If you’ve recently had a restorative dental procedure — such as a crown, bridge, implant, root canal, or inlay — you may be wondering what’s normal, what’s not, and how to heal comfortably.
Restorative dental surgery plays a key role in rebuilding your smile, function, and confidence. And while everyone heals a little differently, knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease during your recovery.
Here’s a simple guide to what you can expect after restorative dental treatment — plus tips to support healing and avoid complications.
🦷 Common Types of Restorative Dental Surgery
Restorative procedures include:
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Root canal treatment
- Dental implants
- Inlays, onlays, and fillings
- Tooth extractions with future restorations
- Full-mouth rehabilitation or multiple restorations
Depending on the procedure, recovery time and aftercare may vary — but some general guidelines apply to most restorative treatments.
✅ What’s Normal After Restorative Dental Surgery?
Most patients experience mild to moderate symptoms for a few hours or days, such as:
- 🔹 Numbness or tingling: You may feel numb for a few hours if local anaesthetic was used. Avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until full feeling returns to prevent biting your cheek or tongue.
- 🔹 Mild soreness or sensitivity: It’s normal to feel some discomfort or pressure at the treatment site, especially when chewing or brushing. This usually improves within a few days.
- 🔹 Swelling or bruising: You might notice minor swelling, particularly after implants or gum work. Applying a cold compress in the first 24 hours can help reduce inflammation.
- 🔹 Tender gums or jaw stiffness: Your gums and jaw muscles may feel tight or sore from keeping your mouth open during treatment. Warm saltwater rinses and soft foods can help ease this.
🛑 When to Call Your Dentist
While mild symptoms are normal, contact your dental clinic if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Swelling that doesn’t improve after 2–3 days
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, foul taste)
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking beyond the expected healing time
Your dentist may want to check the site or adjust your restoration if needed.
🍲 What to Eat After Restorative Dental Work
Stick to soft, non-irritating foods for the first 24–48 hours:
- Mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies, soups (not too hot)
- Avoid hard, sticky, crunchy, or spicy foods until healing improves
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support healing
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco, as they can slow recovery and irritate tissues
🪥 Oral Care Tips During Recovery
- Brush gently around the treatment site with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid flossing near new restorations (unless instructed otherwise)
- Use warm saltwater rinses (1 tsp salt in a glass of warm water) to soothe gums
- Follow any prescribed antibiotics or pain medications as directed
Keeping your mouth clean is essential — even during healing.
🗓 How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure:
| Procedure | Expected Recovery Time |
|---|---|
| Fillings, crowns, inlays | 1–2 days of mild sensitivity |
| Root canal | 2–3 days of discomfort |
| Implants | Initial healing in 1–2 weeks; full integration over 3–6 months |
| Bridges | 1 week of adjustment to bite and chewing |
| Multiple restorations | 1–2 weeks of adaptation and follow-up care |
Your dental team will schedule a follow-up appointment if needed to ensure everything is healing well and your bite feels comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Restorative dental surgery is an investment in your health and quality of life — and a smooth recovery sets the stage for long-term success. With good home care and a little patience, most people heal quickly and return to normal activities within a few days.
Have questions about your recovery? We’re just a call away.
Our dental team is here to support you every step of the way, from treatment through healing. Contact us if you have concerns, or book your next visit to keep your smile healthy and strong.