After-care instructions

After a treatment, a few simple precautions help you heal well. Here are Clinique Dentaire Granby’s instructions: always follow any specific advice from your dentist.

Surgery

Tooth extraction

To ensure proper healing, please follow these instructions:

1. Medication

If antibiotics are prescribed, take them all as directed
Take prescribed or recommended pain medication as needed, following the dosage. Ideally, take the first dose before the anesthesia wears off

2. Bleeding

Bite firmly on a gauze pad placed over the site for at least 30 minutes
If bleeding continues, replace with fresh gauze or a moist tea bag
A slight pinkish oozing is normal during the first 24 hours
Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 10 minutes every 30 minutes during the first day

3. Diet

Wait until the numbness has worn off before eating (risk of biting your cheek, lip or tongue)
Eat soft, lukewarm foods
Avoid hot, spicy or crunchy foods
Do not use a straw, spit or rinse vigorously for 24 hours (risk of dislodging the blood clot)

4. Tobacco & alcohol

Avoid smoking, vaping and alcohol for at least 72 hours
These increase the risk of bleeding and infection, and delay healing

5. Oral hygiene

Resume gentle brushing the day after surgery, avoiding the extraction site
Starting the next day, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals
Use the prescribed mouthwash after 48 hours if recommended
Stitches, if any, are usually dissolvable and disappear within a few days

6. Activity

Avoid intense physical activity for 48 hours, then return to normal activity gradually

Please contact us if you experience:

Excessive or prolonged bleeding
Severe pain that starts or increases between day 2 and day 4, with a bad taste or bad breath (possible dry socket)
Swelling that increases after 3 days, or fever
Persistent numbness
Any unusual symptoms

Wisdom teeth surgery

To ensure proper healing, please follow these instructions carefully:

1. Medication

Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed
Take prescribed or recommended pain relievers and anti-inflammatories following the dosage. Take the first dose before the anesthesia wears off, then at regular intervals during the first 2 to 3 days rather than waiting for the pain to become severe

2. Bleeding

Bite firmly on a gauze pad placed over the site for at least 30 minutes
If bleeding continues, replace with fresh gauze or a moist tea bag
Pinkish oozing is normal during the first 24 hours

3. Swelling, bruising and mouth opening

Swelling usually peaks between 48 and 72 hours, then gradually goes down
Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 10 minutes every 30 minutes during the first 24 to 48 hours, then gentle heat afterward
Bruising may appear on the face or neck: this is normal and fades gradually
It is common to have difficulty opening your mouth wide for a few days. After 48 hours, gentle opening and closing exercises help restore mobility
Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night

4. Diet

Liquid or very soft foods for the first 2 to 3 days (lukewarm soups, purees, yogurt, applesauce, nutritional drinks)
Avoid hot, spicy or crunchy foods, and foods with small grains (rice, seeds, nuts)
Do not use a straw, spit or rinse vigorously for 24 hours

5. Tobacco & alcohol

Avoid smoking, vaping and alcohol for at least 72 hours, ideally longer

6. Oral hygiene

Gently brush your other teeth the same evening or the next day, avoiding the surgical sites
Starting the next day, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals
Use the prescribed mouthwash after 48 hours if recommended
Do not touch the stitches. They are dissolvable or will be removed at your follow-up visit

7. Activity

Avoid intense physical activity for 48 to 72 hours

Please contact us if you experience:

Heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure
Severe pain that increases after day 3 or is not relieved by medication
Swelling that increases after 3 days, fever, or a persistent bad taste or odour
Numbness of the lip, chin or tongue that persists
Difficulty breathing or swallowing (go to the emergency room)

Dental implant

1. Medication

Take all prescribed pills until they are finished
You may take pain medication as needed, following the dosage

2. Bleeding and swelling

During the first week, you may notice bruising and swelling of the face: this is a normal part of the healing process
To limit swelling, apply a cold compress for 10 minutes every 30 minutes
It is normal to see a blood clot or a small bump at the surgical site

3. Diet (first 7 days)

Favour a liquid or soft diet for the first few days (nutritional drinks, soups, purees)
Do not eat or drink anything too hot or spicy
Avoid suction movements (drinking through a straw, spitting)
Chew on the side opposite the implant

