AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
KEEP YOUR Smile HEALTHY
At Waimea Tooth Co., we believe your care doesn’t stop when you leave the chair. Proper aftercare ensures your treatments last longer, your comfort is maximized, and your smile stays radiant. Here’s a guide to help you navigate recovery and maintenance after common dental procedures.
Oral Hygiene with Aligners
Caring for Your Smile During Invisalign®
Invisalign® offers a modern, discreet alternative to traditional braces, making daily oral hygiene simple and effective. Brushing and flossing your teeth stays the same — just be sure to gently brush your aligners with warm water and a soft toothbrush before placing them back in your mouth. This extra step helps maintain oral health while keeping your aligners clean, clear, and fresh.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare
Protecting Your Brighter Smile
Mild sensitivity after whitening is normal and usually resolves within a few days. If sensitivity is severe or persists, please contact us.
For the first 48 hours, avoid:
✦ Coffee, tea, soda, and red wine
✦ Red or dark sauces
✦ Dark fruits and vegetables (berries, beets)
✦ Soy sauce
✦ Chocolate
Regular professional cleanings help maintain your whitening results, and we’re happy to create a personalized touch-up plan if needed.
Composite (White) Fillings
What to Expect After Treatment
Your new fillings are strong and ready for chewing immediately, but numbness may last several hours. Avoid chewing on the treated side until sensation returns to prevent accidental cheek or lip bites.
Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure can last a few weeks. If your bite feels uneven once numbness wears off, please call us so we can make a quick adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage soreness.
Root Canal Therapy
Healing Between Appointments
Temporary fillings or crowns protect your tooth between visits. Small chips are normal. Avoid sticky foods and hard bites, and chew carefully on the treated side.
Some tenderness or mild gum irritation is expected for 7–10 days. Take all medications as prescribed, including antibiotics, even if symptoms improve early. Contact us right away if your bite feels off or if pain or swelling persists.
Tooth Extractions
Supporting a Smooth Recovery
Proper aftercare is essential for healing after an extraction.
Following your procedure:
✦ Numbness may last several hours — avoid chewing on the treated side
✦ Follow a liquid or soft diet for the first 24 hours and avoid straws
✦ Use ice packs for 15 minutes at a time during the first 6–8 hours to reduce swelling
✦ Keep the area clean but avoid touching the site with your tongue or fingers
✦ Begin gentle warm saltwater rinses the morning after surgery
A small amount of blood in saliva is normal. Persistent bleeding can usually be managed with gauze and gentle pressure. Take all medications as directed and complete any prescribed antibiotics.
If you experience persistent pain, excessive bleeding, or anything unusual, please contact us — we’re always here to help.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
If you’re unsure about symptoms or need guidance during recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your comfort and peace of mind are always our priority.