Aftercare, Hamilton
Looking After Your Mouth Afterwards
Had treatment with us in Hamilton and want to check what's normal? Below is what we'd tell you in the surgery, set out by treatment: what to expect, what to avoid and the signs that mean you should phone. In opening hours call 01698 767220; when we're closed, call NHS 24 on 111.What's normal after treatment, what to avoid, and when to ring us on 01698 767220. When we're closed, NHS 24 on 111.
General guidance for adults. If your dentist gave you different instructions, follow theirs. Take any medicine exactly as the label says.
Normal, or Time to Call?
Most discomfort after dental work peaks within a day or two and then eases. The pattern matters more than the pain itself: better each day is good, worse each day is not.
| Usually normal | Tenderness for a few days, mild swelling, a little oozing on the first day, short twinges with cold |
| Phone us in opening hours | Pain that's getting worse after day three, a bite that feels high, something loose or come off, a bad taste that won't go |
| Out of hours | NHS 24 on 111, for anything that can't wait until we open |
| 999 or A&E | Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, bleeding you can't stop with pressure, or feeling very unwell with a high temperature |
After a Tooth Is Taken Out
Phone us if bleeding carries on despite pressure, or if a deep ache starts around day three to five and painkillers don't touch it. That can be dry socket, and we can dress it.
After Implant Surgery
Phone us if swelling is still increasing after the third day, you develop a temperature, or the implant or temporary tooth feels loose. The surgery day guide covers the first fortnight.
After a New Filling
Phone us if the tooth gets more sensitive instead of less, aches without anything triggering it, or keeps you awake.
After Root Canal Treatment
Phone us if a swelling appears, or the pain is worse after three or four days rather than settling.
Crowns, Bridges and Veneers
Phone us if your bite feels wrong, the temporary comes off, or anything moves.
After Composite Bonding
Phone us if an edge chips or a tooth feels high. More in our bonding care guide.
During Home Whitening
Phone us if your gums turn sore or white in patches. Our guide to whitening sensitivity explains the cause.
After a Clean or Gum Treatment
Phone us if soreness lasts beyond seven days, or one tooth turns sharply sensitive.
While Wearing Invisalign
Phone us that day if you lose or crack an aligner or an attachment falls off. We'll say which set to go back to or move on to.
Pain Relief, Sensibly
For most adults, paracetamol or ibuprofen taken at the dose on the packet is enough after dental treatment. Ibuprofen also helps with swelling, but isn't suitable for everyone, for example some people with asthma, stomach ulcers or kidney problems, or in pregnancy. If you're unsure, ask a pharmacist.
Take painkillers regularly for the first day or two instead of waiting for the ache to build. Never put a tablet against the gum. If the recommended dose isn't controlling the pain, that's a reason to phone us, not to take more.
If We're Closed
Our hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm, and until 7.30pm on Thursdays. Closed at weekends. If something can't wait until we're open, phone NHS 24 on 111. They'll assess you over the phone and, if you need to be seen, arrange an urgent NHS dental appointment.
A swollen face that's making breathing or swallowing hard, or bleeding that pressure won't stop, means 999 or A&E straight away. For anything that can wait, call us from 9am on the next weekday, or use our same-day emergency slots.
Questions
The things patients ring us about most.
Aftercare Guides
Still Unsure? Give Us a Ring
This page can't examine you. When something feels off after treatment, a quick call is better than a night spent worrying.