4. Tobacco & alcohol

Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 72 hours: this can increase bleeding and delay healing
Tobacco can introduce sources of infection at the surgical site and greatly increases the risk of implant failure

5. Oral hygiene

Get a new soft toothbrush
Do not touch the stitches with your fingers or tongue, and do not lift your lip to look at the site. They will be removed in about 2 weeks
For 2 weeks, rinse with the prescribed mouthwash and brush your teeth while avoiding the surgical site
Massage your gums 1 week after the procedure, as instructed by your dentist

6. Activity

Avoid any intense physical activity for the first 48 hours, and for 30 days if a bone graft was done

7. Temporary denture (if applicable)

Wear your removable denture only as instructed by your dentist, to avoid putting pressure on the implant

If you experience numbness, heavy bleeding the day after the procedure, or pain that persists after 4 days, contact us.

Sinus lift

1. Medication

Take all prescribed medication (antibiotics, pain relievers, decongestant or nasal rinse, if applicable) as directed

2. Sinus precautions (very important)

Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks. Gently wipe your nose if needed
If you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open
Do not use a straw and do not spit
Avoid puffing out your cheeks, whistling and playing wind instruments
Avoid air travel and scuba diving unless your dentist tells you otherwise
Light nosebleeding on the operated side and a slight salty taste are possible in the first days. If the bleeding is heavy, contact us
You may feel small graft particles in your mouth: do not remove them, and let us know if there are many

3. Bleeding and swelling

Facial swelling and bruising are normal during the first week
Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 10 minutes every 30 minutes during the first day
Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights
Do not pull on your lip or cheek to look at the site

4. Diet (first 7 days)

Liquid or soft, lukewarm or cold foods (nutritional drinks, lukewarm soups, purees)
Avoid hot, spicy, hard or crunchy foods
Chew on the side opposite the surgery

5. Tobacco & alcohol

Do not smoke or vape for at least 14 days, ideally throughout healing. Avoid alcohol for at least 72 hours

6. Oral hygiene

Do not touch the stitches. They will be removed in about 2 weeks
Rinse with the prescribed mouthwash and gently brush your other teeth, avoiding the site

7. Activity

Avoid any intense physical activity for 30 days
If you wear a removable denture, put it back in only as instructed by your dentist

Please contact us if you experience:

Heavy bleeding from the nose or mouth
Fever, pain that increases after 4 days, or worsening swelling
Nasal discharge with a bad taste or odour, or increasing pressure in the face
Numbness that persists

Gum graft

To promote optimal healing after your gum graft, please follow these recommendations carefully:

1. Medication

Take prescribed medication as directed (pain relievers, antibiotics if prescribed)

2. Bleeding

Light bleeding is normal during the first few hours
If bleeding continues, gently apply a moistened gauze pad for 20 to 30 minutes
Avoid touching or rubbing the grafted area
Do not pull on your lip or cheek to look at the site

3. Swelling

Mild to moderate swelling is common within the first 48 hours
Apply a cold compress to your cheek (10 minutes every 30 minutes) during the first day
Bruising may appear and will fade gradually

4. Diet

Favour soft, cold or lukewarm foods for several days
Avoid hot, crunchy, spicy or acidic foods
Do not use a straw
Chew on the side opposite the graft

5. Donor site on the palate (if applicable)

The area where the gum was taken can be more uncomfortable than the graft site and can take 2 to 3 weeks to heal completely
Avoid sharp, hard or pointy foods (chips, crusts). You may be given a palate protector or a dressing: follow your dentist’s instructions

6. Oral hygiene

Do not brush the grafted area until your follow-up appointment, or as instructed by your dentist
Continue gently brushing your other teeth
Use the prescribed mouthwash (e.g. chlorhexidine) as recommended
Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting during the first 24 hours

7. Activity

Avoid any intense physical effort for 48 to 72 hours
Sleep with your head slightly elevated the first night

8. Tobacco & alcohol

Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 14 days

Please contact us if you experience:

Heavy bleeding that does not stop
Severe pain not relieved by medication
Swelling that increases after 3 days
Fever
Any unusual symptoms

