Dental Care FAQs

Persistent pain, uneven bite, or other concerns? Call 604-435-1644 or 604-438-4318.

After Fillings

Numbness & Eating

Avoid chewing and hot beverages until anesthetic fully wears off — it's easy to bite or burn numb lips and tongue.

Sensitivity

Hot, cold, and pressure sensitivity is normal. Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin help. If sensitivity persists beyond a few days, contact us.

Composite Fillings

You may chew immediately once numbness wears off — composite fillings are fully set when you leave the office.

After Tooth Extraction

First 48 Hours

Bite gauze for 30 minutes to form a blood clot. Avoid rinsing vigorously, straws, smoking, alcohol, and brushing near the site. Limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours.

Managing Swelling & Pain

Apply an ice pack to minimize swelling. Take prescribed pain medications. Swelling typically subsides after 48 hours. Drink fluids and eat nutritious soft foods.

When to Call Us

Heavy bleeding, severe pain, swelling beyond 2–3 days, or medication reactions—call 604-435-1644 immediately.

After Crown & Bridge Placement

Crowns and bridges require two appointments. A temporary restoration protects your teeth while your custom piece is crafted.

Numbness

Avoid eating and hot drinks until anesthetic fully wears off.

Temporary Crown

If it comes off, call us and bring it in. It must stay in place to prevent teeth from shifting.

Eating Tips

Avoid sticky and hard foods. Chew on the opposite side when possible.

Flossing

Brush normally, but pull floss out from the side — never upward — to avoid dislodging the temporary.

Dental Care for Baby

Before the First Tooth

After feeding, wrap a finger in a damp washcloth and gently rub baby's gums to ease the transition to brushing.

First Dental Visit

Bring your child in within six months of their first tooth eruption (or by 18 months old) for an early oral health assessment.

First Tooth Arrives

Switch to a soft-bristled baby toothbrush dipped in water. No toothpaste needed yet.

More Teeth Appear

Begin using fluoride-free toothpaste for the first two years, unless your dentist advises otherwise.

Fissure Sealant

Sealants can protect your child's back teeth so they may never need a filling. A protective plastic coating is applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, sealing off grooves where bacteria and food particles hide — without injections or drilling.

0 Injections Needed

The process is completely pain-free—just cleaning, prep solution, and coating.

6-7 Years Old

Age when first permanent molars are typically sealed.

11-14 Years Old

Age range for sealing remaining molars as they appear.

Brushing and Flossing

How to Brush Properly

Use a soft-bristled brush; replace every two months.
Hold bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gumline.
Use short, circular strokes along all inner and outer surfaces.
Brush chewing surfaces straight on; tilt brush vertically for front inner surfaces.
Brush for a full two minutes, moving frequently to reach every tooth.
Finish by brushing your tongue to remove oral bacteria.

How to Floss Properly

Prepare the Floss
Start with about 25 cm of floss. Wind most around each middle finger, leaving 1–2 inches to work with.
Slide & Curve
Hold tautly between thumbs and index fingers. Slide gently up and down, curving around each tooth base and going beneath the gumline. Never snap the floss.
Move & Remove
Use a clean section of floss for each tooth. Remove with the same back-and-forth motion, lifting up and away.

Questions? We're Here to Help.

If you experience persistent pain, unusual swelling, heavy bleeding, or have any concerns after a procedure—contact our office right away.

Main Line 604-435-1644

Alternate Line 604-438-4318

For emergencies including heavy bleeding, severe pain, or reactions to medication—call us immediately.

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