Post-Treatment Care Instructions
General guidance for a smooth recovery after common procedures. Your specific instructions from Dr. Boris Zusin always take priority — call us at 212-877-7475 if anything feels off.
After a Tooth Extraction
- Bite gently on the gauze we provide for 30–45 minutes to help a clot form.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting forcefully, smoking, or using a straw for at least 24 hours — these can dislodge the clot and lead to dry socket.
- Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day and avoid chewing directly on the extraction site.
- Some swelling and mild discomfort is normal; an ice pack (20 minutes on, 20 off) during the first day can help.
- Take any medication exactly as prescribed or directed, and call us if pain or swelling worsens after 2–3 days.
After a Dental Implant
- Some swelling, bruising, and mild bleeding are normal for the first couple of days.
- Stick to a soft diet while the surgical site heals, and avoid chewing directly on the implant area.
- Keep the area clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water starting the day after surgery.
- Avoid smoking, which significantly slows healing and can affect implant success.
- Attend every follow-up appointment so we can monitor healing and integration.
After a Filling or Crown
- Numbness from anesthesia typically wears off within a few hours — avoid chewing until feeling returns to prevent biting your cheek or tongue.
- Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is common for a few days and should fade on its own.
- If your bite feels uneven or a crown feels high, call us so we can make a quick adjustment.
After Composite Bonding or Veneers
- Avoid biting into very hard foods (ice, hard candy, pen caps) that could chip the new surface.
- Coffee, tea, and red wine can stain composite bonding more easily than natural enamel in the first 48 hours — try to minimize exposure early on.
- Continue brushing and flossing normally; bonded and veneered teeth are cared for just like natural teeth.
Your Experience Matters To Us
5.0 out of 5 on Google (38 reviews) · 4.9 out of 5 on Zocdoc (220 reviews)
“Knowledge is an understatement when you talk about Dr. Zusin! My family and I have been patients of his for over 20 years. I always feel I am given the best advice and never pressured into any unnecessary treatment.”
Faina S.
“I tried a couple different dentists in NYC and Zusin Dental is the best. They are thorough, they don't try and upsell you services you don't need, and they offer appointments on Saturday. The best cleaning I ever had!”
Gordon T.
“Routinely SUPERB level of care, including Dr. Zusin having made himself available for emergent care when needed. The office is always spotlessly clean and there is no waiting at appointment time. Pain-free dentistry!”
Anil N.
“I have never experienced pain with Dr. Zusin. For a practice in busy Manhattan, their office has a small town feel, very relaxed and personable. Lena is always quick to respond to appointment requests or changes.”
Molly P.
“Dr. Zusin is the best dentist! I have been visiting his office for the majority of my life. He has expertly performed teeth whitening and Invisalign, and continued to save my teeth after I chipped my two front teeth.”
Sasha S.
“The West End office is state of the art and very relaxing. Dr. Zusin and Lena are a great team. No matter the dental problem you will get the best results. I highly recommend them.”
Domingo Q.
Questions About Your Recovery?
We're always happy to talk through what's normal and what's not.
Schedule Your Visit Call 212-877-7475