Tooth treatments

Dental filling

1. After the anesthesia

Numbness usually lasts 2 to 4 hours. Avoid eating and drinking hot liquids until the feeling has returned (risk of biting or burning yourself)
Avoid touching or chewing on your numb cheek, lip or tongue

2. Diet

With a white (composite) filling, you can chew as soon as the numbness is gone
However, avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours. If your dentist gave you other instructions based on the material used, follow them

3. Normal discomfort

Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweets or pressure is common for a few days, sometimes a few weeks, especially if the cavity was deep
If needed, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth and a usual pain reliever
Slight tenderness of the gum around the tooth is normal

4. Bite

If your bite feels too high or uncomfortable once the numbness is gone, book an appointment for a quick adjustment

5. Oral hygiene

Brush and floss normally, starting the same evening

Please contact us if you experience:

The pain increases, becomes spontaneous or wakes you at night
Sensitivity lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks
The filling breaks, comes out or feels rough
You notice swelling

Root canal treatment

1. After the anesthesia

Numbness usually lasts 2 to 4 hours. Do not chew or eat until the feeling has returned (risk of biting your cheek, lip or tongue)

2. Normal discomfort

Tenderness when chewing and biting is normal for a few days, sometimes up to a week or two
Take recommended pain relievers (as you would for a headache) following the dosage. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them all

3. Temporary filling

A temporary filling has been placed in the tooth. Avoid chewing on this tooth, especially hard or sticky foods
It is normal for a small piece of the temporary filling to wear away. If it comes out completely, call us

4. Final restoration (very important)

A tooth that has had a root canal becomes more fragile. Book your appointment for the final restoration (filling or crown) within the recommended time to prevent the tooth from fracturing or becoming infected again

5. Oral hygiene

Brush and floss normally, being gentle around the treated tooth

Please contact us if you experience:

Swelling of the face, gums or throat
Fever
Throbbing pain that increases after 3 days or is not relieved by medication
A temporary filling that comes out, or a bite that feels too high
An allergic reaction (rash, itching)

Dental crown

1. After the anesthesia

Wait until the feeling has fully returned before eating

2. Temporary crown (while waiting for the final crown)

Avoid sticky foods (gum, caramel) and very hard foods, and chew on the other side if possible
When flossing, pull the floss out sideways rather than lifting it upward, so you do not dislodge the crown
Brush gently around the crown
If it comes off or breaks, keep it and call us. Do not leave the tooth exposed for long

3. Final crown

Sensitivity to hot, cold and pressure is possible for a few days to a few weeks. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth may help
Your bite may feel different the first few days. If the crown feels too high, or if you have pain when biting after 3 to 4 days, book an appointment for an adjustment
Avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours, while the cement reaches its full strength

4. Long-term care

Brush twice a day and floss or use interdental brushes daily, especially where the crown meets the gum
Do not use your teeth to open packages or crunch ice
If you clench or grind your teeth, ask us about an occlusal guard to protect your crown

Please contact us if you experience:

The crown comes off, feels loose or fractures
Pain persists or increases
You notice swelling or a bad taste near the crown

Appliances and cosmetic care

Invisalign (clear aligners)

Congratulations, your orthodontic treatment is starting! Here are the instructions to get the best results within the planned timeline.

1. Wearing your aligners

Wear your aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. Remove them only to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to brush your teeth
Wear time is the factor that determines the success of your treatment
Switch to the next set of aligners only according to the schedule given by your dentist, and only if your current aligner fits well

2. What to expect

Pressure or discomfort is normal during the first 2 to 3 days of each new set. Soft foods and a usual pain reliever can help
Your speech may be slightly affected for a few days. Read or talk out loud to get used to it
The small bumps attached to your teeth (attachments) are normal. If an edge irritates your cheek or tongue, orthodontic wax can help

3. Diet

Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water (sugar and stains build up under the aligner)
Brush and floss before putting your aligners back in (or rinse your mouth if you cannot brush)
If you have attachments, avoid very hard or sticky foods

