Aftercare in Lanark: What to Do Once You're Home
Been treated at our High Street practice and wondering whether what you feel is normal? This page gathers the advice our dentists give in person, treatment by treatment: how healing usually goes, what to hold off on, and the warning signs worth a phone call. While we're open, ring 01555 662441. Once we've closed, NHS 24 is on 111.Healing tips by treatment, what to steer clear of, and when to phone 01555 662441. Out of hours, ring NHS 24 on 111.
This is general advice for adults. Where your own dentist told you something different, go with their advice. Always follow the dosing on any medicine packet.
Fine, or Worth a Call?
Soreness after dental treatment tends to be at its worst in the first day or two, then settles. Watch the direction it takes rather than how strong it feels: easing day by day is reassuring, building day by day is a reason to ring.
| Expected | A few tender days, slight puffiness, light oozing on day one, brief zings with cold drinks |
| Call us while we're open | Pain still climbing beyond the third day, teeth meeting on the new work first, anything loose or lost, a nasty taste that lingers |
| When we're closed | NHS 24 on 111, for problems that won't keep until morning |
| A&E or 999 | Swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, bleeding that firm pressure won't control, or a high fever with feeling really ill |
Following an Extraction
Ring us when pressure isn't stopping the bleeding, or when a deep, throbbing ache sets in between the third and fifth day and painkillers barely help. That pattern suggests dry socket, which we can pack and soothe.
Once an Implant Is In
Ring us if the swelling keeps growing past day three, you run a temperature, or the implant or its temporary tooth seems to move. Our surgery day guide walks you through the first two weeks.
Fresh Fillings
Ring us if sensitivity grows rather than fades, the tooth throbs on its own, or the ache wakes you at night.
Following a Root Canal
Ring us if swelling develops, or the pain is building rather than easing three or four days on.
Veneers, Crowns, Bridges
Ring us if your teeth don't meet properly, the temporary falls off, or something shifts.
Once Bonding Is Placed
Ring us if a corner chips off or a tooth catches first when you bite. Read more in our bonding care guide.
Whitening at Home
Ring us if patches of gum become sore or turn white. The guide to whitening sensitivity says why it happens.
Hygiene and Gum Care Visits
Ring us if the tenderness lasts more than a week, or a single tooth suddenly becomes very sensitive.
Living with Invisalign
Ring us on the same day if an aligner is lost or cracked, or an attachment comes away. We'll tell you whether to step back a set or move forward.
Taking Painkillers
Paracetamol or ibuprofen at the packet dose is usually all an adult needs after dental work. Ibuprofen also eases swelling, but some people shouldn't take it, including those with certain stomach, kidney or asthma problems, and during pregnancy. A pharmacist can tell you if you're not sure.
For the first day or two, take them on a regular schedule rather than waiting until it hurts. Don't hold a tablet against your gum. When the normal dose isn't keeping the pain in check, phone us rather than taking extra.
Out of Hours
Our hours are Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5.30pm, and Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed at weekends. When a problem won't keep until we reopen, ring NHS 24 on 111. Their team will assess you by phone and, where needed, book an urgent NHS dental appointment.
Go straight to A&E or call 999 for facial swelling that's affecting your breathing or swallowing, or for bleeding that won't stop with pressure. Anything less urgent can wait until we reopen; phone us then, or book one of our same-day emergency slots.
Questions
What people most often phone us to ask.
After Your Treatment
Your implant surgery day, from start to finish
Caring for composite bonding to make it last
Teeth sensitive after whitening? Why it happens and what helps
Dental emergency? What to do and who to call
Not Sure? Just Phone Us
No web page can look in your mouth. If something doesn't feel right after treatment, one short call beats lying awake wondering.