Recovery depends on the procedure and your individual circumstances. The advice below is a general guide; the instructions you receive at your appointment take priority. If anything is unclear or your symptoms concern you, call +48 570 400 405. Our dental FAQs cover other common questions.
Our follow-up call
After a procedure, reception will normally call the following day to ask how you are feeling and whether you have any questions. If you miss the call, please call us back. Do not wait for this call if symptoms are getting worse or you need urgent advice.
After a filling
- Wait until the local anaesthetic has worn off before chewing, so you do not bite your cheek, lip or tongue.
- Avoid very hot food and drinks while your mouth is numb.
- A light-cured filling sets during the appointment, but avoid testing the tooth by biting very hard foods or ice.
- Contact the clinic if your bite feels uneven, pain increases or sensitivity does not settle as your dentist advised.
After a tooth extraction
Protecting the blood clot in the socket helps the wound heal. Follow the instructions given for your extraction, including when you can first eat and drink.
- Bite on the gauze for as long as your dentist tells you. Avoid touching the socket with your tongue or fingers.
- For the first 24 hours, avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting and drinking through a straw.
- Choose soft, cool or lukewarm food when you are allowed to eat. Avoid hot food and drinks and alcohol during the initial recovery period, usually at least 48 hours as advised by your dentist.
- Avoid smoking while the wound heals. Ask your dentist how long you should wait before resuming exercise.
- Take only the pain relief recommended for you. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice from your clinician.
Some discomfort and swelling can occur after an extraction. Contact us if bleeding does not stop with firm pressure as instructed, or if pain or swelling worsens. See also the NHS advice on recovery after wisdom tooth removal.
After professional cleaning
Your teeth or gums may feel sensitive for 24–48 hours after scaling or air polishing. Brush gently and continue cleaning between your teeth as advised. Follow any specific instructions about eating and drinking after fluoride treatment. Your clinician may recommend temporarily limiting strongly coloured food and drinks.
After root canal treatment
- Do not chew until the numbness has worn off.
- Avoid biting hard foods on the treated tooth until its final restoration is complete and your dentist confirms you can use it normally.
- Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and interdental cleaning as instructed.
- Attend the appointment for the planned filling, onlay or crown. A temporary filling is not a long-term restoration.
- Call us if pain or swelling increases, the temporary filling comes out or the tooth feels too high when you bite.
The American Association of Endodontists’ aftercare guide also explains why protecting the tooth until it is fully restored matters.
After teeth whitening
Follow the instructions for the whitening method used, including how to manage sensitivity and when to use any take-home products. Your dentist may advise limiting staining food, drinks and tobacco for a specified period. If you have been given a 14-day dietary plan, follow that individual recommendation; the same restrictions do not apply to every whitening procedure.
After implant placement or other oral surgery
Follow your written surgical instructions and take prescribed medicines as directed. If advised, use cold packs in short intervals, with a cloth between the pack and your skin. Avoid strenuous activity during the first 24–48 hours, or longer if your surgeon recommends it. Do not pull at stitches or touch the surgical site.
Call the clinic about increasing pain, fever, persistent bleeding or any concerns about the wound. Attend your follow-up appointment even if you feel well.
When to seek help
Call ProDent on +48 570 400 405 if you have:
- bleeding that continues despite following the pressure instructions;
- pain or swelling that is increasing rather than settling, especially after the first two days;
- fever or severe pain;
- a lost temporary filling, a loose restoration or a problem with stitches.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly spreading swelling, needs emergency assessment. In Poland, call 112 or 999. Do not wait for a routine appointment or a reply to an online message.
Common aftercare questions
Do I need to wait for the follow-up call?
No. Call us sooner if you are worried about your symptoms. The routine follow-up call does not replace urgent advice.
Can I brush my teeth after treatment?
Usually you should continue cleaning your teeth gently, taking particular care around a surgical wound. Follow your dentist's instructions about the treated area and any prescribed rinse.
When can I eat?
It depends on the procedure. Wait until numbness has worn off before chewing. After an extraction or surgery, also follow the waiting time and food recommendations given at your appointment.
Can I smoke or drink alcohol?
Smoking can interfere with healing, and alcohol may be unsuitable after surgery or with prescribed medicines. Follow the restrictions given for your procedure and ask if you are unsure.
When can I exercise or use a sauna?
After surgery, avoid strenuous exercise and heat exposure during the first 24–48 hours, or longer if instructed. The timing depends on the extent of treatment and how you are healing.
