Introduction (General Care Instructions)
After receiving a dental filling, it’s important to follow specific care instructions to ensure proper healing and the longevity of your new restoration. Your comfort and the success of the filling are our priorities. This guide provides essential information to help you manage the post-operative period effectively. Please read it carefully and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Common Post-Op Symptoms & How to Manage Them
It’s common to experience some sensitivity or discomfort after a dental filling, especially if it was a deep filling or involved significant work. Here’s how to manage these common symptoms:
- Sensitivity: You may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet foods, or pressure. This is normal and usually subsides within a few days to a few weeks. If sensitivity persists or worsens, please contact our office. Using a desensitizing toothpaste can help.
- Discomfort/Pain: Mild discomfort or pain around the filled tooth is common, especially after the anesthetic wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate this. Take them as directed on the packaging.
- Numbness: Your lip, tongue, or cheek may remain numb for several hours after the procedure due to the local anesthetic. Be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue while numb.
Dietary Restrictions and Recommendations
For the first few hours after your filling, or until the numbness wears off, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the filling was placed to prevent accidental biting of your cheek or tongue. The recommendations for eating vary slightly depending on the type of filling:
- Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings: These fillings are cured with a light and are fully set when you leave the office. You can eat immediately after the numbness wears off, but it’s still advisable to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first 24-48 hours to allow the tooth to settle.
- Amalgam (Silver) Fillings: These fillings take longer to fully harden (up to 24 hours). Avoid chewing on the filled tooth for at least 24 hours. Stick to soft foods during this period.
General recommendations for all fillings:
- Soft Foods: Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first day or two. Examples include:
- Yogurt, pudding, Jell-O, ice cream
- Mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
- Soups (lukewarm)
- Soft pasta, cooked oatmeal
- Soft fruits (bananas, peaches)
- Cheese
- Avoid: Hard, crunchy, sticky, or very chewy foods that could put excessive pressure on the new filling or dislodge it. Also, avoid extremely hot or cold foods/drinks if sensitivity is present.
Oral Hygiene and Care
Maintain your regular oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss gently around the new filling. There are no special restrictions on brushing or flossing after a filling.
Medications and Pain Management
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are usually sufficient for managing any discomfort. If you experience severe or persistent pain, please contact our office.
Activity Restrictions (Physical Activity, Work, etc.)
There are no specific activity restrictions after a dental filling. You can resume your normal daily activities immediately.
When to Contact Us / Emergency Instructions
Contact our office immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or persistent pain that is not relieved by medication.
- A sharp edge or high spot on the filling that interferes with your bite.
- The filling feels loose or comes out.
- Swelling or signs of infection around the filled tooth.
- An allergic reaction to the filling material (rare, but possible).
Follow-Up Appointments
Your dentist will advise if a follow-up appointment is necessary to check the filling and your bite. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for the long-term health of your teeth and fillings.
