-up appointment if needed
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If you’re due for a hygienist visit or routine check-up, now’s a great time to get it booked in.
Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Our team is always happy to offer advice – just give us a ring or drop us a message.