4. Caring for your aligners

Gently brush them every day with a soft toothbrush and a little mild soap
Rinse them with cold or lukewarm water. Never use hot water or a dishwasher (risk of warping)
Always store them in their case, never in a napkin or tissue
Keep the case out of reach of pets
Bring your case and your next set of aligners to every appointment

5. Lost or broken aligner

If you lose or break an aligner, wear the previous set and call us to find out how to proceed

6. After treatment (retainers)

Wear your retainers as instructed by your dentist so your teeth do not shift again. Nighttime wear is generally recommended long term

Please contact us if you experience:

An aligner no longer fits, is cracked or causes a sore
An attachment comes off
You have significant pain or unusual tooth mobility
You have questions about your aligner change schedule

Removable denture

Congratulations on your new denture. It takes some time to get used to it. Here are a few tips to make the adjustment easier.

1. The first days

It is normal to have more saliva, to feel like there is a foreign object in your mouth, and to notice a change in your speech. Read aloud to get used to it faster
Sore spots or sores may appear. Do not try to modify the denture yourself. Book an appointment for an adjustment: one or more adjustments are normal
Wear the denture as instructed by your dentist. To locate pressure spots, your dentist may ask you to wear it for a few hours before your adjustment visit

2. Diet

Start with soft foods cut into small pieces, and chew on both sides at the same time to stabilize the denture
Avoid hard, sticky or very stringy foods (gum, caramel, nuts, tough meat) while you adjust
Gradually add firmer foods

3. Hygiene and care

Remove and clean the denture after every meal with a denture brush and mild soap or a denture cleaner. Do not use abrasive toothpaste
Clean it over a sink filled with water or over a towel, so it does not break if dropped
Brush your gums, tongue, palate and remaining teeth with a soft brush, morning and evening
Remove the denture at night to let your gums rest. Store it in water or a denture cleaning solution, in its container
Never put it in boiling water or the dishwasher, as heat can warp it
Keep it out of reach of children and pets

4. Adhesive (if applicable)

If your dentist recommends it, apply a small amount to a clean, dry denture. Adhesive is not a substitute for a poor fit

5. Follow-up

Attend your follow-up appointments, even if everything seems to be going well
Have the fit checked regularly: the shape of your gums and bone changes over time, and the denture can become less stable (relining or replacement may be needed)
Always bring your denture to your checkup and repair appointments

Please contact us if you experience:

A sore or red area does not heal after a few days
The denture is cracked, broken or increasingly loose
You have pain, swelling, or a persistent white or red patch in your mouth

At-home teeth whitening

Congratulations on your whitening treatment. To get the best results and limit sensitivity, follow the instructions below.

1. Using the trays

Brush and floss your teeth before each application
Place a very small amount of gel in each tooth space of the tray (one small drop per tooth, on the front side only)
Insert the tray and wipe any excess gel off your gums with a finger or cotton swab
Follow the duration and frequency given by your dentist. Never exceed the recommended time: longer does not mean more effective, only more sensitive
Do not eat or drink anything while wearing the trays (except water)
After the application, remove the tray, rinse your mouth with water and gently brush your teeth

2. Sensitivity

Sensitivity to cold and heat, or mild gum irritation, is possible during treatment
If this happens, space out your applications by one day, shorten the duration, or use desensitizing toothpaste a few days before and during treatment
If symptoms persist, stop the treatment and call us

3. Diet during treatment and for 48 hours after it ends

Avoid foods and drinks that stain: coffee, tea, red wine, cola, dark sauces (soy, tomato, mustard), berries, beets
Avoid tobacco and vaping, which stain teeth

4. Caring for your trays and gel

Rinse the tray with cold or lukewarm water and brush it gently. Never use hot water or a dishwasher (risk of warping)
Store it in its case
Keep the gel in a cool place away from heat and light, out of reach of children and pets. Do not swallow it

5. Good to know

Results vary from person to person. Fillings, crowns and veneers do not whiten and may look darker once your teeth are whitened
Occasional touch-ups with the trays help maintain the result
Let us know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have untreated cavities
Bring your trays to your next checkup appointment

Please call us if you experience sharp pain that persists, whitened or burned gums, or irritation that does not go away.

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